It’s estimated that as many as 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Although a large amount of time and money has been invested researching the disease, medical treatments remain largely ineffective and there’s currently no known cure. However, bioactive properties in certain mushrooms show promising signs in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases.
A new study has uncovered bioactive compounds in specific types of mushrooms that may help to reduce the development of age-related neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane and reishi mushrooms had particular brain health benefits.
In laboratory tests, researchers found that these mushrooms increased the production of nerve growth factor, a protein that promotes the development of sensory and sympathetic nervous systems. The study, published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, adds to a growing body of research on the many health benefits associated with eating fungi. According to researchers, the anti-inflammatory properties in certain mushrooms can be used to fight high blood pressure which has been linked to cognitive decline. Though many studies have been conducted on the health benefits of foods like mushrooms, few have had a focus on neurodegenerative disease. One thing is clear though, what we eat has a powerful effect on the way our minds work.
