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Health

Golden oyster mushrooms may stave off signs of ageing

Middle-aged mice fed golden oyster mushrooms had healthier hearts, suggesting an antioxidant in the fungi protects against the effects of ageing

By Grace Wade

15 January 2025

Golden oyster mushrooms growing on a fallen log in Iowa

Katie Flenker / Alamy

Regularly eating golden oyster mushrooms protected heart health and promoted longevity in mice.

Golden oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus citrinopileatus) – fungi native to parts of Russia, China and Japan – are one of the richest natural sources of an antioxidant called ergothioneine. Studies in humans have shown the compound is associated with a lower risk of and premature death. These findings rely on observational data, however, so it isn’t clear whether ergothioneine is driving the health benefits.

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