“Magic Mushroom” Remedy Combats Alzheimer’s

If you grew up in the 60s as I did, you probably know the powerful effect mushrooms can have on your brain.

But while some are hallucinogenic, others are healing.

In fact, they can be particularly beneficial for your BRAIN. But (as we all know) not all mushrooms all created equal.

In a recent study, researchers identified one of the BEST mushrooms for safeguarding your brain from neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s…

Penn State researchers found mushrooms contain extremely high amounts of two important antioxidants: ergothioneine and glutathione.

In fact, they’re the BEST dietary source of these two nutrients.

Glutathione is known as the King of Antioxidants because of its long (and growing) list of health benefits.

And ergothioneine is one I’m particularly fond of because (among many other things) it helps protect mitochondria (the powerhouses of our cells) from damage.

The term “antioxidants” is thrown around a lot in the health world, but I’ve found that not many people REALLY know what they do—or why they’re important.

Basically, when the body burns food for energy, it creates byproducts (like the smoke from a fire) called free radicals. These free radicals cause oxidative stress that damages cells, proteins, and even your DNA.

Free radicals play a role in cancer, arthritis, and every disease in between.

And when oxidative stress attacks your brain cells, the result is neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, reducing the amount of dangerous oxidative stress. Consuming loads of antioxidants is the best way to stay ahead of this assault on your body.

Although other foods contain these two antioxidants (liver and egg yolks, for example), mushrooms are by far the best source.

But not all mushrooms are equal.

Of the 13 types of mushrooms researchers tested, one species clearly had the highest amounts: porcini mushrooms.

It doesn’t matter if you eat them raw or cooked—just make sure you’re including them in your diet.

Personally, I like to have my mushrooms sautéed in an egg omelet with spinach, tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella.

P.S. Concerned about bone breaks as you age? Mushrooms can help with THAT too. Click here for all the details… plus four MORE ways to beef up your bones.

SOURCE:

“Mushrooms: A rich source of the antioxidants ergothioneine and glutathione.” Food Chem. 2017 Oct 15;233:429-433. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.04.109. Epub 2017 Apr 20. PMID: 28530594.