Breathe easy with the 10 best organic mattresses we tested for non-toxic sleep

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Most of us try and shop organic when we can, but let's face it, it's not easy or cheap.
Meticulously sorting through all the groceries at the supermarket and searching for the best chemical-free cleaning products can feel like an unending hassle. Then, paying the premium on top of it, it's an endless battle. But, if there's one green investment to consider making it should probably be a solid, sustainable mattress. We spend about half our lifetime sleeping on top of one, after all.
For anyone looking to create a healthier sleep environment, we recommend turning to some tried-and-trusted brands that adhere to gold standard certification for textiles and latex and test for low chemical emissions.
To get all the inside information on the best organic mattresses, The Post consulted Daniel Gartenberg, CEO of SleepSpace and Chief Sleep Scientist at CPAP.com and MDbiowellness.
'As a sleep scientist, I emphasize the importance of creating a clean, restorative sleep environment. Organic mattresses reduce your exposure to potentially toxic flame retardants, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and synthetic materials that can off-gas while you sleep,' explained Gartenberg. 'It's an investment not just in sleep, but in long-term health.'
Below, we've rounded up some of the best organic mattresses for every sleeper. Whether you struggle with allergies or sensitive skin, hope to reduce your environmental impact, want to get your kiddo the best of the best, or just need a soft surface to land on. This roundup has non-toxic choices across the board.
We spent hours researching, scanning reviews, and reviewing some top-rated models firsthand, so you have all the knowledge you need to breathe easier at night.
Best Overall: Birch Natural Mattress
Birch
Pros: The medium-firm feel suits most sleepers (front, side, and back)
Wool and latex have naturally cooling properties, ideal for warmer sleepers
GOLS and GREENGUARD Gold Certified, and made with organic materials
In-home setup and removal available
Cons: $99 return fee
The mattress is on the heavier side, which makes it a bit difficult to move
If you're after high-quality organic materials, it's difficult to compete with the esteemed Birch Natural Mattress. This sustainable bed is sourced from Fair Trade Certified organic cotton and temperature-regulating wool, plus it's GOLS and GREENGUARD Gold Certified. With a medium-firm feel (we ranked it as 7/10), it provides ample support for back and side sleepers. A naturally responsive latex layer provides some gentle cradling, with just enough bounce to wake up feeling refreshed. Individually wrapped steel coils that help isolate motion, helping prevent disruptions at night that may come from a tossing-and-turning partner or a pet who loves to jump into bed. Given the 100-day trial, there's really no reason not to give the well-reviewed Birch bed a shot.
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Miska Salemann
New York Post Review: 'My initial attraction to the Birch Natural Mattress was mostly due to my plastic hysteria. It's organic, eco-friendly, biodegradable, hypoallergenic, and so on — so yes, my conscience was cleared, in that department. The Birch also turned out to be one of the best beds for my body. I do a fair amount of running around in my day-to-day, and tense shoulders and a sore lower back are just part of the game. After a few weeks of sleeping on the Birch, I noticed the weight beginning to fly off my shoulders. Sure, it's not as plush as the squishy memory foam I once thought I needed—but sometimes, a firmer foundation is exactly what your back thanks you for the next day. That's how I think of the Birch mattress: supportive, contouring, and surprisingly comfortable.' — Miska Salemann, Commerce Reporter
Mattress type: Latex-Hybrid | Feel: Medium-Firm | Material: Fair Trade Certified organic cotton cover, organic wool, GOLS-certified natural latex, Individually wrapped steel coils | Height: 11″ | Number of layers: 5 | Sleep trial: 100-nights ($99 return fee) | Free Shipping: Yes | Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
Best Eco-Friendly: Nolah Natural
Nolah
Pros: Easy to unbox and set up
Breathable organic cotton and moisture-wicking wool
Built with recycled steel coils (more eco-friendly)
Soft and uniquely buoyant natural latex supports your neck, back, and spine
Cons: A combo of latex and coils makes this bed more dense (may be hard to move)
Nolah checks all the boxes; it's CertiPUR-US® certified foam, fiberglass-free, and designed and assembled in America. The soft and uniquely buoyant natural latex, breathable organic cotton, and moisture-wicking wool work together to leave sleepers feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. It's intentionally designed to ensure eco-friendliness all the way around, even the steel coils are recycled. Reviewers love the high-end feel and appreciate the fact that materials are still sourced ethically. You can enjoy the best of both worlds with Nolah — living green and with luxury.
