Ergothioneine & Antioxidants. Cellular Defence for Modern Life

Scroll any health feed and you’ll see the word “oxidative stress” everywhere. It’s not just jargon, it’s one of the core processes that drives ageing, fatigue and many modern chronic issues.

Introducing ergothioneine = a unique antioxidant amino acid found in high levels in mushrooms like King Trumpet, Shiitake and Maitake. Some researchers now refer to it as a potential “longevity vitamin.” 

What makes ergothioneine different?

Unlike many antioxidants, ergothioneine:

• Is taken up into the body via a dedicated transporter (OCTN1), which concentrates it in mitochondria-dense tissues such as the liver, brain and red blood cells. 

• Is remarkably stable and resistant to auto-oxidation, meaning it keeps working for longer. 

• Accumulates in places where oxidative damage is most harmful: the brain, eyes, heart and immune cells.

That’s why some scientists argue it meets many criteria for a vitamin involved in healthy ageing. 

How ergothioneine & mushroom antioxidants protect your cells

Together with polyphenols and other antioxidants in mushrooms, ergothioneine helps:

• Protect mitochondria – the little power stations inside your cells – from oxidative damage. 

• Reduce lipid peroxidation (the “rusting” of fats in cell membranes), which is linked with frailty, wrinkles, cognitive decline and cardiovascular issues. 

• Support healthy immune responses and recovery after intense physical or mental effort.

Think of it as background cellular insurance, not a jolt you feel immediately, but a steady defence that pays off over years.

Where ergothioneine lives in Flow Brew

We’ve built ergothioneine-rich mushrooms into products designed for daily, long-term use:

• Protect / immune & longevity-leaning blends – King Trumpet, Maitake and Shiitake extracts contribute ergothioneine plus a broad antioxidant spectrum.

• Thrive greens – pairs ergothioneine-containing mushrooms with chlorophyll-rich greens (spirulina, chlorella, kale) to support detox pathways, skin health and energy metabolism.

The idea is simple = every time you take your Flow Brew ritual, you’re topping up a compound your body can’t make on its own, but consistently uses to buffer stress and ageing.

Why antioxidants still matter (when everyone’s “busy” talking about hacks)

Longevity trends come and go. The fundamentals don’t.

If you care about staying strong, clear-headed and resilient into your 40s, 50s and beyond, protecting your cells from excess oxidative stress is non-negotiable.

Ergothioneine-rich mushrooms offer a food-first way to do exactly that, especially when you make them a non-negotiable ritual, not an occasional supplement.