Why Mushrooms Can Increase Lifespan
Researchers recently found that mushrooms (fungi), which are a rich source of vitamins and nutrients, have anti-aging properties.
In 2019, studies found that those who ate more mushroom-based food had lower rates mild cognitive impairment. This may be due to the anti-aging compound L-Ergothioneine (also known as “longevity vitamins”).
Human studies suggest that exercise could lower the dementia risk and delay its arrival, thereby helping to slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s.
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 can help stop and slow cell damage caused by harmful free radicals. Additionally, mushrooms contain beta glucans that have been shown to boost the immune system.
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 at Pennsylvania State University studied different species to identify those that were richest in these important antioxidants. Their team found out that shiitake mushrooms contained higher concentrations compared to oyster and maitake types, while other varieties, such as white button, had lower concentrations.
Mushrooms provide an excellent source of antioxidants as well as protein and fiber. Furthermore, they’re low in calories, fat and cholesterol–making them an excellent replacement for red meat in weight-loss diets. Plus, they have anti-inflammatory qualities and selenium plays a vital role in immune function.
Study results also demonstrated that eating mushrooms regularly could increase longevity; in particular, those who consumed at least twice weekly were 7-15 percent less likely to die than those who only occasionally or never consumed mushrooms. Researchers used data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, a population-based cohort with 13,156 Chinese older adult participants.
These findings serve to remind us to include mushrooms in our diets, whether we add them to the dishes we already love or eat them raw. Mushrooms contain essential nutrients like b vitamins, vitamin D and copper. They also contain potassium magnesium iron zinc zinc copper copper lycopene.
L-Ergothioneine
Scientists have long been interested in the powerful cell-protective properties of Ergothioneine, found in mushrooms. As a unique sulfur-containing antioxident, it cannot be synthesized and must come exclusively from food sources (fungi).
Ergothioneine acts as a potent antioxidant thiol. It may protect the cells from damage, by scavenging reactive nitrogen and oxygen species and directly modulating nuclear erythroid 2-related factors 2. Ergothioneine could also play a crucial role in maintaining telomere size, slowing its decline as a result of age and neurological disease.
This is because mushrooms are a great source of ergothioneine. Those who consume mushrooms weekly or at least three or four portions per week have significantly lower mortality rates than those who eat mushrooms rarely or never. This may be due in part to a reduction in the risk of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory ailments and neurodegenerative diseases.
Ergothioneine prevents the build-up senescent body cells – which are the main cause of age related illnesses and premature aging. Studies have shown mushrooms rich in ergothioneine to help eliminate senescent and aged cells faster. This reduces oxidative stress, which prolongs longevity.
Life Extension’s mushroom derived L-ergothioneine, Essential Youth, can support longevity by improving glutathione functions – an antioxidant keystone in our bodies which protects against oxidative damages while supporting vision and brain health.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Chronic inflammation can have negative effects. The medicinal mushroom’s ability to inhibit the production of proinflammatory agents and defend against persistent inflammation has been studied.
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. Additionally, mushrooms provide vitamins and minerals like Vitamin D, potassium vitamin B as well dietary fiber.
Studies have shown that medicinal mushrooms, particularly those richer in Ergothioneine ERGO, can slow down the aging process by reducing inflammation as well as oxidative damage, while also improving cognition. 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.
Studies have shown that certain mushrooms including Hericium (He2) and Grifola (Frondosa) contain polyphenol-rich mycelia which exhibit powerful anti-inflammatory effects. These mushrooms are also known to reduce blood glucose levels, which can contribute to inflammation in diabetic patients.
Cordycepin (another powerful mushroom-derived compound) has been shown to reduce swelling and increase longevity in mice. This works to block the signals which cause diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and hepatitis.
Some mycelia from certain mushrooms possess antimicrobial properties. Some species can kill multidrug resistant bacteria, in vitro. Reishi (Cordyceps sinensis), Agaricus blazei Murill (Agaricus blazei Murill), ryze mushroom coffee reddit and Grifola friondosa (Grifola frondosa) have all been shown to be highly effective against a variety of viruses and bacteria.
Add mushrooms into your diet to get a healthy dose of nutrition. Sautéing or simmering is a better way to maintain their healthful qualities. Avoid boiling and microwaving, as this can strip the mushrooms of their water-soluble nutrition. Try mixing chopped mushrooms into salads, omelets or scrambled eggs; or incorporate them into soups or stews.
Prebiotics
Mushrooms are a popular food and medicine in many cultures around the globe. Mushrooms do not contain much fat or calories, but they are rich in fiber and many essential vitamins. These include potassium selenium (copper), B-vitamins and the B-complex. [2]
Prebiotics are short-chain carbohydrates found in mushrooms that help to promote the growth of good bacteria in your gut. These include mannans and galactans as well as a- and-b-glucans. You’ll find polysaccharides in various mushrooms, such as Lion’s Mane(Hypoxanthemus Pinnatus) or Chaga (Inonotus Obliquus).
Studies have demonstrated that mushroom b-glucan can serve as an effective prebiotic, stimulating intestinal bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus to proliferate more rapidly, while simultaneously increasing levels of beneficial metabolites including acetate, propionate, butyrate, and galactose which regulate immune response and metabolic processes.
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 can also help maintain stable blood sugar levels and support weight-loss by decreasing the secretion ghrelin, an appetite hormone that is responsible for hunger and excessive eating. Mushrooms increase insulin production to help control blood sugar levels.
Mushrooms can add variety and nutrition to many meals, but for optimal health benefits it is essential to choose organic, low-glycemic mushrooms with high prebiotic content like Cymbiotika’s Organic Longevity Mushrooms; their liposomal formula features six potency medicinal fungi such as Lion’s Mane, Chaga Reishi Maitake Cordyceps.