Mattress type: Hybrid | Feel: Medium-Firm | Material: Organic cotton, Organic wool, Talalay latex, and Recycled steel coils | Height: 11″ | Number of layers: 6 | Sleep trial: 120-nights | Free shipping: Yes | Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty
Best Breathable: Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress
Leesa
Pros: Great pressure relief for hips, shoulders, and back (contours to the body)
Offers motion isolation for couples and pets
Breathable design helps with temperature regulation and odor control
Strong edge support for sitting or sprawling
Cons: Heavy and awkward to carry solo, per testing
For anyone who is sensitive to odors or musky air, the ultrabreathable Leesa Sapira Hybrid mattress is a wonderful solution. All Leesa mattresses are designed to ensure a healthier sleep environment, entirely free of fiberglass, GREENGUARD gold certified, and rigorously tested for emissions of more than 360 volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The medium-firm Leesa mattress also features a unique design that helps keep you — and the air around you — fresh and clean. The combination of foam and coil layers gently contours around the body, without trapping too much heat. High-airflow foam and a soft, breathable cover keep the body cool and comfy, while also reducing chemical odors. Commerce Editor Kendall Cornish says it's truly a dream to sleep on.
New York Post
New York Post Review: 'The Sapira is supportive without being aggressive about it, cushy without making me feel like I'm stuck in a mattress swamp, and sturdy enough to convince me it'll hold up for years. I finally understand why people get weirdly evangelical about good sleep, because once you have it, you realize you were basically surviving on crumbs before. Would I recommend the Leesa Sapira Hybrid to anyone who isn't actively trying to sabotage their own life? Absolutely. Would I willingly carry another 100-pound box up three flights of stairs for it? Yep. Would I ever go back to the sadistic cruelty of an all-firm mattress? Never again. This mattress didn't just change my nights — it changed my mornings too. It changed my work days, my mood…even my cat is 99% calmer. And honestly, for something that arrived in a box, that's kind of heroic.' — Kendall Cornish, Commerce Editor and Reporter
Sizes: Hybrid | Feel: Medium-Firm | Material: Polyfoam, Memory foam layer (pressure relief), Pocketed coils, High-density polyfoam base, Polyester cover| Height: 11″ | Number of layers: 7 | Sleep trial: 100-night risk-free trial | Free shipping: Yes | Warranty: 10-year limited warranty
Best for Kids: Helix Kids Twin Mattress Review
Helix
Pros: The flipable design lasts for years and is ideal for toddlers and older kids
A standard size (8″) and a low-profile (6″) option are available
Firm and responsive top layer, as suggested by experts
Hypoallergenic, anti-microbial materials are typically gentler on sensitive skin
Cons: Only two size options (Twin and Full)
Helix has some wonderful full-sized mattresses, but the kids' selection is not to be missed either. The Helix Kids Twin Mattress was designed just for little ones, making the transition into a big kid bed. It's available in two sizes, one for standard beds and a slightly thinner option for bunks. And, the double-sided design allows it to grow with them, too. Opt for the firmer side for younger toddlers and kiddos, and once they reach 8 years old, simply flip the mattress for a softer feel. It's also hypoallergenic, antimicrobial material, which makes it a great choice for kiddos with sensitive skin. My toddler was able to give it a spin and had no complaints, which doesn't happen all that often. With GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US certifications, the Helix Kids Twin Mattress is among the best options for kids ready to level up.
Miska Salemann
New York Post Review: 'My daughter was not so lucky to inherit my sensitive skin, so Helix's naturally hypoallergenic materials make this mattress a wonderful option for her. The material is anti-microbial, and the top layer is smooth and lays flat, helping reduce disruptions to the skin barrier from tossing and turning (which she does plenty of). Changing up products can result in breakouts, but since switching her from her floor crib to the Helix Kids Mattress, her skin has been completely unbothered. My favorite feature has to be the flippable design, which means you're getting your money's worth in terms of lifespan. The Helix checks all the boxes. It's rigorously tested, CERTI-Pur, and GREENGUARD Gold Certified. But, most importantly, it's safe, stable, and now I know — also toddler-approved.' — Miska Salemann, Commerce Reporter
Mattress type: Flippable hybrid | Feel: Medium-Firm (Ages 3-7), Medium-Soft(Ages 8+) | Material: Hypoallergenic TENCEL fabric, AEGIS Microbe Shield, High-density polyfoam (firmer side), Gel memory foam (softer side), Individually wrapped coils with reinforced edges | Height: 6″ or 8″ | Number of layers: 3 | Sleep trial: 100-nights | Free shipping: Yes | Warranty: 10-year limited warranty
Best Cotton: Saatva Classic Mattress
Saatva
Pros: Comfortable for all sleepers of all kinds, with three options for firmness
Made with an organic cotton cover for breathability and a natural plant-based thistle pulp flame barrier
Easy delivery and installation
Comes with a 365-day home trial period and a lifetime warranty Cons: Pricier than some mattresses on the market
Some may not like the divots in the pillow top
Dubbed the 'crown jewel and most popular of Saatva's offerings,' by Page Six Style Editor, Elana Fishman, this luxury innerspring mattress is completely customizable and comes with naturally hypoallergenic and breathable organic cotton for cooler sleep. Instead of using fiberglass or toxic chemical flame retardants, Saatva uses a natural, plant-based thistle pulp flame barrier. The Saatva Classic comes in two heights and three different comfort levels — Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. If you're considering a king or California king, there's also the option to split your mattress between two different firmnesses as well, which makes it a great mattress for partners. All Saatva mattresses feature eco-conscious foams that are CertiPUR-US certified, meeting standards for emissions, content, and durability.
