Dietary Sources of the “Longevity Vitamin” Ergothioneine
NutritionFacts.org・2 minutes read
Ergothioneine, a compound found in high levels in individuals with lower risks of heart disease and stroke, is sourced primarily from fungi and is linked to reduced risks of frailty, cognitive impairment, dementia, and Parkinson's disease. Excessive soil tillage in agriculture can disrupt the transfer of ergothioneine to crops, making mushrooms and tempeh the most concentrated dietary sources of this compound with various health benefits.
Insights
- Ergothioneine, a compound found in high levels in individuals with lower risks of heart disease, stroke, and mortality, is primarily sourced from fungi like mushrooms and is considered a potential "longevity vitamin" due to its correlation with reduced risks of various diseases.
- Excessive soil tillage in modern agriculture can disrupt the transfer of ergothioneine to crops, emphasizing the importance of mushrooms and tempeh as concentrated dietary sources of this compound, which is crucial for cell protection in tissues with high free radicals and may contribute to reduced dementia risk.
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Recent questions
What is ergothioneine?
Ergothioneine is a compound associated with lower rates of disease and death, found in high levels in individuals with lower risks of heart disease, stroke, and overall mortality over a 20-year period. It is primarily sourced from fungi like mushrooms and is considered a potential "longevity vitamin" due to its correlation with reduced risks of frailty, cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, dementia, and Parkinson's disease.
How does ergothioneine benefit the body?
Ergothioneine benefits the body by acting as a cell protector, particularly in tissues with high free radicals like the eye lens, liver, bone marrow, and semen. It is extracted from food by a specific transporter protein in humans, suggesting its physiological importance in protecting cells from damage and reducing the risk of various diseases.
What are the main dietary sources of ergothioneine?
The main dietary sources of ergothioneine are mushrooms and tempeh. Excessive soil tillage in modern agriculture can disrupt the mycelial network that transfers ergothioneine to crops, making mushrooms and tempeh the most concentrated sources of this compound. Regular consumption of these foods can provide the body with ample amounts of ergothioneine.
How does mushroom consumption impact health?
Mushroom consumption is linked to various health benefits, including reduced cancer risk, lower mortality rates, improved immune function, and potential cognitive benefits. Studies have shown a significant decrease in dementia risk among frequent mushroom eaters, possibly due to the presence of ergothioneine in the brain. Including mushrooms in the diet can contribute to overall health and well-being.
Why is ergothioneine considered a "longevity vitamin"?
Ergothioneine is considered a "longevity vitamin" by biochemist Bruce Ames due to its association with reduced risks of frailty, cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, dementia, and Parkinson's disease. Its presence in high levels in individuals with lower risks of heart disease, stroke, and overall mortality over a 20-year period suggests that ergothioneine plays a crucial role in promoting longevity and overall health.
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Summary
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Ergothioneine: The Key to Longevity and Health
- Ergothioneine, a compound associated with lower rates of disease and death, is found in high levels in the bloodstreams of individuals with lower risks of heart disease, stroke, and overall mortality over a 20-year period.
- Humans have a specific transporter protein designed to extract ergothioneine from food, suggesting its physiological importance as a cell protector, particularly in tissues with high free radicals like the eye lens, liver, bone marrow, and semen.
- Ergothioneine, primarily sourced from fungi like mushrooms, is considered a potential "longevity vitamin" by biochemist Bruce Ames due to its correlation with reduced risks of frailty, cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, dementia, and Parkinson's disease.
- Excessive soil tillage in modern agriculture can disrupt the mycelial network that transfers ergothioneine to crops, making mushrooms and tempeh the most concentrated dietary sources of this compound.
- Mushroom consumption is linked to reduced cancer risk, lower mortality rates, improved immune function, and potential cognitive benefits, with studies showing a significant decrease in dementia risk among frequent mushroom eaters, potentially due to the presence of ergothioneine in the brain.
