Mushrooms occupy a unique corner of the produce aisle. They’re not technically a vegetable—they’re fungi—yet they behave like one on the plate, soaking up flavor in a stir-fry or standing in for meat in a burger or Bolognese.

That botanical oddity is also behind their standout nutrient profile that may offer specific benefits for the brain. Mushrooms are one of the few food sources of ergothioneine, or ERGO, a rare amino acid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, says Maggie Moon, M.S., RD.1 Other brain-supporting nutrients in mushrooms include B vitamins, and vitamin D in UV-exposed varieties.2 Here’s what the research says about how mushrooms may affect brain health, along with expert-backed ideas for enjoying these fascinating fungi in multiple ways.

You May Lower Your Risk of Dementia

Unlike other antioxidants, ERGO appears to be directly routed to the brain, where it accumulates in brain tissue. Researchers believe ERGO helps protect brain cells from the oxidative stress and inflammation associated with cognitive decline.3