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 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.
I – Word Understanding
Antioxidant – a substance that can prevent or slow cell damage
Cognitive impairment – is when a person has trouble remembering, learning new things, concentrating, or making decisions that affect their everyday life
II – Have Your Say
1. Mushroom is one of the most common ingredient of Japanese cuisine and it is known to be rich in umami. What types are your favorite mushrooms and how do you incorporate it in your regular diet?
2. As of this time, how do you rate your cognitive functions? What are your concerns and what do you do (or want to do) to keep your brain in good condition?
3. What other food sources / nutrients are know in your country as good food for the brain?
