Real wasabi, wasabia japonica, is in the same family as watercress and is like horseradish, a root. It is sliced and used in cooking in many Asian dishes. It is very difficult to find because it is hard to grow and also expensive.
You will normally only see real wasabi at high-end restaurants and stores. Most places use fake wasabi which is a mixture of mustard, horseradish and food coloring. It does not have the same health benefits as real wasabi.
If you get the real thing, watch out – it is super hot and will leave you feeling fresh and regenerated. Here are just some of the many health benefits of this Asian superfood.
8 Health Benefits of Wasabi:
Antimicrobial Effects – Antimicrobial agents eliminate bacteria. Wasabi has tons of antimicrobial effects which is probably why it is traditionally served with raw fish.
Anti-inflammatory – Wasabi can serve as an antiinflammatory in your body. This will help injuries and sores heal more quickly and reduce allergies.
Help Keep Cancer Away – Wasabi has been shown, when eaten with other foods like broccoli and cabbage, to help promote liver health. This will, in return, help keep cancer at bay.
Antibacterial -The antibacterial properties of wasabi make it a great food for helping cure a cold, relieve sinus pressure, and help stop coughing.
Treat Diarrhea – Wasabi can assist in stimulating appetite, remove toxins from the body, and help cure diarrhea.
Clean out Sinuses – Because of it’s strong scent, wasabi can help clear out sinuses with just a whiff. Be careful not to inhale too much, however, as this can cause irritation and burning.
Antioxidant – Wasabi is loaded with health increasing antioxidants.
Prevent Blood Clots – Studies are being conducted to prove that wasabi can prevent blood clots from forming.
Wasabi Recipes:
Here are some tasty ways to get a healthy dose of wasabi in your diet.
Cold Avocado Wasabi Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 organic avocado, peeled and pitted
- 1/2 cup organic buttermilk
- 1/2 cup filtered water
- 1 teaspoon 100% wasabi paste
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
- pinch of sea salt
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions:
- Put all ingredients except sesame seeds in a food processor.
- Blend until well combined.
- Pour into bowls and chill for several hours.
- Serve topped with sesame seeds.
Coconut Wasabi Dip
Ingredients:
- 1 package organic cream cheese, softened
- 1 carton organic sour cream
- 1/2 cup organic coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons 100% wasabi paste
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon organic lime zest
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- Organic veggies for dipping
Instructions:
- Put the cream cheese in a bowl and mix it with a hand mixer for 30 seconds.
- Add the sour cream and coconut milk and mix for another 30 seconds.
- Add the remaining ingredients and mix until smooth.
- Chill for at least 1 hour then serve with fresh organic veggies.
Ingredients:
- 8 slices of gluten free bread (you can purchase gluten-free bread at many grocery stores these days)
- 4 tablespoons organic butter
- 1/2 teaspoon 100% wasabi powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 slices organic bacon (at least ensure no nitrates and nitrites added), cooked, and chopped
- 10 organic green olives, halved
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven broiler.
- Place slices of bread on a baking sheet.
- Spread the butter on the bread and sprinkle on the wasabi powder.
- Sprinkle with paprika and broil until crispy.
- Remove from oven and top with bacon bits and olive halves.
-The Alternative Daily
Sources:
http://www.motherearthliving.com/health-and-wellness/wasabi-health.aspx#axzz2fsMSE6p6
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400594/Wondering-About-Wasabi.html
http://www.wasabia.com/wasabi-authentic.php