Why Mushrooms Improve Longevity

Researchers have found that mushrooms are rich in vitamins and nutrients. Some even show promising anti-aging effects.

In 2019, studies found that those who ate more mushroom-based food had lower rates mild cognitive impairment. This can be attributed by an anti-aging substance known as L Ergothioneine.

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 contain antioxidants that can protect against oxidative stresses, which are linked to cancer and other diseases. 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 published a recent study that concluded mushrooms were a good source of two important antioxidants, ergosterol (which is a type of sterol) and glutathione (which is a type of glutathione). These antioxidants have been shown to increase healthspan as well as delay aging. A team of researchers at Pennsylvania State University analyzed different species in order to find the ones that are richest in these important nutrients. They found shiitakes to be higher in antioxidants than oyster or maitake varieties.

Mushrooms are a great source of antioxidants, protein and fiber. They are also low in fat, cholesterol, and calories. This makes them a great replacement for red meat when trying to lose weight. Plus they boast anti-inflammatory properties and selenium is a critical nutrient for immune function!

The study results also showed that eating mushroom regularly could increase longevity. In particular, those who consumed mushrooms at a frequency of at least two times per week were 7-15 % less likely to die compared to those who only consumed mushrooms occasionally or never. 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 to remind us to include mushrooms in our diets, whether we add them to the dishes we already love or eat them raw. 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 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, 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.

Consuming mushrooms three or four times a week has been linked to a significant reduction in mortality rates when compared with people who don’t eat mushrooms or only eat them rarely. This reduction is likely due to a decreased risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease as well as respiratory diseases and neurodegenerative conditions.

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 high in ergothioneine are able to help eliminate these senescent cellular faster, decreasing levels of oxidative stresses and thus extending 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. Studies have shown medicinal mushrooms to be able to reduce chronic inflammation and prevent the production of proinflammatory mediators.

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. Mushrooms are also rich in vitamins and minerals. They contain Vitamin D as well potassium B vitamins, as well as 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.

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 can also lower blood sugar levels, which are known to cause inflammation in diabetics.

Cordycepin has also been proven to reduce the inflammation and extend lifespan in mice. This works through blocking the signals responsible for 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 have all shown to be effective against various viruses and bacteria including Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms.

Add mushrooms as a delicious and nutritious way to boost your nutrition. Sautéing and simmering instead of boiling or microwaving will help maintain the health-promoting properties of mushrooms. You can add chopped mushrooms to salads, scrambled or omelet eggs, or soups and 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 shown how mushroom bglucan can be used as a prebiotic. This is because it stimulates intestinal bacteria to multiply more quickly, such as Bifidobacterium.

Medicinal mushrooms are known to reduce inflammation in the body, strengthen intestinal linings, increase gut bacteria diversity and decrease chronic conditions.

Mushrooms fungi also maintain stable levels of blood glucose and support weight reduction by decreasing secretion. Moreover, mushrooms increase insulin which controls blood sugar levels.

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.