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Mushrooms For Longevity
Mushrooms such as lion’s mane, reishi, cordyceps and turkey tail contain powerful disease-fighting compounds which have been shown to enhance immune and brain health – making them effective components of long-term longevity diets.
Researchers involved in the CLHLS study discovered that those who regularly consume mushrooms have a lower risk of death, more even aging patterns, and are less likely to experience cognitive decline.
Boosts Immune System
Mushrooms are an important food source of natural compounds proven to support a strong immune system. Packed with beta-D-glucans and triterpenoids that stimulate both innate immunity as well as adaptive immunity cells, mushrooms can support a healthy inflammation response by decreasing CRP (a marker for inflammation disease) levels; furthermore shiitake mushrooms have even been demonstrated to boost our natural igA immunity cells that serve as our first line of defense against microbes and tumors.
Mushroom supplements can also be an excellent source of antioxidants, particularly ergothioneine (EGT). EGT is an essential cellular protector and anti-inflammatory that can protect liver from oxidative stress while simultaneously inhibiting DNA damage and cell mutations. You’ll find EGT found in various mushrooms such as shiitake, maitake, and turkey tail mushrooms.
Taken either in pill or powder form, mushroom supplements can make an invaluable addition to any daily diet. As always, however, make sure to have a balanced meal and consult your functional medicine physician prior to adding any supplements into your routine.
Traditional Chinese Medicine has long employed mushrooms as adaptogens, or special fungi used to promote longevity and resilience, helping the body adapt and achieve homeostasis – a state of balanced health and function.
Mushrooms provide numerous longevity benefits due to their abundant source of B vitamins and minerals such as potassium, zinc, selenium copper and vitamin D2. To get the most from these nutrients add mushrooms into your favorite recipes or enjoy them either fresh or dried!
Mushrooms differ from most foods by not breaking down in stomach acid and passing directly into the colon where they encourage beneficial bacteria growth. Furthermore, mushrooms contain polysaccharides linked to improved insulin resistance and GI health and folate for reproductive and cardiovascular support – giving you even more health benefits from choosing organic, natural and sustainably grown mushrooms whenever possible.
Reduces Inflammation
Mushrooms have been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, helping prevent conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. Furthermore, research indicates that mushrooms can increase energy levels – helping improve mental wellbeing as well as increase longevity.
Mushrooms contain beta-glucans which act to block production of proinflammatory molecules by binding with them and stopping their action. Mushrooms also provide other antioxidants which reduce oxidative stress and help protect from free radical damage to protect the body from potential free radical damage.
Mushrooms are an excellent way to maintain healthy blood pressure levels and heart health. Not only are they an excellent source of potassium and sodium reduction, they are also rich in protein and rich sources of vitamins B, C and D; plus some research suggests they may even protect livers against toxic substances!
Mushrooms have many anti-aging benefits, and one of their most acclaimed ones is improving cognitive function. Mushrooms are known to support neurogenesis – the process by which new brain cells form. Furthermore, mushrooms provide access to an amino acid known as ergothioneine which has been found to protect against the oxidation that contributes to age-related neurological conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.
Cordyceps mushrooms are well known for their energy-boosting effects, while Reishi, also dubbed the “Mushroom of Immortality,” has been associated with reduced stress levels and promoted calmness. Lion’s mane has also been linked with improved memory retention and cognitive performance.
No matter what kind of mushroom variety they prefer, people can reap significant advantages from incorporating regular consumption of these superfoods. A study of 13,156 Chinese older adults found that those who regularly consumed mushrooms experienced 7-15% reduced mortality risk than those who only occasionally consumed these superfoods.
Supports Cognitive Function
Cognitive health is often an overlooked element of longevity, yet many seek ways to increase cognitive function as they age or delay the onset of neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. One natural solution for improving brain health may be mushrooms such as Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) and Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum).
Medicinal mushroom supplements offer an easy and natural way to give your mind a boost and support cognitive health. They contain ergothioneine, which has been linked to improved memory and cognitive performance both in mice and humans alike. Furthermore, B vitamins are vital in providing essential brain support while encouraging proper neurotransmitter function.
Recent epidemiological research suggests that eating more mushrooms was linked with better cognition among older adults. Memory and mental speed typically decline with healthy ageing; consuming mushrooms as part of a varied diet might help slow this natural decline process.
Researchers used food frequency questionnaire data from EPIC 3HC to examine the influence of mushroom consumption on cognitive function. Participants ranged in age from 40-75; results revealed that higher rates of mushroom consumption were linked with less cognitive impairment as people aged.
Though these results of an epidemiological study are promising, it should be remembered that their nature as observational means they do not demonstrate cause-and-effect relationships. Furthermore, participants were mostly Chinese adults which limits generalizability of its findings to other populations. Further investigation should investigate how different kinds of mushrooms impact cognitive function as well as whether any specific species might provide more benefit in certain contexts.
Finding the appropriate mushrooms requires carefully considering your goals and needs. Reishi may help reduce stress, promote sleep and boost immune function while Lion’s Mane mushroom provides future-proofing protection. Both mice and humans have shown significant evidence of its positive cognitive properties while combatting age-related cognitive decline with this medicinal species.
Boosts Energy Levels
Functional mushrooms have become the subject of much attention in 2019, thanks to Netflix’s documentary Fantastic Fungi and influencers lauding their benefits for improving sleep, immunity and mental clarity. Maybe it’s because these “superfood” fungi contain powerful antioxidants and nutrients to combat stress-related issues as well as poor diet or nutritional deficiency issues.
Many fungi contain beta-glucans that support immunity while stimulating natural cell regeneration and growth. Furthermore, mushrooms for longevity contain an exclusive compound known as ergothioneine that neutralizes free radicals and protects cells against oxidative damage; additionally this powerful nutrient may promote healthy blood pressure levels, cardiovascular functioning, memory functions and cognitive performance.
Oyster mushrooms for longevity have gained so much in popularity due to their abundance of protein, vitamin B and D antioxidants and dietary fiber – essential ingredients that help support balanced energy levels, immune health and an ideal gut microbiome environment.
Medicinal mushrooms have long been utilized as part of traditional healing practices due to their longevity-increasing properties, yet only recently has modern scientific research confirmed them as beneficial. According to one recent study published in Nature Communications, people who consumed more mushrooms were significantly less likely to die than those who consumed the least amount.
Functional mushrooms such as chaga, cordyceps, reishi and turkey tail offer many different health benefits; you should choose one based on your goals and needs. For instance, cordyceps or reishi could help increase physical performance; to enhance focus and productivity choose either chaga or reishi; while to maintain immune health choose either of them!
Shiitake mushrooms are among the top choices for longevity because of their comprehensive array of benefits. Shiitake is particularly recommended because it contains ample amounts of ergothioneine, beta-glucans and other vital substances that promote optimal health and immune function as well as being an abundant source of potassium – essential in supporting heart rhythm regulation and nerve health.