The "Longevity Vitamin" Found in Mushrooms

Mushrooms have been a cornerstone of human health, valued both as food and medicine, for millennia.

In more recent years, scientists conducted a study with over 15,000 individuals to try to quantify the effect of mushrooms on longevity. They found that those who consumed mushrooms had a 16% reduction in all-cause mortality compared to those who didn’t. But what makes mushrooms so powerful?

The answer might lie in their high content of ergothioneine, a unique amino acid now referred to as the "longevity vitamin." Vitamin because ergothioneine can't be produced by the human body, and longevity because it has been linked to better aging outcomes and reduced risks of neurodegeneration and dementia. It acts as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

All mushroom varieties contain ergothioneine, including the white button mushrooms commonly found in most grocery stores, though in modest amounts. For more ergothioneine per serving, the so-called medicinal mushrooms could be a great option. From Lion's Mane to Reishi, these mushrooms not only contain higher amounts of ergothioneine but also carry their own unique benefits for health and longevity.

To learn more about these mushrooms, click [HERE].