Why Mushrooms Increase Longevity

Researchers recently discovered that mushrooms (fungi), contain many essential vitamins, nutrients and some even show promising antiaging properties.

In 2019, studies showed that those who consumed mushrooms-based foods experienced lower rates of mild cognitive impairment. This can be attributed by an anti-aging substance known as L Ergothioneine.

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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 slow down and stop cell damage by neutralizing free radicals; mushrooms also contain betaglucans found to promote immune health. One serving contains 18 grams of antioxidants, a healthy amount for most people.

Food Chemistry published an article recently which concluded that mushrooms were one of the best sources of two key nutrients – ergosterol & glutathione. These are known to prolong life and improve health. 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 have a high content of antioxidants. They also contain protein and fiber. Further, they have low calories, fats and cholesterol, making them a great substitute for red-meat in weight-loss plans. Plus they boast anti-inflammatory properties and selenium is a critical nutrient for immune function!

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 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 (EGT), found in mushrooms, has long attracted scientific scrutiny for its powerful cell-protective effects. As a unique sulfur-containing antioxident, it cannot be synthesized and must come exclusively 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. Ergothioneine also plays a key role in maintaining telomeres; slowing down the decline of telomeres due to age or neurological diseases.

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 reduction could be attributed to a lower risk of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, 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 shown that mushrooms rich with ergothioneine reduce oxidative damage and prolong life.

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 harmful effects. Studies have shown medicinal mushrooms to be able to reduce chronic inflammation and prevent the production of proinflammatory mediators.

Mushrooms have polysaccharides such as proteoglucans and steroids. These bioactive compounds possess antimicrobial properties, antibiotics, immunomodulatory antioxidants, and antiinflammatory properties. In addition, mushrooms contain various vitamins and minerals including Vitamin D, potassium B vitamin as well as dietary fibre.

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.

According to studies, certain mushrooms such as Hericium erinaceus(He2) and Grifola friondosa possess mycelia rich with polyphenols which exhibit strong anti-inflammatory effect. These mushrooms also help to lower blood glucose, which is known to be a factor in inflammation among diabetics.

Cordycepin (another powerful mushroom-derived compound) has been shown to reduce swelling and increase longevity in mice. This works by preventing the signals that lead to diseases such as rheumatoid, arthritis and hepatitis.

Some mycelia in certain mushrooms are antimicrobial, and some species are capable to kill multidrug resistance bacteria 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 into your diet to get a healthy dose of nutrition. You should avoid boiling or microwave cooking as it can remove the water-soluble nutrients. Instead, sautéing and simmering will maintain their health benefits. Try mixing chopped mushrooms into salads, omelets or scrambled eggs; or incorporate them into soups or stews.

Prebiotics

Mushrooms, a healthy food that is also a medical remedy, have been used by many cultures all over the world for ages. 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]

Prebiotics in mushrooms include a-, b, and c-glucans as well as mannans galactans and other short-chain carbohydrates. You’ll find these polysaccharides among various varieties of mushrooms such as Lion’s Mane (Hypoxanthemus pinnatus) and Chaga (Inonotus obliquus).

Studies have shown mushroom bglucan to be an effective prebiotic. It encourages intestinal bacteria such Bifidobacterium or Lactobacillus proliferate quicker, while simultaneously increasing levels acetate propionate butyrate and galactose that regulate metabolic processes and immune response.

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. Mushrooms also increase insulin production, which helps to control blood sugar.

It is important to select organic, low-glycemic and prebiotic mushrooms like Cymbiotika’s Organic Longevity Mussels. This liposomal formula contains six potent medicinal mushrooms such as Lion’s Mane Chaga Reishi Maitake cordyceps.