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.

MASH (Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis)

MASH, previously known as NASH, and MASLD, previously known as NAFLD, are both related to fat buildup in the liver, but MASH is a more severe, inflammatory form. 

 

MASH (Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis) is characterized by inflammation and liver cell damage, potentially leading to cirrhosis and liver cancer. MASLD (Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease) is the broader term for fatty liver disease, encompassing cases with and without inflammation. 

New Name:

The name change from NASH to MASH emphasizes the role of metabolic dysfunction (like obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes) in the disease's development.

Inflammation and Liver Damage:

MASH is characterized by inflammation and liver cell damage in addition to fat buildup in the liver.  

In essence:

• NAFLD is now MASLD.
• NASH is now MASH.
• MASH is a more severe, inflammatory form of MASLD.
• Both conditions are linked to metabolic dysfunction. 

What is metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)?

MASLD is a general term for a range of conditions characterized by extra fat in liver cells that is not caused by alcohol. It used to be known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD. It’s normal for the liver to contain some fat. However, if more than five percent of the liver’s weight is fat, it’s considered a to be a steatotic liver (previously called a fatty liver). There are two different types of steatotic liver disease:

Fibrosis

This fibrosis can progress to cirrhosis, where hard scar tissue replaces an increasingly larger amount of soft healthy liver tissue. Cirrhosis from MASH typically takes years of damage to develop.

Simple steatotic liver

In this form of MASLD, you have fat in your liver, but little or no inflammation of the liver or damage to liver cells. Typically, this form does not progress to cause liver damage.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)

This is the more severe form of MASLD in which you have hepatitis – meaning swelling or inflammation of the liver –– and liver cell damage, in addition to fat in your liver. Inflammation and liver cell damage can cause fibrosis, or scarring, of the liver.

What is Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH)?

MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis)  is a progression of MASLD in which simple steatosis gets worse and inflammation of the liver occurs.  The medical terms for inflammation (swelling) of the liver is hepatitis.  This is not be be confused with virus-related hepatitis (e.g., hepatitis C).  Liver cell damage may also occur.

Inflammation and cell damage can lead to a condition known as fibrosis, or scarring of the liver.  Over time, fibrosis can get worse. As fibrosis progresses, hardened scar tissue replaces an increasingly larger amount of soft, healthy liver tissue.  When this happens, it is called cirrhosis.  It usually takes many years to develop cirrhosis due to MASH.

How common are MASLD and MASH?

MASLD is the most common chronic liver condition in the United States. It’s estimated that about 25 percent of adults in the U.S. have MASLD. Of those with MASLD, about 20 percent have MASH (five percent of adults in the U.S.). Most people with MASLD have simply fatty liver.

The reason some people with MASLD have simple fatty liver and others get MASH isn’t known, although research suggests that certain genes may play a role.