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Why You Should Add Mushrooms to Your Diet
Most people don’t think much about mushrooms, but mushrooms can deliver powerful health benefits for your brain and body.
A recent large study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that eating mushrooms can cut your risk of cognitive decline in half.
Adults who ate more than two portions of mushrooms weekly had 50% lower odds of having mild cognitive impairment, an early stage of memory loss or dementia.
A portion was defined as three quarters of a cup of cooked mushrooms with an average weight of around 150 grams. While 2 portions (roughly half a plate) had the most protective effect, even 1 small portion of mushrooms was shown to reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
Six types of mushrooms were included in the study: Golden, oyster, shiitake, white button, and dried and canned mushrooms. However, other mushrooms likely would have beneficial effects as well.
The researchers believe the brain-boosting benefits in mushrooms are attributed to a compound called ergothioneine found in almost all varieties. Ergothioneine is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory amino acid which people can’t make on their own. It can only be obtained from food, with mushrooms by far being the main dietary source.
