Ergothioneine

Ergothioneine is a sulphur-containing antioxidant amino acid, richest in mushrooms, that accumulates in tissues via a dedicated transporter — a sign the body values it, which has led some to call it a 'longevity vitamin'.

Observational studies link higher blood ergothioneine to lower cardiovascular disease and mortality, which is intriguing, but these are associations, not proof, and randomised supplement trials with hard outcomes are lacking. Eating mushrooms is a simple way to raise intake.

Sources

• PubMed: ergothioneine antioxidant longevity mushroom (research overview)