Just 10 years ago, the fiery green mound served beside sushi at Japanese restaurants was only for those with daring palates and tolerance for heat. But today, wasabi, the Japanese version of horseradish, is a familiar condiment used to flavor a myriad of products, such as wasabi peas.

Research is being conducted in Japan to determine wasabi's ability to help prevent tooth decay. According to a recent article in The New York Times, Dr. Hideki Masuda, a research director of Ogawa and Company of Japan, is exploring the idea that wasabi kills bacteria in food; therefore, it has the potential to kill bacteria in the mouth. It's a stretch to say it will reduce cavities - although wasabi toothpaste was mentioned - but watch the advancements. In the future, a spoonful of wasabi a day could keep the dentist away.