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 attributed to an anti-aging compound known as L-Ergothioneine or “longevity Vitamin.”

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 help slow and stop cell damage caused by free radicals by neutralizing them; additionally mushrooms contain beta-glucans which have been found to promote immune system health; one serving can contain 18 grams of antioxidants which is an ideal amount for healthy individuals.

Food Chemistry recently published a study which concluded that mushrooms are one of the top sources of two key antioxidants – ergosterol and glutathione – known to enhance healthspan 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 with oyster and maitake varieties while more common varieties, like white button ones, had much 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 boast anti-inflammatory properties and selenium is a critical nutrient for 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 utilized data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), a nationally representative population-based cohort study with 13,156 Chinese older adults as participants.

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 (EGT), found in mushrooms, has long attracted scientific scrutiny for its powerful cell-protective effects. As an unique sulfur-containing antioxidant it cannot be synthesized by humans and must come solely from food sources (fungi).

Ergothioneine is a potent thiol antioxidant and may protect cells from damage by scavenging reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and directly modulating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2. Additionally, ergothioneine may play an integral part in maintaining telomere length; slowing its decline due to age and neurological diseases.

Mushrooms are an important source of ergothioneine in our diets, and consuming three or four servings weekly has been associated with significantly decreased mortality rates compared to people who rarely or do not consume mushrooms at all. This reduction may be attributable to lower risks for cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory illnesses and neurodegenerative disorders.

One of the many impressive benefits of ergothioneine is its ability to prevent the build-up of senescent cells in human bodies – one of the primary contributors to age-related illnesses and premature aging. Studies have revealed that mushrooms rich in ergothioneine help eliminate these senescent cells faster, decreasing oxidative stress levels and thus prolonging longevity.

Life Extension’s mushroom-derived L-ergothioneine supplement Essential Youth can support longevity at the cellular level by improving glutathione function – an antioxidative keystone antioxidant in our bodies that protects against oxidative damage while supporting vision, heart and brain health.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Inflammation is an integral component of immune responses in our bodies, but chronic inflammation can have detrimental effects. Studies have revealed medicinal mushrooms’ ability to prevent the production of pro-inflammatory mediators and defend against chronic inflammation.

Mushrooms contain polysaccharides, proteoglucans, phenolic compounds and steroids – bioactive components which possess antimicrobial, antibiotic, immunomodulatory antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties – among many others. Furthermore, mushrooms provide various vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin D, potassium B vitamins as well as dietary fiber.

Studies have demonstrated the positive effects of medicinal mushroom extracts, specifically those rich in Ergothioneine or ERGO, on aging by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress 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.

Studies have revealed that certain mushrooms, including Hericium erinaceus (He2) and Grifola frondosa, possess mycelia rich in polyphenols that exhibit strong anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, these mushrooms can lower blood glucose levels which is known to contribute to inflammation among diabetic patients.

Cordycepin, another powerful mushroom-derived molecule, has been proven to reduce inflammation and extend longevity in mice. This works by blocking the signals that cause diseases like asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and hepatitis.

Some mycelia of certain mushrooms contain antimicrobial properties, with some species capable of killing multidrug resistant bacteria in vitro. Reishi, Cordyceps sinensis, Agaricus blazei Murill, and Grifola frondosa have all shown to be effective against various viruses and bacteria including Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms.

Add mushrooms to your diet for an easy and flavorful way to add nutrition. However, avoid boiling or microwaving as this can strip them of their water-soluble nutrients, while sauteing and simmering are better ways of maintaining their health-promoting qualities. Try mixing chopped mushrooms into salads, omelets or scrambled eggs; or incorporate them into soups or stews.

Prebiotics

Mushrooms have long been used as a healthy food and medical remedy in various cultures around the world. Mushrooms are low in calories and fat content, high in fiber content and contain numerous essential vitamins such as B-vitamin complex, potassium selenium and copper – not to mention other nonnutritive plant substances which have attracted particular interest from researchers due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. [2]

Mushrooms contain prebiotics – short-chain carbohydrates that promote the growth of “good bacteria” in your gut – including chitin, hemicellulose, a- and b-glucans, mannans, galactans, and xylans. You’ll find these polysaccharides among various varieties of mushrooms such as Lion’s Mane (Hypoxanthemus pinnatus) and 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.

Medicinal mushrooms have been proven to reduce inflammation within the body, strengthen intestinal linings and increase gut bacteria diversity; all which helps decrease chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes (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. Furthermore, mushrooms increase insulin production which serves to 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.