The Anti-Aging Effects of Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushroom is a star ingredient in our Sacred 7 Mushroom Extract Powder, renowned not only for its rich, umami flavor, but also for its profound health benefits. For centuries, shiitake has been revered in traditional Asian medicines for its potent healing properties. Modern science has backed many of these claims and has begun to uncover the mysteries behind shiitake’s health benefits.
A recent study has unveiled the anti-aging effects of shiitake mushrooms, shedding light on how incorporating shiitake into our daily routine can significantly contribute to healthy aging and overall wellness.
New research emerges
The researchers of the study looked into 14 different types of mushrooms to determine their levels of ergothioneine, a naturally occurring amino acid and potent antioxidant primarily found in mushrooms. Antioxidants play a major role in healthy aging since they can help protect our bodies from oxidative stress.
This stress, caused by an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants, accelerates the effects of aging and causes cellular damage (1). The study’s findings revealed that among the tested mushrooms, shiitake had the significantly highest levels of ergothioneine, highlighting its potential to combat oxidative stress and promote healthy aging.
The researchers also treated brain cells with a shiitake extract to examine how the mushroom influences aging on a cellular level. They found that the treated cells demonstrated a stark improvement in viability, reduced oxidative stress, and decreased signs of aging (2).
Overall, the shiitake extract seemed to prevent the usual effects of cellular aging, like loss of function and deterioration. These findings further demonstrate how regular shiitake intake can counteract the typical effects of aging, offering a natural solution for preventative health and longevity.
Shiitake's anti-aging benefits
The substantial ergothioneine content in shiitake mushrooms is just one of the many compounds that contribute to healthy aging. Shiitake is also notable for its high concentrations of beta-glucans, a type of soluble fiber. These polysaccharides are known for their ability to reduce inflammation and promote immune system health, which are significant factors for keeping people healthy as they age (3).
Many age-related health conditions like Alzheimer’s, cancer, and cardiovascular disease have been linked to persistent inflammation, and a weakened immune system can also influence susceptibility to such diseases (4). Cellular damage is yet another contributing factor to diseases and signs of aging; however, beta-glucans can further enhance antioxidant capacity and protect our cells and genes from damage as they get older.
Consistent supplementation with shiitake can help provide the body with the extra boost it needs to mitigate the effects of aging and maintain overall health. Integrating shiitake into a daily routine goes beyond its immediate health benefits, as it serves as a proactive approach to long-term physical wellness.
Supplement with shiitake for a healthier tomorrow
As delicious and versatile as shiitake mushrooms are, it’s not always practical to consume them on a regular basis. For those looking to reap the anti-aging effects of shiitake without the need to prepare them regularly, supplements can be a more convenient approach.
Sacred 7 contains all of the benefits of shiitake along with the 100% fruiting bodies of six other beneficial mushrooms: chaga, cordyceps, lion's mane, maitake, reishi, and turkey tail.
Each of these mushrooms has been selected for their individual health benefits and their ability to work together to sustain the body’s natural defenses. The combination of immune-supporting, adaptogenic compounds in Sacred 7 is a comprehensive approach to wellness and healthy aging.
Whether it is taken in capsule or powdered form, Sacred 7 can be easily integrated into any lifestyle so that you can harness the power of some of nature’s most potent superfoods while ensuring your body gets the support it needs to thrive at any age.
References
- Tan, Bee Ling, Mohd Esa Norhaizan, Winnie-Pui-Pui Liew, and Heshu Sulaiman Rahman. 2018. “Antioxidant and Oxidative Stress: A Mutual Interplay in Age-Related Diseases.” Frontiers in Pharmacology 9 (1162). https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2018.01162.
- Apparoo, Yasaaswini, Chia Wei Phan, Umah Rani Kuppusamy, and Eric Chan Wei Chiang. 2023a. “Potential Role of Ergothioneine Rich Mushroom as Anti-Aging Candidate through Elimination of Neuronal Senescent Cells.” Brain Research, November, 148693. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148693.
- Bashir, Khawaja Muhammad, and Jae-Suk Choi. 2017. “Clinical and Physiological Perspectives of β-Glucans: The Past, Present, and Future.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences 18 (9): 1906. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18091906.
- Sanada, Fumihiro, Yoshiaki Taniyama, Jun Muratsu, Rei Otsu, Hideo Shimizu, Hiromi Rakugi, and Ryuichi Morishita. 2018a. “Source of Chronic Inflammation in Aging.” Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 5 (February). https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2018.00012.