Mushrooms Contain Quality Antioxidants
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Mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, which are compounds that protect cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to the development of chronic diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease.
Mushrooms contain various antioxidants, including ergothioneine, glutathione, polyphenols, and selenium. Ergothioneine is a unique antioxidant that is found exclusively in fungi and some bacteria. It is a powerful scavenger of free radicals and has been shown to protect cells against oxidative damage.
Unlike other antioxidants, Ergothioneine is an intramitochondrialantioxidant, meaning it can penetrate through the mitochondrial membrane and gain access to the mitochondria. While other antioxidants protect the rest of the cell, including our DNA, they are unable to enter the power plants of our cells, leaving them powerless to slow down the aging process. However, Ergothioneine is capable of entering our mitochondria, providing effective protection against aging. Check this link
Glutathione is Supposed to be The World’s Most Powerful Antioxidant. It offers numerous benefits to the human body, with the most powerful benefits being related to toxin removal, brain health, exercise capacity, and sleep.
As we age, glutathione levels in our bodies decrease, which makes us vulnerable to oxidative damage. However, research has shown that supplementing with glutathione can increase our antioxidant capacity and protect our cells from damage.
One of the most important roles of glutathione is to keep our liver healthy by reducing oxidative stress, which can lead to liver disease. Therefore, it helps detoxify the liver and maintain its functional capacity. (Honda, 2017). Check these links for more info link1, link2.
Also Cooking dosen’t affect Ergothioneine and glutathione concentrations as both are heat stable.
Polyphenols are a class of antioxidants that are found in many plant-based foods, including mushrooms. They have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties and may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Selenium is a mineral that is essential for human health and is found in many foods, including mushrooms. It is a component of several antioxidant enzymes that protect cells from oxidative damage.
Another study, clearly indicates that the methanolic extract of mushroom species has significant antioxidant activity against various antioxidant systems in vitro.
The potent antioxidant properties of mushroom species extract can be attributed to their strong hydrogen-donating ability, metal-chelating ability, and their effectiveness in scavenging dangerous superoxide and free radicals.
In summary, mushrooms are a rich source of antioxidants, including ergothioneine, glutathione, polyphenols, and selenium. These compounds help protect cells from oxidative stress and may play a role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
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