Mushrooms, long revered for their nutritional value, may hold the key to a longer life. They are often touted for their vitamin D content (at least in those exposed to sunlight) and high doses of the antioxidant glutathione (vital to support detoxification).
Even with all those advantages, the real secret to their wide-ranging health benefits may be the lesser-known antioxidant ergothioneine (ergo). However, modern agricultural methods may be depriving us of the ergo we need in our diet.
A Complex Mix of Nutrients
Medicinal mushrooms are a hot topic these days, with species such as reishi, cordyceps, lion’s mane, chaga, and maitake studied for their health properties. They’ve even been labeled “functional foods” and added to a wide variety of supplements touted to address specific health issues or provide therapeutic support.
Emma Tekstra
Author
Emma Tekstra is a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries, an independent health researcher, and author of “How to Be a Healthy Human.” With a 30-year background in employee benefits and corporate health and well-being, she consults with employers looking for real solutions to runaway health care costs, and to startup companies bringing health solutions to market. Learn more at EmmaTekstra.com.
