Mushrooms can reduce the risk of brain decline

According to the latest research eating mushrooms, more than twice a week could prevent memory and language problems from occurring in people over the age of 60.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can make people forgetful, affect their memory and cause problems with language, attention and locating objects in spaces – but the changes can be subtle.

The study in Singapore found that a unique antioxidant present in mushrooms could have a protective effect on the brain.

The more mushrooms people ate, the better they performed in tests of thinking and processing.

The National University of Singapore study’s findings were based on 663 Chinese adults, aged over 60, whose diet and lifestyle was tracked from 2011 to 2017.

Throughout the six-year study, researchers found that eating mushrooms lowered the chances of mild cognitive impairment,  so that roughly nine out of 100 people who ate more than two portions a week were diagnosed, compared with 19 out of 100 among those who ate fewer than one portion.

The participants in the study were asked how often they ate six different types of mushrooms: oyster, shiitake, white button, dried, golden and tinned.

Mushroom eaters performed better in brain tests and were found to have faster-processing speed – and this was particularly noticeable in those who ate more than two portions a week, or more than 300g (10.5oz).

Lei Feng, the lead study author said: “This correlation is surprising and encouraging. It seems that a commonly available single ingredient could have a dramatic effect on cognitive decline.”

The researchers point to the fact that mushrooms are one of the richest dietary sources of ergothioneine – an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory

Mushrooms also contain other important nutrients and minerals such as vitamin D, selenium and spermidine, which protect neurons from damage.

But there is still a long way to go before evidence of a direct link can be established.

Dr James Pickett, head of research at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “While eating a diet full of fruit and vegetables, including mushrooms, is a great starting point, our best advice is to also cut down on sugar and salt, be physically active, drink in moderation and avoid smoking.”