New Superfood? Mushrooms May Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Reduce Dementia Risk After COVID Infection

Dementia is a disease that affects brain functioning and can substantially impact cognitive and behavioral responses, thereby hindering one’s ability to lead a normal life. However, there may be a new solution on the horizon. According to Hu Naiwen, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) physician at the Shanghai Tong Te Tang in Taiwan, mushrooms, which are known to have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, can help to prevent cognitive impairment, thereby reducing the risk of dementia.

Recent studies have shown that Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Latest data from the Alzheimer’s Association of the United States has revealed that over 6.7 million Americans aged 65 and above are currently suffering from the disease. Without significant advancements in prevention, mitigation, or treatment, experts predict that the number of Americans affected by Alzheimer’s could surge to 13.8 million by 2060.

Following the outbreak of COVID-19, several studies have revealed that contracting the virus can have several impacts on the central nervous system, including stroke, cognitive impairment, and memory problems. Thus, it is vital to take measures to reduce the risk of dementia and cognitive impairment.

In this regard, Hu has stated that mushrooms are an excellent preventative measure thanks to their high ergothioneine content, which is a natural compound known to protect nerve cells from damage. In a 2019 study, researchers found that compared with participants who consumed mushrooms less than once a week, those who consumed more than two servings of mushrooms weekly had a 43 percent lower risk of mild cognitive impairment. This association was independent of factors such as age, gender, education, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, physical activities, and social activities.

Mushroom Classification and Functions

It’s worth noting that there are generally two broad types of mushrooms: fresh and sun-dried. Sun-dried mushrooms typically contain more vitamin D due to their exposure to the sun. Medicinal mushrooms, such as Cordyceps sinensis, Poria cocos, Ganoderma lucidum, and Antrodia cinnamomea, possess medicinal effects. Meanwhile, while some mushrooms are poisonous, others are edible. Common edible mushrooms include oyster mushroom, beech mushroom, enoki mushroom, golden oyster mushroom, shiitake mushroom, and straw mushroom. It is essential to be aware of these differences when preparing mushrooms for consumption.

Shiitake Mushroom Selection and Preservation

When choosing fresh shiitake mushrooms, experts recommend selecting those with distinct, radial gills arranged neatly and not stacked together. Fresh mushrooms are tall, elastic, and have dry surfaces with clean colors and no signs of softening, water seepage, or discoloration. Unlike other mushroom varieties, fresh shiitake mushrooms do not require soaking in water during the cleaning process to prevent a loss of aroma and taste. Instead, pat the shiitake mushrooms lightly to remove dirt and rinse the dirty parts quickly. When fresh shiitake mushrooms are stored, wrap them in dry kitchen paper and place them inside a fresh-keeping bag to refrigerate it without sealing.

It’s worth noting that while shiitake mushrooms can have several health benefits, certain groups of people should avoid eating them. For example, patients with gout or chronic kidney disease who are sensitive to purines should avoid shiitake mushrooms. Additionally, people with inflammation and pregnant women should also avoid consuming shiitake mushrooms.

‘1 Soup, 1 Pot’ Mushroom Recipes

1. Mushroom Combo Health Pot: Prevent Brain Degeneration

This delicious meal is low in calories, high in fiber, and gives a sense of satiety, which is beneficial for weight management as well as preventing dementia. Here are the ingredients:

• Handful of fresh shiitake mushrooms
• Handful of beech mushrooms
• Bit of enoki mushrooms
• 1/4 cabbage
• 1/4 pumpkin (sliced)
• 5 red dates
• Small handful of wolfberries
• 1,000 milliliters (2.1 pints) of water

Mix all the ingredients in a hot pot and cook. Serve hot.

2. Mushroom Chicken Soup: Nourishing and Beautifying

Here are the ingredients required:

• 8 dried shiitake (or flower) mushrooms
• Half a chicken cut into pieces
• 1 piece of old ginger sliced into 10 thin pieces
• 6 red dates
• 1,500 milliliters (3.17 pints) of water
• 300 milliliters (0.6 pints) of water (for the shiitake mushroom)
• Salt to your liking

Soak the shiitake mushrooms in 300 milliliters of water until they soften. Cut them into 1mm-thick slices for later use. Boil 1,500 milliliters of water in a pot and put the chicken pieces into it. Skim the foam. Add shiitake mushroom slices, ginger, red dates, 300 milliliters of water, and salt. Boil again and switch to low heat and simmer.