Golden oyster mushrooms may stave off signs of ageing

4 hours ago 1

Health

Middle-aged mice fed golden oyster mushrooms had healthier hearts, suggesting an antioxidant in the fungi protects against the effects of ageing

By Grace Wade

Golden oyster mushrooms growing on a fallen log in Iowa

Katie Flenker / Alamy

Regularly eating golden oyster mushrooms protected heart health and promoted longevity in mice.

Golden oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus citrinopileatus) – fungi native to parts of Russia, China and Japan – are one of the richest natural sources of an antioxidant called ergothioneine. Studies in humans have shown the compound is associated with a lower risk of heart disease and premature death. These findings rely on observational data, however, so it isn’t clear whether ergothioneine is driving the health benefits.

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