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21 years
What are the health benefits of wasabi?
Oct 19, 2014

Dr. Zakia Dimassi Pediatrics
Wasabi (Wasabia japonica or Eutrema japonica) is a plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family, which includes cabbages, horseradish, and mustard.
The particular flavor of wasabi comes from the combination of complex chemicals from the broken cells of the plant; isothiocyanates are one of the resulting components of cellular break down. Research has shown that such isothiocyanates inhibit microbe growth, which could have implications for preserving food against spoilage and suppressing oral bacterial growth.
One hundred grams of wasabi stem contains:
• Calories: 109 Cal
• Fat: 0.63 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fibre: 7.8 g
• Protein: 4.8 g
A 1-ounce serving of wasabi peas contains 120 calories and 3 grams of fat, of which 1 gram is saturated. This may sound like it’s not stuffed with calories, but, based upon a 2,000-calorie diet, 1 gram of saturated fat is equivalent to 5 percent of the recommended daily limit of 22 grams.
One ounce of wasabi peas provides about 6 grams of protein, which are equivalent to 13 percent of the 46 grams of protein women need and 11 percent of the 56 grams men require on a daily basis as part of their daily diets. Protein are built from amino acids, which the body utilizes to manufacture new proteins required to sustain normal function of cells, tissues and muscles. One ounce of wasabi peas also provides 4 grams of dietary fiber, and fibers are known to help prevent constipation and reduce risk of certain health conditions such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Four grams of fiber is 16 percent of the 25 grams that women need each day and 11 percent of the 38 grams men should aim to consume every day.
Wasabi peas are not rich in vitamins, but they have an OK amount of iron; iron is essential for the formation and normal function of red blood cells.
However, one ounce of wasabi also contains a significant amount of sodium, about 160 milligrams, which are equivalent to 7 percent of the 2,300 milligrams of sodium recommended as a daily consumption limit. Adhering to that limit is a healthy way to lower your risk of high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke.
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