ADVERTISEMENTREMOVE AD

Mushrooms May Prevent Cognitive Decline in Elderly

Published
Mind It
1 min read
story-hero-img
i
Aa
Aa
Small
Aa
Medium
Aa
Large
Hindi Female
ADVERTISEMENTREMOVE AD

Older adults who eat mushrooms more than twice a week can halve their risk of losing memory as well as language and attention skills, a key factor for the development of Alzheimer's disease, finds a new study.

The study, led by a team from the National University of Singapore, found that even one small portion - three quarters of a cup - of mushrooms a week may still be beneficial to reduce the chances of mild cognitive impairment.

ADVERTISEMENTREMOVE AD

It also improved their cognitive tests and led to faster processing speed.

This association is surprising and encouraging. It seems that a commonly available single ingredient could have a dramatic effect on cognitive decline.
Lead Author Lei Feng, Assistant Professor at the varsity.

The reason could be a specific compound found in almost all varieties of mushrooms called ergothioneine (ET).

"ET is a unique antioxidant and anti-inflammatory which humans are unable to synthesise on their own. But it can be obtained from dietary sources, one of the main ones being mushrooms," added Irwin Cheah, researcher from the varsity.

For the study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, the team collected data from more than 600 men and women aged above 60.

Other compounds contained within mushrooms may also be advantageous for decreasing the risk of cognitive decline.

(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)

0

Read Latest News and Breaking News at The Quint, browse for more from fit and mind-it

Topics:  ians   Cognitive Decline 

Speaking truth to power requires allies like you.
Become a Member
3 months
12 months
12 months
Check Member Benefits
Read More
×
×