Golden oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus citrinopileatus)
An antioxidant present in golden oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus citrinopileatus) protects against the effects of aging.
In a study carried out by Japanese researchers, the results of which were recently published in npj agingregular consumption of golden oyster mushrooms protected the heart and promoted longevity in mice.
These fungi, native to parts of Russia, China and Japan, are one of the richest natural sources of an antioxidant called ergotioneina.
Previous studies with humans had already demonstrated that this compound is associated with a lower risk of heart disease and premature death.
Now, to better understand this phenomenon, researchers at Kumamoto University in Japan fed 10 middle-aged rats powdered golden oyster mushrooms and monitored their heart health. The mice ate about 9 grams of mushroom powder per kilogram of body weight daily.
As detailed by , after a year, the mice had significantly better heart function than those that were not fed the mushrooms. For example, their hearts pumped, on average, 20% more blood to the body with each contraction.
The mice too were able to run faster and longer distancesand had lower levels of genetic markers associated with heart failure.
These indicators typically worsen with age, which suggests that golden oyster mushrooms may protect against age-related declines in cardiovascular health.
However, researchers have pointed out that people may not be getting enough of this antioxidant.
Ergothioneine is produced by soil fungi, which transmit it to many crops through their roots. To the modern agricultural practicessuch as intensive soil mobilization, disrupt this processwhich can reduce ergothioneine levels in plants by up to 30%.
