Wasabi Is Linked With , a ‘Really Substantial’ Memory Boost, Study Says.br A study conducted by Japan's Tohoku br University suggests that short- and long-term br memory may be improved by eating wasabi.br Wasabi was already known to have br "antibiotic, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory br properties," 'New York Post' reports.br But researchers were "surprised" br to witness a "dramatic change" in br the cognition of study participants.br The improvement br was really substantial, Study author Rui Nouchi, an associate professor at the university’s Institute br of Development, Aging and Cancer, to CBS News.br 72 adults aged 60 and older were either given br a placebo or a pill containing 6-MSITC, br a bioactive compound contained in wasabi.br The study tested "executive function, episodic br memory, processing speed, working memory br and attention" over the course of 12 weeks.br Those who ingested 6-MSITC "showed a br significant improvement in working and br episodic memory performances," Nouchi said.br Researchers theorize that the wasabi extract br decreased inflammation in the area of the brain br that deals with memory, the hippocampus. .br If spicy wasabi isn't your thing, these foods br have also been shown to boost memory due br to the fact that they contain flavanols:.br If spicy wasabi isn't your thing, these foods br have also been shown to boost memory due br to the fact that they contain flavanols:.br Dark chocolate, red wine, cherries, blackberries and some teas.br Dark chocolate, red wine, cherries, blackberries and some teas.br Dark chocolate, red wine, cherries, blackberries and some teas.