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Japanese researchers have discovered that one of their condiments could improve the cognitive functions of elderly people. Doctissimo reveals this magical product that you should consume!
A study by Japanese researchers found that wasabi, a traditional condiment in Japan, can improve cognitive functions in people aged over 60. More exposed to cognitive decline and memory loss, these seniors could, thanks to wasabi, regain significantly higher intellectual performance.
Significantly superior performance
A study was carried out over twelve weeks on 72 people aged over 60. Half of them took a wasabi tablet once a day and the other half ingested a placebo tablet instead. Neither patients nor prescribers knew whether the person was in the group receiving the active compound or not (double-blind trial).
According to the results, people who ingested wasabi tablets seemed to have significantly better cognitive abilities than those who consumed the placebo. The improvement in their performance is mainly found in their episodic memory (long-term memory) and their working memory (short-term memory). However, this experiment does not reveal any significant differences in other cognitive domains such as those relating to reasoning, attention and speed of information processing.
Good in his body, good in his head!
Protection of the hippocampus
The bioactive compound responsible for this improvement is 6 methylsulfinyl hexyl isothiocyanate (6-MSITC). This has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which slow down the damage caused to cells, and thus protect them.
The researchers in this study believe that this compound, present in wasabi, could have an effect on the hippocampus, which is a part of the brain playing an important role in memory function.
So, to keep a good memory for a long time, all you have to do is enhance your menus with Japanese cuisine!