EAT MUSHROOMS TO FIGHT DEMENTIA
Superfood could halt cruel disease
MUSHROOMS could be a vital tool in the war against dementia thanks to a key compound, says research.
Scientists have discovered the fungi contain chemicals that boost nerves in the brain.
And they concluded that the superfood “may fulfil a preventive function against the development of Alzheimer’s disease”. The study focused on a number of edible mushrooms and found they increased production in the body of a chemical which resists dementia, called Nerve Growth Factor (NGF).
Experiments on rodents showed they had raised levels of this growth and improved memory function when put on a mushroom-based diet. Researcher Prof Vikineswary Sabaratnam said: “Mushrooms contain diverse yet exclusive bioactive compounds that are not found in plants.
“It’s very likely a dietary intake of mushroom or mushroom-based extracts might improve brain function. Regular consumption of mushrooms may reduce or delay
development of age-related neuro-degeneration.”
Professor Sabaratnam, from Malaya University in Kuala Lumpur where the study was conducted, said extensive animal and human clinical trials were now needed and could lead to drugs based on mushrooms to mitigate dementia.
In the UK, about 820,000 people suffer from the disease, costing £26billion a year. The number of victims is rising rapidly as the population ages.
The Malaya University researchers reviewed existing scientific evidence on the effects of eating mushrooms.
They found experiments showed that “a number of edible mushrooms” contained rare compounds that were good for the brain.
The Lion’s Mane Mushroom was found to improve mild cognitive impairment, a form of memory loss that can lead to dementia in those aged from 50 to 80.
Another called Queen of the Mushrooms increased NGF in rats’ neurons while the Caterpillar Fungus boosted memory, allowing rodents to get round a water maze more efficiently.
Last night, UK research bodies cautiously welcomed the study, published in the Journal Of Medicinal Food.
Dr Rosa Sancho, of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “This review of current research has identified an association between eating mushrooms and cognitive function, although most of the evidence presented is from cell and animal studies, rather than in people.
“To be certain whether mushrooms have a protective effect against problems with memory and thinking we need to see comprehensive follow-up studies in people.”
She stressed: “The best evidence shows that eating a healthy, balanced diet can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and other diseases.”
Current drug therapy for neuro-degenerative diseases has many side effects and only provides a short-term delay in progression.
Eating mushrooms, on the other hand, is good for you in several ways.
Research suggests eating plenty of mushrooms helps build up the immune system and fend off bugs.
They are rich in niacin which helps the body’s tissues and toxin disposal and potassium, which helps prevent raised blood pressure.
Mushrooms are also high in antioxidants, B vitamins and other minerals such as selenium, iron and copper.
Low in calories, mushrooms can also be counted as part of the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.
Washington University in the US yesterday reported success with a new drug approach targeting specific build-ups in the brain of the so-called Tau protein, which is linked to dementia.