Ergothioneine is a powerful natural antioxidant found mainly in mushrooms that protects cells from damage and may help prevent diseases like Alzheimer’s and heart disease. Currently, producing ergothioneine from mushrooms is expensive and slow, but scientists have developed faster fermentation methods using engineered microbes that could make it cheaper and more available. This compound can be added to foods and supplements to boost health benefits, and researchers are exploring its use beyond seafood to other food products like meat and baked goods.