Researchers at the National University of Singapore hypothesized that the mushroom consumption may help preserve cognitive function in seniors due to their richness in antioxidants, which preserve cell health. They therefore recruited 663 participants aged 60 and over and followed their diet for 6 years, from 2011 to 2017, while measuring their cognitive abilities. The results of this study have just been published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.
A risk of cognitive impairment reduced by 43%
In their findings, the researchers state that while it is not possible to prove a direct link between fungi and brain function, people who ate at least two servings of mushrooms per week had less memory impairment than those who consumed less than one serving. “Seniors who consume one to two servings of mushrooms are at risk of mild cognitive impairment reduced by 43%. If they eat more than 2 servings, this risk is reduced by 52% “ emphasize the authors.
The reasons for this protective effect are not clearly defined, but mushrooms contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances that can prevent the accumulation in the brain of beta-amyloid and tau protein, characteristics of the Alzheimer’s disease.
Want to add mushrooms to your menus today? Find out here 10 mushroom recipes.
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