Why Mushrooms Help You Live Longer

Researchers have recently found that mushrooms (fungi) contain many essential vitamins and nutrients; some even show promising anti-aging properties.

Studies conducted in 2019 demonstrated that those who consumed more mushroom-based foods had lower rates of mild cognitive impairment. This may be attributable to an antiaging compound called L-Ergothioneine.

Human studies have indicated that exercise may lower the risk of dementia and delay its onset, thus helping prevent Alzheimer's disease from progressing further.

Antioxidants

Mushrooms are an excellent source of antioxidants, and have been shown to protect against oxidative stress which is linked to many diseases like cancer. Antioxidants are known to neutralize free radicals, slowing down and stopping cell damage. Mushrooms contain beta-glucans as well which promotes immune system health.

Food Chemistry recently published a report that concluded that mushrooms are among the top sources of ergosterol and glutathione, two antioxidants known to improve health and delay aging. A research team from Pennsylvania State University studied various species to find those richest in these important vitamins; their team identified that shiitake mushrooms had higher concentrations of these antioxidants compared healing mushroom tea with oyster and maitake varieties while more common varieties, like white button ones, had much lower concentrations.

Mushrooms contain antioxidants and are rich in protein and fibre. Further, they have low calories, fats and cholesterol, making them a great substitute for red-meat in weight-loss plans. Plus, they are anti-inflammatory. Selenium is also a crucial nutrient to immune function.

The study results also showed that eating mushroom regularly could increase longevity. In particular, those who consumed mushrooms at a frequency of at least two times per week were 7-15 % less likely to die compared to those who only consumed mushrooms occasionally or never. Researchers used data collected from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. This is a population-based study that included 13,156 Chinese seniors.

These findings serve as a timely reminder to incorporate mushrooms into your diet, either by adding them to dishes you already enjoy or eating them raw. Mushrooms provide essential b-vitamin, vitamin D, riboflavin, copper, potassium magnesium iron zinc copper zinc copper lycopene nutrients - not to mention phytochemicals which may lower risk of certain cancers.

L-Ergothioneine

Ergothioneine is a powerful antioxidant found in mushrooms. As an unique sulfur-containing antioxidant it cannot be synthesized by humans and must come solely from food sources (fungi).

Ergothioneine may protect against cell damage by scavenging nitrogen and oxygen reactive species. It also modulates nuclear factor 2 (erythroid related factor 2) directly. Ergothioneine is also thought to play a role in maintaining telomeres, slowing down their decline due age and neurological disorders.

The consumption of mushrooms, especially three or more servings per week, has been shown to reduce mortality rates in comparison to those who consume mushrooms very rarely or not at all. This reduction may be attributable to lower risks for cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory illnesses and neurodegenerative disorders.

Ergothioneine's ability to prevent the accumulation of senescent (old) cells in the body is one of its many impressive benefits. These cells are a primary cause of age-related illnesses, premature aging and other diseases. Studies have shown that mushrooms rich with ergothioneine reduce oxidative damage and prolong life.

Life Extension’s mushroomderived L'ergothioneine (Essential Youth) can support longevity in the body by improving glutathione, an antioxidative keystone. This antioxidant protects from oxidative injury and supports brain, vision, and heart health.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Chronic inflammation can be harmful, even though it is a part of our immune system. Studies have shown medicinal mushrooms to be able to reduce side effects of ryze mushroom coffee chronic inflammation and prevent the production of proinflammatory mediators.

Mushrooms contain polysaccharides (bioactive components), proteoglucans (bioactive compounds), phenolic substances and steroids, among others. These bioactive components possess antimicrobial and antibiotic properties, as well immunomodulatory antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ones. Mushrooms are also rich in vitamins and minerals. They contain Vitamin D as well potassium B vitamins, as well as fiber.

Studies have shown that medicinal mushroom extracts rich in Ergothioneine, or ERGO can reduce inflammation and oxidative stresses while improving cognition, and physical performance. Cognition and locomotor function tend to decline with age leading to disease, disability, or death - thus research focusing on therapies which target inflammation/oxidative stress with an emphasis on strengthening immunity has proven fruitful.

According to studies, certain mushrooms such as Hericium erinaceus(He2) and Grifola friondosa possess mycelia rich with polyphenols which exhibit strong anti-inflammatory effect. Furthermore, these mushrooms can lower blood glucose levels which is known to contribute to inflammation among diabetic patients.

Cordycepin has also been proven to reduce the inflammation and extend lifespan in mice. This works by blocking signals that cause diseases such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritics and hepatitis.

Some mushrooms, such as certain mycelia, have antimicrobial qualities. Some species are capable of killing multidrug-resistant bacterial strains in vitro. Reishi has been shown to have antimicrobial properties against various viruses, bacteria and Gram positive and Gram negative organisms.

Add mushrooms to your food for a tasty and easy way to increase nutrition. To maintain the health benefits of mushrooms, sautéing, simmering, or boiling is better than microwaving. Try mixing chopped mushrooms into salads, omelets or scrambled eggs; or incorporate them into soups or stews.

Prebiotics

Mushrooms were used in many cultures as a health food and medical remedy for centuries. Mushrooms have low calories and fat, are high in fiber, and contain many essential vitamins, such as potassium selenium, and copper. They also contain a number of essential vitamins, including B-vitamins, and other nonnutritive substances that have attracted the attention of researchers because they possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulating properties. [2]

Mushrooms are rich in prebiotics, which are short-chain sugars that help promote "good" bacteria. They contain a variety of carbohydrates, including mannans (galactans), a and b glucans, as well galactans, xylans, and even chitin. These polysaccharides can be found in a number of mushroom varieties, such as Lion's Mane or Chaga.

Studies have shown that mushrooms b-glucan is an effective prebiotic. It can stimulate intestinal bacteria like Bifidobacterium to proliferate and Lactobacillus, while simultaneously increasing levels beneficial metabolites such as acetate, butyrate, propionate and galactose. These metabolites regulate immune response and metabolic process.

It has been shown that medicinal mushrooms can reduce inflammation in the human body, strengthen intestinal walls and increase gut bacterial diversity. This helps to decrease chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease (5).

Mushroom fungi also help maintain stable blood glucose levels and support weight loss by decreasing secretion of ghrelin - an appetite hormone responsible for hunger and overeating. Moreover, mushrooms increase insulin which controls blood sugar levels.

For maximum health benefits, choose organic, low glycemic mushrooms that are high in prebiotics like Cymbiotika's Organic Langevity Mussels. They have a liposomal formule with six potent medicinal fungi including Lion's Mane Chaga here Reishi Maitake and Cordyceps.