Why Mushrooms Increase Longevity

Researchers recently found that mushrooms (fungi), which are a rich source of vitamins and nutrients, have anti-aging properties.

In 2019, research showed that those who consumed a greater amount of mushroom-based foods were less likely to suffer from mild cognitive impairment. This can be attributed by an anti-aging substance known as L Ergothioneine.

Human studies indicate that exercise can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's and delay its onset.

Antioxidants

Mushrooms provide a great source of antioxidants. They have also been shown to protect from oxidative damage, which is linked with many diseases such as 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 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 are a great source of antioxidants, protein and fiber. Additionally, they are low in calories, cholesterol and fat--making them a good replacement for red beef in weight loss diets. They also have anti-inflammatory properties, and selenium is an important nutrient for immune health!

The results of the study showed that mushrooms can also increase longevity. In fact, those who ate at least two mushrooms per week had 7-15% less risk of dying compared to those eating mushrooms only occasionally. 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 are a timely reminder that mushrooms can be incorporated into your diet by adding them to foods you enjoy or eating them uncooked. Mushrooms offer essential nutrients including b-vitamins and vitamin D. They also provide copper, potassium magnesium, iron zinc copper zinc lycopene as well phytochemicals.

L-Ergothioneine

Ergothioneine EGT, found in mushroom, has long been studied by scientists for its powerful cellular-protective effects. As an unique sulfur-containing antioxidant it cannot be synthesized by humans and must come solely from food sources (fungi).

Ergothioneine, a powerful thiol anti-oxidant, may protect cells by scavenging oxygen and nitrogen reactive species and modulating directly 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.

The consumption of mushrooms is a good source of ergothioneine. People who consume mushrooms regularly or rarely have a lower mortality rate than those who do not. This may be due in part to a reduction in the risk of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory ailments and neurodegenerative diseases.

Ergothioneine has many benefits, including its ability to prevent senescent cell buildup in the human body - a major contributor to age-related diseases and premature aging. Studies have shown that mushrooms high in ergothioneine are able to help eliminate these senescent cellular faster, decreasing levels of oxidative stresses and thus extending longevity.

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 have harmful effects. The medicinal mushroom's ability to inhibit the production of proinflammatory agents and defend against persistent inflammation has been studied.

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.

Certain mushrooms, like Hericium Erinaceus (He2) or Grifola Frondosa, have mycelia with high polyphenol content that has strong antiinflammatory effects. These mushrooms also help to lower blood glucose, which is known to be a factor in inflammation among diabetics.

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

Some mushrooms, such as certain mycelia, have antimicrobial qualities. Some species are capable of killing multidrug-resistant bacterial strains in vitro. Reishi, Cordyceps Sinensis Agaricus blazei Murill and Grifola Frondosa are all effective against viruses and bacteria, including Gram-positive or Gram-negative organisms.

Add mushrooms as a delicious and nutritious way to boost your 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 contain low calories, fat and fiber and are rich in essential vitamins like B-vitamins complex, potassium, selenium and Copper. [2]

Prebiotics in mushrooms include a-, b, and c-glucans as well as mannans galactans and other short-chain carbohydrates. You'll discover these polysaccharides when you look at different varieties of mushrooms like Lion's Mane, (Hypoxanthemus obliquus), mushroom tea for anxiety and Chaga.

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 mushroom has been proven to reduce inflammation and strengthen intestinal linings. It also increases the diversity of gut bacteria, which can help decrease chronic conditions.

Mushrooms also help to maintain stable blood glucose levels, and support weight loss through decreasing secretion. Ghrelin is an appetite hormone responsible overeating and hunger. Mushrooms also increase insulin production, which helps to control blood sugar.

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 Reishi Maitake and Cordyceps.