Studies on mushrooms have revealed that ergothioneine plays a crucial role in human health and has been dubbed a potential “longevity vitamin.” Mushrooms, known for their nutritional value, are distinct from plants and animals as they are the fruiting part of certain fungi. While mushrooms are commonly praised for their vitamin D content and high levels of glutathione, it is the lesser-known antioxidant ergothioneine that may hold the key to their wide-ranging health benefits.
Recent research has highlighted the importance of ergothioneine in mushrooms, which may be lacking in modern agricultural practices. This antioxidant has been found to have anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, metabolic-regulating, immune-boosting, and cancer-fighting properties. In addition to ergothioneine, mushrooms contain a complex mix of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, flavonoids, amino acids, and beta-glucans, which contribute to their immune-boosting properties and positive effects on metabolic health.
Ergothioneine is particularly intriguing because it is synthesized only by mushrooms and certain bacteria, not by plants, animals, or the human body. Research has shown that ergothioneine is efficiently absorbed by the body and has protective effects on cells, particularly in preventing oxidative damage. Higher levels of ergothioneine have been linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality.
Furthermore, ergothioneine builds up gradually in the body and is excreted slowly, suggesting an important physiological role. These newer studies focusing on ergothioneine shed light on its mechanism of action in the body and its availability to cells. The link between soil health and human health is also explored, as ergothioneine found in mushrooms can be deposited in healthy soil and taken up by plants, ultimately benefiting human health through the food chain. Beelman suggests that while enhancing the levels of ergothioneine is a noble endeavor, it needs to be added to the conversation. Regenerative practices like reducing soil disturbance through no-till approaches, cover cropping, and crop rotation can contribute to the build-up and diversity of organic matter.
Experiments focusing on tillage practices used by industrial agriculture have shown that greater intensity of soil tilling leads to a reduction in fungi biomass and ergothioneine concentration in crops. Beelman calls for more research in this area, including studying ergothioneine concentrations in organic produce and the overall food supply.
The importance of ergothioneine to human health underscores the need to know where your food comes from, as emphasized in the book “What Your Food Ate” by David Montgomery and Anne Bikle. Beelman recommends this book for those involved in agriculture to improve sustainability and nutritional quality.
While there are currently no commercial tests available to measure ergothioneine levels, Beelman believes this should change. Increasing ergothioneine levels can be done by eating ergothioneine-rich mushrooms, choosing organic and regeneratively grown foods, or considering supplements.
In conclusion, ergothioneine plays a crucial role in human health, emphasizing the importance of mushrooms and bacteria in our ecosystem. Embracing all aspects of nature is essential for good health. To incorporate more mushrooms into your diet, consider alternatives like portobello mushrooms as burger patties, adding chopped mushrooms to recipes, or trying different mushroom varieties from local markets. Can you please rewrite this sentence?
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