Researchers found the fungi are abundant in two antioxidants that fight aging
Ergothioneine and glutathione combat 'free radicals' - damaging molecules
Multiple studies have linked free radicals to dementia and some types of cancer
Mushrooms are the highest dietary source of the combination of antioxidants
Eating just five button mushrooms may halt dementia in its tracks, slash the risk of heart disease and even prevent cancer, scientists claim.
Researchers have found the fungi are abundant in two antioxidants that fight aging and bolster health.
Ergothioneine and glutathione combat 'free radicals' - damaging molecules highly linked to dementia, multiple forms of cancer and even heart disease.
And the new study shows, 'without a doubt', that mushrooms are the highest dietary source of the combination of antioxidants.
Pennsylvania State University researchers found the fungi are abundant in two antioxidants that fight aging and bolster health
Lead researcher Professor Robert Beelman, from Pennsylvania State University, said: 'Some types are really packed with both of them.'
As the body uses oxygen, it releases free radicals. Scientists have long suspected that the toxic by-products fuel dementia.
These travel through the body looking to pair up with electrons, causing damage to cells, proteins and DNA - known as oxidative stress.