May promote heart health

Because white mushrooms contain ergothioneine and beta-glucan, they may help lower the risk of heart disease, which is highly correlated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. When digested, beta-glucan, a kind of soluble fiber, forms a gel-like material that decreases blood cholesterol levels. Triglycerides and cholesterol are thus trapped, inhibiting absorption. Ergothioneine may also aid in lowering post-meal triglyceride levels, according to a study.

In one experiment, 10 men had either 2 teaspoons (8 grams) or 1 tablespoon (16 grams) of mushroom powder with their lunch, and when compared to the control group, their blood triglycerides were much lower. This result was ascribed by researchers to the powder's ergothioneine concentration. Ergothioneine may also assist in preventing the growth of arterial plaque, a risk factor for heart disease that can result in high blood pressure and a stroke.