It has long been proven, that mushrooms contain a huge amount of antioxidants, which protect against oxidative stress. When energy is produced in our body, this stress is caused by free radicals. They can cause damage to cells and DNA, leading to diseases such as dementia, heart disease and more.
Mushrooms are superfoods rich in vitamins, fiber, protein and nutrients such as selenium and vitamin D. Thanks to the substance glutathione and ergotinein, the body is protected from oxidative stress. Glutatonin is an intercellular antioxidant, which is associated with the ability to maintain the normal functioning of the immune system and to counteract certain carcinogens and toxins. If there is a sufficient amount of these substances, it improves the general condition of the body and acts as a prevention of many diseases.
Depending on the type of fungus, the amount of ergothionine and glutathione varies. Of all the known mushroom species, the highest levels of these substances, are in the Porcini varieties - champions of the highest levels of antioxidants to combat stress.
Regular consumption of mushrooms stimulates immunity and reduces any inflammatory processes in the body. People who take more ergothioneine in their diet have a low rate of neurodegenerative diseases.
Most mushrooms are consumed by Italians and French, but people in the United States consume less of this antioxidant and therefore they have a higher rate of people with diseases. The most dangerous are Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's.
In the future, it will be studied in more detail whether the antioxidants in mushrooms are effective for these diseases. With their low carbohydrates and low-calorie substances, mushrooms should be present on the table all year round and that way they will protect us from stress and other diseases.
