Horseradish and Wasabi: Why Do They Burn Your Sinuses? (2024)

FAQs

Horseradish and Wasabi: Why Do They Burn Your Sinuses? ›

As we eat wasabi or horseradish, allyl isothiocyanate vapors travel through the back of the mouth and up into the nasal cavity. This triggers a nerve response in the nose and sinuses, explains Dr. Dawn Chapman, project leader for sensory research at the National Food Laboratory, causing the familiar nose-tingling burn.

As we eat wasabi or horseradish, allyl isothiocyanate vapors travel through the back of the mouth and up into the nasal cavity. This triggers a nerve response in the nose and sinuses, explains Dr. Dawn Chapman, project leader for sensory research at the National Food Laboratory, causing the familiar nose-tingling burn.

Don't Bother. That dollop of wasabi on your sushi may feel like a blast of decongestant, but researchers have found that it does not really clear the sinuses. In fact, the researchers report, the condiment, often called Japanese horseradish, actually causes a bit of congestion.

A study found that a compound in wasabi called 6-MSITC significantly improves memory in older adults. Participants receiving 6-MSITC supplements showed a 10 percent increase in working memory and 12 percent in episodic memory over 12 weeks.

So, why is wasabi so harsh on us? In fact, wasabi's spiciness comes from the allyl isothiocyanate it contains. This allyl isothiocyanate elicits painful sensations by activating the TRPA1 ion channel (a so-called “wasabi receptor”) in the terminal endings of specialized sensory neurons.

Kidney problems: There is concern that horseradish might increase urine flow. This could be a problem for people with kidney disorders. Avoid using horseradish if you have kidney problems.

Spices such as ginger, cayenne pepper, and horseradish have natural decongestant properties that can help clear sinuses. Incorporate these spices into your meals or prepare a homemade herbal tea by steeping grated ginger or a pinch of cayenne pepper in hot water.

But even when one is consuming genuine wasabi, it's not all good news. Zumpano cautions that consuming large amounts of wasabi can irritate one's nose, stomach, or mouth, and increase risk of bleeding or bruising. Therefore, she says one shouldn't eat wasabi if taking blood thinners or within two weeks of any surgery.

Detoxifies the body: Wasabi contains compounds that can help eliminate toxins and protect the liver. Improves bone health: The calcium content in wasabi helps maintain strong bones and prevent osteoporosis.

Wasabi Has Antibacterial Properties

coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, especially in raw or undercooked foods (like sushi). Additionally, wasabi may aid in oral health, as well as reducing bacterial imbalances in the gut.

What's the difference between wasabi and horseradish? ›

Real wasabi is made of "Japanese horseradish", which is the plant known as Wasabia japonica or Eutrema japonicum. This is a totally different plant to European horseradish. Fake wasabi is made of European horseradish, often with green food coloring added.

Notably, these compounds exhibit antioxidant properties, helping neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress on liver cells. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory effects of Wasabia japonica may contribute to mitigating liver inflammation, potentially preventing liver diseases.

The only reports of this syndrome triggered by food described anaphylaxis as the mechanism causing takotsubo,⁶ which was not present in our case. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of takotsubo cardiomyopathy triggered by wasabi consumption.

Wasabi has an umami flavour with an additional sharp, fiery heat which can be quite addictive. The pungent heat that you get with real wasabi is short-lived, so that the subtle flavours of the raw fish come through.

Spices such as ginger, cayenne pepper, and horseradish have natural decongestant properties that can help clear sinuses. Incorporate these spices into your meals or prepare a homemade herbal tea by steeping grated ginger or a pinch of cayenne pepper in hot water.

If you've eaten horseradish before, you're probably familiar with the unique burning sensation it can set off in your nose, throat, and sinuses. Beyond making your eyes water, horseradish may actually help your respiratory health.

Stomach or intestinal ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, infections or other digestive tract conditions: Horseradish can irritate the digestive tract. Don't use horseradish if you have any of these conditions. Thyroid disorders: Horseradish might make this condition worse.

The horseradish's primary chemical irritant, allyl isothiocyanate, stimulates the same class of chemical receptors on the same sensory cells in your mouth, throat, nose, sinuses, face and eyes as do tear gas agents and pepper spray's capsaicin, the chemical in chili peppers that lights your mouth on fire.