Ergothioneine

Ergothioneine is a naturally occurring amino acid that functions as a potent antioxidant and cellular protectant. Humans and other animals cannot produce ergothioneine, but must acquire it from their diet, primarily from fungi and bacteria. Some scientists refer to it as a "longevity vitamin" due to its potential anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Ergothioneine  was first discovered in 1909 in Ergot fungus.

Ergothioneine is found mainly in mushrooms, as well as red and black beans. It is also found in animals that have eaten grasses containing ergothioneine.

Ergothioneine can scavenge reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and thereby mitigate oxidative damage to biological molecules that contribute to chronic human diseases.

Key functions

• Antioxidant: Ergothioneine actively neutralizes harmful reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, protecting cells from oxidative damage that contributes to aging and disease. Its chemical structure is especially stable against auto-oxidation compared to other antioxidants like glutathione.
• Cellular Protection: It is highly concentrated in tissues and cells that are frequently exposed to oxidative stress, including red blood cells, the liver, kidneys, and the lenses of the eyes. It is also found in high concentrations within the mitochondria, protecting the cellular powerhouses from damage.
• Anti-inflammatory Effects: Ergothioneine has been shown to reduce inflammation by inhibiting pro-inflammatory signaling pathways in the body. 

Because mammals cannot synthesize ergothioneine, they rely on dietary sources, with mushrooms being the richest source. 

Mushrooms: Species like oyster, shiitake, and king bolete contain high levels of ergothioneine. The amount can vary widely depending on the type and growing conditions.

• Other foods: Other sources include black beans, oats, and certain fermented foods, though these generally contain lower amounts than mushrooms.
• Agricultural practices: Soil-borne fungi and bacteria produce ergothioneine and pass it to plants. Farming methods that damage fungal populations in the soil, such as intensive tilling, can reduce the ergothioneine content in crops. 

Health benefits under investigation

Research suggests that higher ergothioneine levels may be linked to several health benefits, particularly related to aging and chronic diseases. 

• Cardiovascular health: Some studies have found that higher blood levels of ergothioneine correlate with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and overall mortality.

• Neuroprotection: Ergothioneine can cross the blood-brain barrier and has shown protective effects on neurons. Low levels of ergothioneine have been observed in patients with neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's.

• Anti-aging: Ergothioneine has demonstrated potential to combat several age-related conditions, from cognitive decline to skin aging caused by UV radiation. It is included in some skincare products for its protective properties. 

Functional coffee

 

Functional coffee is regular coffee infused with ingredients to provide health benefits beyond caffeine’s energy boost. Here are some examples based on current trends and products: 

1. Mushroom Coffee: Blends with medicinal mushrooms like Lion’s Mane (for cognitive support and focus), Chaga (for immune health), or Reishi (for stress relief). Example: Four Sigmatic Balance Organic Mushroom Blend combines organic coffee with Lion’s Mane and Reishi for mental clarity and stress reduction.
2. CBD-Infused Coffee: Coffee mixed with cannabidiol (CBD) to promote calm and reduce caffeine jitters. Example: Sträva Craft Coffee uses broad-spectrum CBD to enhance relaxation while maintaining energy.
3. Collagen-Enhanced Coffee: Infused with collagen protein to support skin, hair, nails, and joint health. Often marketed for beauty and anti-aging benefits. Example: Bulletproof Coffee includes collagen for joint and skin support.
4. MCT Oil Coffee: Contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) for sustained energy and cognitive support, popular in keto diets. Example: Bulletproof Brain Octane C8 MCT Oil can be added to coffee for metabolism and energy benefits.
5. Adaptogen-Infused Coffee: Includes herbs like ashwagandha or rhodiola to manage stress. Example: Clevr’s Coffee Superlatte combines coffee with ashwagandha and Lion’s Mane for stress relief and focus.
6. Vitamin-Enriched Coffee: Fortified with vitamins (e.g., B, D, A, E) for nutritional boosts. Example: Beforeyouspeak Coffee blends Colombian coffee with vitamins and superfoods for overall wellness.
7. Probiotic Coffee: Incorporates probiotics for gut health, though heat-resistant strains are used to survive brewing. Example: Some brands offer cold brew probiotic blends to maintain live cultures.
8. Functional Flavored Coffee: Uses spices or superfruits for added benefits. Examples include turmeric lattes (anti-inflammatory), cinnamon coffee (blood sugar regulation), or berry-infused coffee (antioxidants).
9. Nootropic Coffee: Contains compounds like L-theanine or alpha-GPC for enhanced focus and cognitive performance. Example: Taika’s Black Magic Blend includes Lion’s Mane and L-theanine for focus.
10. Specialty Blends: Unique formulations like Ingenuity Beverages’ Gano Coffee or African Mango Coffee, which incorporate herbal extracts for energy or weight management.

Calcium and D may help burn fat

Overweight women who take supplements of calcium and vitamin D may be able to lose more body fat, but only if they weren’t getting much calcium before. Researchers writing in the British Journal of Nutrition gave 63 overweight women a calcium and D supplement and tracked them for 15 weeks while they followed a low-calorie diet. In the study group as a whole, the supplement didn’t help people lose more body fat, but women who started with low levels of calcium seemed to lose more weight and fat. When watched eating at a buffet, those women also ate less fat than they did during a meal at the beginning of the study. Women with low calcium levels at the beginning of the study who got the supplements lost an average of 13 pounds, compared to 3 pounds for those on placebos.