Japan's memory-aiding superfoods

If you’ve ever had a family member or loved one suffering from cognitive issues under the broad umbrella of dementia, you know how hard it can be on both the diagnosed individual and those around them. My grandfather suffered from Alzheimer’s for several years before he passed away, which meant that for the last part of his life he didn’t really even recognize or remember me. I try to remember the happier times before Alzheimer's took hold when I look back at my memories of him, otherwise it’s still quite upsetting – he really did become a shell of the person he once was.

Obviously, there’s still a way to go in the understanding and treatment of dementia-related issues, but recent research here has found that one popular Japanese condiment might be helpful.

Wasabi is a very popular condiment here in Japan, but recent research has shown it offers more than just a tasty flavor kick! Pic Credit: Beth MacDonald – Unsplash

Wasabi was found to have noticeable impacts on both memory and cognitive abilities in elderly patients when compared to a placebo group, which is super exciting and encouraging news for anyone who might have a family history of these issues. It’s certainly a food I’ll be trying to incorporate more of into my diet now!

It’s not just wasabi that is said to have health benefits for memory, either. A significant number of staple foods in Japanese households are meant to be great for your brain – for instance, salmon and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which is essential for brain health. Seaweed is a great source of iodine which supports thyroid function, and proper thyroid function has been linked to cognitive health. And the ever-popular green tea is rich in antioxidants, including catechins and L-theanine, which may have neuroprotective effects. Best of all, those things are all easy to find and reasonably priced here.

Salmon is another popular food in Japan, and it possesses crucial elements like DHA’s which are said to support brain health. Pic Credit: Abstral Official - Unsplash

While these findings aren’t a cure-all or magic solution, I don’t think it can hurt trying to consume more of them. If nothing else, they're healthy!

Do you have any family history of dementia-related illnesses? If so, will you also perhaps try incorporating more wasabi (or other brain-enhancing foods) into your diet?