Is Wasabi Bad For You?
Also Known As: Japanese horseradish
Short answer
Wasabi is not bad for you. The plant contains isothiocyanates which provide health benefits to nearly every system in your body.
Recommended Alternative
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Real wasabi made from the root of the Wasabi Japonica plant is very healthy, but the chances you're actually eating this outside of Japan is much less than you think. In the US, wasabi is typically made from horseradish mixed with mustard and food coloring. Horseradish is substituted often because it provides a larger yield for less money. It’s not impossible to get real wasabi, though. Areas in the US like parts of North Carolina, Tennessee and Oregon also now grow this plant to meet the growing US demand.
The root and leaves of this plant are edible and full of health benefits. As spicy as wasabi can taste, would you believe it has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effects? Most of the beneficial health effects of wasabi are due to the isothiocyanates it contains.
The anti-inflammatory effects of isothiocyanates prevent the most damage. Inflammation in the body prevents necessary apoptosis of bad cells and over time can lead to cancer. But inflammation is also responsible for system underperforming which can lead to conditions from allergies to chronic illnesses like arthritis and respiratory concerns. Isothiocyanates detoxify the body in both the liver and the gut eliminating carcinogens. Isothiocyanates are also responsible for wasabi’s anti-microbial effects - specifically its ability to block H. pylori, and prevent the growth of mold, bacteria, and yeasts. This can keep the gut bacteria in balance, prevent food poisoning from raw fish (i.e. sushi), and minimize cavities. Wasabi also has antioxidant properties thanks to this substance, which helps to detoxify the body and boost the immune system.
Furthermore, Wasabi greatly benefits cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol levels in the blood. Lower cholesterol levels lower the risk of stroke and heart attack by inhibiting platelet aggregation in the arteries. With the cholesterol content, preservatives and additives in American foods, a little wasabi will go a long way toward your health.
Wasabi also contains a great deal of vitamins and minerals. Vitamin B6 is of the highest amount containing nearly 27% of the RDA in 1 cup of wasabi root. B6 improves the skin, nervous system and mucous membranes while also helping the brain produce serotonin. It contains roughly 20% of the RDA of zinc, magnesium, copper and manganese, too!
Possible short-term side effects
Benefits
- reduces inflammation
-
prevents mold, bacteria, and yeast growth
-
prevents cavities
-
boosts immune system
-
detoxifies the body (liver and gut)
-
decreased risk of developing cancer
-
improved brain, skin, and nervous system health
-
helps prevent depression
-
provides various vitamins and minerals
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
SeaSnax Wasabi Seaweed
- Organic snack
- Rich in nutrients
- Wasabi flavor burst
- Convenient pack size
- Low-calorie option
Learn More!
Please turn your Ad Blocker off to see this content. Thank you!
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Kristin Brown, DC, MS
Published on: 08-14-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Kristin Brown, DC, MS
Published on: 08-14-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Approved by 
