NEW YORK: Mushrooms could be a new ‘ superfood ‘ as they can help stave off dementia , according to new research.
The fungi contain chemicals that boost nerves in the brains by preventing inflammation and a study of eleven types of mushrooms – some already used for medicinal purposes – found they increased grey matter by raising production of a chemical called NGF (nerve growth factor (NGF).
The findings suggest mushrooms are a potential ‘ superfood ’ which could reduce or delay development of dementia.
Researchers reviewed the scientific evidence with regard to their anti-Alzheimer’s effects and found “they may fulfil a preventive function against the development of Alzheimer’s disease.”
Professor Vikineswary Sabaratnam, of Malaya University in Kuala Lumpur, said: “Regular consumption of the mushrooms may reduce or delay development of age-related neuro-degeneration.