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Mushrooms for Skin: A Natural Anti-Aging Superfood
Mushrooms are considered a “superfood,” but can they make your skin look younger? The answer is yes! Mushrooms are rich in antioxidants that prevent the deterioration of skin cells. They also reduce inflammation and the effects of free radicals. This leads to the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles and firmer, younger-looking skin. Combining a healthy diet with treatments like at-home red light therapy can amplify these anti-aging benefits.
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What Specific Anti-Aging Properties Do Mushrooms Possess?
Mushrooms also contain an abundance of ergothioneine, a naturally occurring amino acid with melanin-reducing properties. This allows it to diminish the appearance of sun damage and age spots. [1] One clinical study determined that mushrooms “...are even capable of accelerating the skin turnover rate and repairing dermal molecular components that provide structure and elasticity to the skin.” [2]
Another study concluded that mushroom extracts presented anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-collagenase activities. These metabolites can be utilized to suppress inflammatory skin diseases, offer photoprotection, and correct hyperpigmentation. [3]
Besides anti-aging, mushrooms are also proven to have medicinal properties. Beta-glucans are effective in treating high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiac problems, infections, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and even cancerous tumors. [4, 5]
Are Specific Types of Mushrooms Better for Anti-Aging Than Others?
All types of mushrooms contain elements that assist with anti-aging. Certain types, however, have been proven to possess more specific rejuvenation and restorative powers:
Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms contain more copper than other species. Your body uses copper to produce pigment for your hair and skin. A study revealed that copper significantly decreases the instance of prematurely graying hair [6]; thus, shiitake mushrooms provide anti-aging benefits for your hair color as well as for your skin!
Reishi Mushrooms
Known as the “mushroom of immortality,” Reishi mushrooms are an increasingly popular ingredient in facial wrinkle creams and serums. Reishi mushrooms have shown particular promise with regard to deep skin hydration, treating conditions from acne to wrinkles. Their high antioxidant content allows for enhanced circulation support, leading to healthier skin with a smoother, more youthful appearance. [9]
What Other Foods Can Help You Look Younger?
Other natural foods have been shown to provide anti-aging benefits. These include sweet potatoes, almond butter, and tomatoes, which are rich in antioxidants and can boost collagen production. Spices like Turmeric, Cinnamon, and Ginger also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Combining a nutrient-rich diet with the benefits of a high-quality red light therapy panel can create a powerful anti-aging strategy.
Resources
- Less-known botanical cosmeceuticals
- Cosmetic benefits of natural ingredients: mushrooms, feverfew, tea, and wheat complex
- The Role of Bioactive Compounds and other Metabolites from Mushrooms against Skin Disorders
- Skin health promotion effects of natural beta-glucan derived from cereals and microorganisms
- Medicinal Mushrooms in Human Clinical Studies... Anticancer, Oncoimmunological, and Immunomodulatory Activities
- Serum iron, zinc, and copper concentration in premature graying of hair
- Antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities of five wild mushroom species
- Effects of antioxidant supplementation on the aging process
- Medicinal Mushrooms (PDQ®) - PDQ Cancer Information Summaries
