ergothioneine

Mushrooms are being promoted as a rich dietary source of ergothioneine, an antioxidant the body cannot produce and must obtain from food. Researchers have called it a 'longevity vitamin,' with proponents arguing that if it were sold as a pill it would be a blockbuster product. Advocates caution the evidence is observational and not proof of benefit, but say adding mushrooms to the diet is an easy habit to start.