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According to a new research, eating mushrooms can help prevent dementia and Alzheimer's. It is rich in chemicals that boost nerves in the brain to prevent inflammation and delay development of neurodegeneration, and are referring it the new superfood.

The researchers studied eleven types of mushrooms. They found that it increased the brain's grey matter by producing more of the chemical called nerve growth factor (NGF). The superfood can reduce or delay dementia and prevent Alzheimer's from developing.

According to The Sun, the study was published in the Journal of Medicinal Food by researchers from University of Malaysia. Researchers experimented on rodents and humans and had found a number of edible mushrooms containing rare and exotic compounds that are good for the brain.

The first type of mushroom, H. erinaceus, also known as the lion's mane mushroom, was found to improve mild cognitive impairment. Cognitive impairment is the loss of memory that can lead to dementia in 50 to 80 year-olds. The mushroom is edible and commonly used in China and Japan for culinary and medicinal purposes.

The second type was called D. inusiata, also known as Queen of the Mushrooms was used on rats and it increased the NGF in the basic working cells of the brain called neurons.

The third type, C. militaris, also known as the caterpillar fungus appeared to have improved the rat's memory for navigating in a water maze. The medicinal mushroom is also called Cordyceps, used in classical Asian pharmacology. It prevented neuron cell death and memory loss.

Daily Mail reported that an estimated 2.1 million Americans have Alzeihmer's disease. 42 million cases are expected worldwide by 2020.

They also found that eating plenty of mushrooms can help build the immune system. Mushrooms are rich in vitamins and minerals such as selenium, iron, copper, vitamin B and antioxidants. It helps tissues to dispose of toxins through niacin and potassium. It is low in calories and prevents blood pressure from rising.

Due to the rise of dementia and Alzeihmer's, researchers said it is vital to keep exploring foor containing healthy additives  and medicinal benefit.