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Mushrooms For Longevity
Mushrooms have long been thought to support longevity by modulating oxidation and inflammation pathways within the body. Studies conducted on animals indicate that mushrooms such as Reishi, Lion’s Mane Turkey Tail Chaga Maitake can all promote an extended lifespan.
Recent research involving Chinese older adults revealed an association between more frequent mushroom consumption and decreased mortality, regardless of gender, residence type, BMI or history of major chronic illnesses. This finding held true even during stratified analysis.
1. Rich in Antioxidants
Studies have revealed that mushrooms are among the top natural sources for antioxidants such as ergothioneine and glutathione – two powerful antioxidants which can boost immunity and slow aging. Mushrooms also contain polysaccharide-K (PSK), an immune-stimulant that fights cancer, promotes cell regeneration, stimulates immunity, stimulates immunity system functioning and fights cancer while stimulating immunity further. Furthermore, mushrooms contain vitamins C & E as well beta carotene and selenium making them ideal dietary additions! Cara Harbstreet MS RD LD of Street Smart Nutrition suggests including these nutritious mushrooms into your daily routine in form of caps or powder can increase longevity while supporting healthy cell functions in your diet for maximum benefit and maintaining optimal cell health!
A 2021 study of long-distance runners discovered that cordyceps ingestion significantly improved key performance indicators compared to taking placebos, including energy levels, endurance, and immune stimulation. Cordyceps is a fungus found in high altitude grasslands of China and Tibet that has earned widespread recognition as a superfood known for increasing longevity. Additionally, traditional Chinese medicine utilizes this ingredient as part of its repertoire to treat respiratory illnesses.
Researchers of a recent Chinese longitudinal study of 13,156 older adults found that those who regularly consumed mushrooms and algae experienced 7-15% lower mortality risks compared to those who didn’t, while maintaining regular-to-regular consumption patterns throughout the course of the study had lower death risks than those reducing consumption from occasional to rare over time. This suggests mushrooms and algae play an integral part of living a healthier lifestyle as they are associated with lower mortality risks as well as improving immunity systems.
2. Strengthens Immune System
Mushrooms have long been revered as immune boosters. Now science backs this up. According to research published in Food Chemistry, mushrooms are one of the top sources for L-ergothioneine, an important natural compound that protects telomeres against DNA damage – essential in maintaining vitality and healthy longevity. Furthermore, L-ergothioneine also boosts levels of glutathione, an important antioxidant which makes immunity stronger while fighting free radicals.
This study investigated the effects of various strains of mushrooms on Anastrepha ludens fruit flies’ longevity, concluding that their consumption significantly extended lifespan and healthspan; particularly true for Pleurotus ostreatus strain ECS-0142 which contains the highest level of ergothioneine, triple helix structure for greater stability, and stronger immunomodulatory activity.
Mushrooms contain many beneficial components for long-term wellbeing beyond immunity-enhancing benefits, including beta-glucans, triterpenes, metabolites, L-ergothioneine, vitamins D & C, prebiotics, digestive enzymes, amino acids chelated minerals proteins and B vitamins – making the Teeccino Mushroom Adaptogen Coffee & Tea blend an invaluable source. This blend consists of six wellness mushrooms associated with longevity that contain all these components.
Japan and Hong Kong cultures boast some of the longest life expectancies worldwide due to their consumption of mushrooms, with Japan leading in particular. People in the US tend to eat far fewer mushrooms compared to Japan or Hong Kong which could explain why we do not experience similar longevity benefits here in America. With this research in hand, perhaps more Americans can start eating these powerful foods available at most grocery stores or health food stores.
3. Boosts Energy Levels
Mushrooms might not get as much press as kale, but they’re another superfood with an incredible nutritional profile. Packed with energy-boosting B vitamins – unlike caffeine which may lead to jitters or crashes – mushrooms provide natural energy without the risk of crashes or withdrawal symptoms. Plus they contain protein and fiber to support metabolism while keeping you feeling full for longer.
Functional mushrooms like lion’s mane, reishi and cordyceps may help you feel more energised by increasing cognitive function and relieving stress. Furthermore, they support your body’s natural antioxidant system as well as protecting you against age-related illnesses that occur with ageing.
Mushrooms contain adaptogens that help manage stress, as well as immunity-boosting beta glucans to strengthen innate immunity responses and boost cell activity. A recent study by researchers showed that those who regularly consumed mushrooms had 16% lower overall mortality risks compared with those who didn’t regularly consume mushrooms.
Studies are growing increasingly compelling of mushrooms’ role in maintaining healthy aging, and adding them to your diet couldn’t be simpler. Try including functional mushrooms like Shitake in your morning coffee or tea; don’t forget to consume raw or cooked forms to get maximum nutrition benefits from this food source! Just be sure to consult your healthcare provider prior to adding new foods like these into your daily regimen; when purchasing mushrooms always seek third-party certifications as quality indicators to make sure you purchase quality products.
4. Supports Weight Loss
Mushrooms provide weight loss support by reducing inflammation and helping the body regulate blood sugar. Furthermore, mushrooms provide fiber and protein which will leave you feeling satisfied after meals, helping maintain consistent body weight without overeating and sugar cravings.
Many mushrooms, such as lion’s mane and reishi, are well known for their brain-boosting and immune-supportive benefits. Furthermore, these fungi can assist with hormone regulation – specifically that of hunger hormones ghrelin and leptin – helping regulate them at optimal levels and potentially influencing your food habits in either positive or negative ways. Furthermore, stress relief and improved mood may impact eating patterns negatively or positively – factors which can then influence food choices made.
Antioxidants contained within mushrooms offer multiple health advantages. By protecting against cell oxidation damage that leads to chronic health conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease and autoimmune diseases. Fungi that provide this protection are known as polyphenols; this includes beta-glucans, triterpenes, metabolites L-ergothioneine as well as other beneficial compounds.
Polyphenols found in mushrooms contain polyphenols that help protect telomeres – the protective ends of your chromosomes that shorten over time, leading to age and illness. L-ergothioneine is an anti-aging nutrient naturally present in mushrooms; while less well known than coenzyme Q10, strong correlational data shows it helps people live longer healthier lives by eating these mushrooms or supplementing with products rich in it.
5. Boosts Brain Function
Mushrooms contain many phenolic compounds (substances containing one or more aromatic rings and hydroxyl groups) with proven antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Furthermore, mushrooms offer essential sources of B vitamins, vitamin D and selenium.
Mushrooms also help prevent age-related mental health problems like anxiety, depression and dementia by stimulating production of BDNF, an essential substance that maintains and sustains neurons. Some of the best types of mushrooms for brain health include lion’s mane, chaga and reishi.
These mushrooms contain polysaccharides that support immunity and stimulate cells to produce ergothioneine, an effective antioxidant that reduces inflammation and oxidative stress in the body – two risk factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
These fungi possess another important advantage – increasing blood flow to the brain. This increases circulation, leading to improved memory and mental clarity. Cordyceps mushrooms have been particularly effective at doing this and have even been proven to help with recovery from brain injuries by stimulating central nervous systems and adrenal glands for steady releases of energy.
Scientific evidence has linked three medicinal mushrooms with improving cognitive function, decreasing neuroinflammation, lowering anxiety and depression levels, decreasing plaque formation in the brain, increasing mitochondrial cell health and overall longevity. When taken daily as part of a balanced diet and regular physical activity routine, mushrooms can significantly enhance health and longevity – just make sure that you combine their consumption with balanced eating and daily physical exercise regiment. You can incorporate mushrooms into meals either raw, blended into smoothies and soups or as supplements via tinctures and capsules for maximum benefit!