"Study finds Wasabi boosts memory in elderly"

A study conducted by Japanese food manufacturer Kinjirushi and Tohoku University has found that a compound called hexaraphane, found in small quantities in wasabi, may improve memory and cognitive abilities in elderly individuals. The research involved 72 healthy adults aged 60 to 80, with one group taking a daily supplement of hexaraphane for 12 weeks and the other group receiving a placebo. The group taking the supplement showed significant improvements in episodic and working memories, particularly in tasks involving short conversations, simple calculations, and matching names with faces. Kinjirushi is now considering using this discovery to develop new products for memory enhancement.