Food & Nutrition

A Key Antioxidant for Longevity Is Fading From Our Food Supply

Once abundant in soil-grown foods, ergothioneine is now harder to come by—but eating certain foods may help raise its levels in your body.
A Key Antioxidant for Longevity Is Fading From Our Food Supply
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Zena le Roux
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Ergothioneine is less common in today’s diet—certain foods may boost levels.Ergothioneine (ERGO), a potent antioxidant made by fungi and soil microbes, is making waves in the world of nutrition. However, many may wonder what it actually is.

Research shows that ERGO is important for brain health. When animals are deprived of ERGO, it harms both brain cell growth and cognitive function. People with dementia also tend to have lower levels of ERGO in their blood compared with healthy people of the same age.
Zena le Roux
Zena le Roux
Author
Zena le Roux is a health journalist with a master’s in investigative health journalism and a certified health and wellness coach specializing in functional nutrition. She is trained in sports nutrition, mindful eating, internal family systems, and applied polyvagal theory. She works in private practice and serves as a nutrition educator for a UK-based health school.