Eating just five button mushrooms a day could combat ageing and tackle Alzheimer’s, say experts
The food was found to be the best source of two anti-oxidants that are thought to help keep cells from deteriorating
FIVE button mushrooms a day may combat ageing, say scientists.
The food was found to be the best source of two anti-oxidants that are thought to help keep cells from deteriorating.
Research revealed that when the body uses food to produce energy, it also causes oxidative stress because some free radicals are produced.
Free radicals are oxygen atoms with unpaired electrons that cause damage to cells, proteins and even DNA as these highly reactive atoms travel through the body seeking to pair up with other electrons.
It may explain why Alzheimer’s is rarer in countries with mushroom-rich diets, such as France and Italy.
Prof Robert Beelman, who was involved in the US research, said: “Mushrooms are the highest dietary source.”
“We found the porcini has the highest, by far. This species is really popular in Italy where searching for it has become a national pastime."
The more common mushroom types, like the white button, had less of the antioxidants, but had higher amounts than most other foods, according to Beelman.
He also said that cooking mushrooms does not seem to significantly affect the compounds.
