Ergothioneine found in mushrooms may help prolong life, study finds (Image credit: iStock)
Mushrooms have long been a staple in various savory dishes, but their benefits extend far beyond the kitchen. However, recent research suggests that the benefits of mushrooms extend far beyond the kitchen, potentially playing an important role in promoting longevity and reducing the risk of Age-related diseases.
Several studies have highlighted the impact of bioactive compounds found in mushrooms on human health. A recent study explored how these compounds, particularly ergothioneine, an antioxidant amino acid found in mushrooms and bacteria, may help prolong human life. life expectancyResearchers highlighted the importance of identifying dietary interventions that can mitigate age-related diseases and contribute to healthy aging.
A study published in the Nutrition Journal revealed that the association between mushroom Consumption and life expectancy. Analyzing data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which included 15,000 participants over 20 years, researchers found that people who regularly ate mushrooms had a 16 percent lower risk of premature death. In addition, replacing one daily serving of processed meat with mushrooms was associated with a reduction in the risk of premature death of at least 35 percent.
The health benefits attributed to mushrooms are largely due to ergothioneine, which has been shown to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Researchers believe that ergothioneine may help protect against telomere shortening, a process associated with aging and chronic disease. Telomeres, often described as protective “caps” for chromosomes, play a crucial role in maintaining cellular health. Longer telomeres are generally linked to increased longevity, while shorter telomeres are associated with aging and an increased risk of chronic degenerative diseases.
In a study involving participants over the age of 60, those with shorter telomeres were found to be three times more likely to die from heart disease and at least eight times more likely to die from infections compared to those with longer telomeres. Another preliminary study published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements in 2022 found that treating cells with ergothioneine for eight weeks helped prevent telomere shortening caused by oxidative stress. This finding suggests that ergothioneine may play a role in preventing DNA mutations that could lead to cancer.
Researchers concluded that ergothioneine has the potential to support healthy aging and combat conditions related to oxidative stress. In addition, ergothioneine contributes to longevity by helping to replenish and recycle glutathione, the body’s primary antioxidant. This protective effect creates a potent “trilogy” of anti-aging benefits: it supports telomere longevity, protects DNA, and enhances glutathione recycling.
These findings underscore the potential of mushrooms, particularly their ergothioneine content, to serve as a valuable dietary component that promotes longevity and reduces the risk of age-related diseases. As research continues to reveal the health benefits of mushrooms, they are likely to become a key element in strategies aimed at improving both life expectancy and overall well-being.
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