If you want a better brain well into old age – get your fill of mushrooms.
Researchers at the National University of Singapore found that eating two servings of mushrooms per week could cut your risk of brain decline in old age in HALF.
The scientists found that people who ate 300 grams of cooked mushrooms per week – which is about 15 medium-sized white button mushrooms – had a 50% reduced risk of cognitive impairment.
So what is it about mushrooms? They contain an amino acid the body can’t make for itself – ergothioneine, commonly called Ergo. It’s a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Some scientists even refer to Ergo as a ‘longevity vitamin.’ And shiitake mushrooms have more Ergo than most other mushroom varieties.
Of all the countries studied, Americans consumed the least amount of Ergo – and Italians consumed the most. And that corresponded to their mortality rate. The study found that people in the U.S. had the lowest life expectancy – while Italians had the highest of all the countries in the study.
…And the connection may be the Ergo Italians get from mushrooms!
