Mushrooms may 'reduce the risk of brain decline
A
unique antioxidant present in mushrooms could have a protective effect on the
brain, the study found.
The
more mushrooms people ate, the better they performed in tests of thinking and
processing.
But
researchers said it was not possible to prove a direct link between the fungi
and brain function.
The
National University of Singapore study's findings were based on 663 Chinese adults,
aged over 60, whose diet and lifestyle were tracked from 2011 to 2017.
Over
the six-year study the researchers found that eating more than two portions of
mushrooms a week lowered the chances of mild cognitive impairment by 50%,
compared with those who ate fewer than one portion.
'Encouraging'
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.
It
is not serious enough to be defined as dementia.
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).
"This
correlation is surprising and encouraging," said assistant professor Lei
Feng, the lead study author, from the university's department of psychological
medicine.
"It
seems that a commonly available single ingredient could have a dramatic effect
on cognitive decline.
"But
we are talking about a combination of many factors - tea, green leafy
vegetables, nuts and fish are also beneficial."
- Brain clue to 'broken heart' syndrome
- Brain function of night owls and larks differ, study suggests
- Devon artist: 'Why mushrooms are my muse'
The
researchers point to the fact that mushrooms are one of the richest dietary
sources of ergothioneine - an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory which humans
are unable to make on their own.
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.
Diet and lifestyle factors
This
study relied on self-reported information on mushroom intake and other dietary
factors, which may not be accurate, the researchers acknowledged.
Dr
James Pickett, head of research at Alzheimer's Society, said: "There are
lots of factors that contribute to the development of dementia and it's estimated
that up to a third of cases could be prevented by changes in lifestyle,
including diet.
"Dementia
is one of the top 10 causes of death, but people can take action to reduce
their risk, so it's important that we base our advice on consistent evidence
that's built up over multiple studies, and don't get carried away with the
findings of any one single study.
"So
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."
The University of Cambridge is running a short study
about this story. Tap
here to take part.
By clicking the above link to access the survey, you will
be redirected to a site controlled by the University of Cambridge. Please note
that the BBC is not the data controller of the personal data you enter into the
survey. When completing the survey, you are subject to the Terms and Conditions
and Privacy Policy of Cambridge University and any third party who hosts the
survey.
..
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.