My husband didn't love the divots in the plush pillow top, but they didn't bother me one bit.
Elana Fishman
New York Post Review: 'If you're in the market for a new mattress, I'd wholeheartedly recommend the Saatva Classic. With a full range of size options and three different firmness levels from which to choose, you're sure to find one that suits your sleep style — even if you and your partner differ on that front, as my husband and I do. Like any luxury mattress, it's an investment, but the high quality and customer service justify the expense. I've always been someone who aggressively loves sleep, but thanks to my Saatva, bedtime now truly feels like a treat. My husband, my cat, and I have all been sleeping on our Saatva Classic for a full year now, and love it every bit as much as we did the first night. Despite the pillowy top, we've experienced no issues with body indentations or unevenness — just a great night's sleep every time. The real indicator that our mattress is top-tier? Every time we return from a vacation, we agree that it's comfier than any hotel bed.' — Elana Fishman, Page Six Style Editor
Mattress type: Hybrid innerspring with dual coil construction | Feel: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, Firm | Material: Organic cotton cover, Euro pillow top with polyfoam, High-density memory foam layer, individually wrapped recycled steel coils, Tempered steel bonnell coils | Height: 11.5″ or 14.5″ | Number of layers: 5 | Sleep trial: 365-night home trial | Free Shipping: Yes, Free White Glove Delivery | Warranty: limited lifetime warranty
Best Sustainable: Avocado Green Mattress
Avocado
Pros: Customizable feel (Firm, Medium, or Plush)
GOTS is organically certified and backed by many trusted health and safety standards
Featuring up to 6″ of latex
Wool and latex are naturally thermo-regulating
7 ergonomic zones for targeted relief
Cons: Some reviewers mention that the pillow-top version can have some indentations over time
Avocado offers some of the best healthy, eco-conscious mattresses on the market. Among the best-rated models is the Avocado Green Mattress. This bed is entirely free of polyurethane foams and fire retardants that could interfere with sleep, and crafted with fine materials like wool and latex, which have naturally thermo-regulating properties. Seven ergonomic zones provide targeted relief, which can also help relieve pressure for people with tension in their shoulders, hips, or back. Best of all, the Avocado Green Mattress is entirely customizable. Shoppers can opt for a firm, medium, or plush feel to find something that fits their needs. It's also made right here in America, hand-tufted using domestic and imported materials.
Mattress type: Hybrid | Feel: Plush-Firm | Material: GOLS-certified organic latex, GOTS-certified organic wool and cotton, 1,414 wrapped recycled steel coils | Height: 11″ | Number of layers: 3-5 depending on model | Sleep trial: 365-nights | Free shipping: Yes | Warranty: 25-year limited warranty
Best Latex: Happsy Organic Mattress
Happsy
Pros: Firmness can be adjusted with the addition topper
Natural latex and wool improve airflow and help keep the bed cool
High-quality, dense latex and durable coil system designed to last for years
Cons: Some sleepers may feel this mattress is more responsive or bouncy than they would prefer
If you're looking for a little more bounce, you may want to consider an organic latex mattress. Happsy offers this organic model with a more springy feel. It's made with natural, GOLS-certified organic latex from rubber tree sap — a highly durable material that is more resistant to sagging. This type of latex is not only buoyant and responsive but also completely biodegradable, which makes it a much more sustainable choice than some traditional mattresses. The open-cell structure of latex is designed for optimal airflow, so sleepers wake up feeling fresh and rejuvenated.
Mattress type: Hybrid | Feel: Medium-Firm or Medium-Soft (with topper) | Material: Organic cotton with organic wool batting, Organic latex, Optional organic latex topper, Pocketed coils | Height: 10″ or 12″ (with topper) | Number of layers: 3-4 | Sleep trial: 120-nights | Free shipping: Yes | Warranty: 20-year limited warranty
Best Customizable: Naturepedic EOS Classic Organic Vegan Mattress
Naturepedic
Pros: Fully-customizable (Plush, Medium, Cushion-Firm, Firm, Extra-Firm)
Vegan Certified, PETA-Approved Vegan, and GOTS certified organic
Swap out layers for free within the first 100 nights
Contouring support system
Cons: Expensive; expect to pay a premium for premium materials
Everyone has different sleep preferences. If you and your partner have been searching for (or perhaps fighting over) which organic mattress to purchase, you may want to consider the EOS Classic Organic Vegan Mattress. This mattress is ideal for couples, thanks to its modular design and range of firmness options. Simply choose between a Plush, Medium, Cushion-Firm, Firm, or Extra-Firm. It's fully customizable on both sides with interchangeable layers of organic latex and pocketed coils, so you can swap as many times as you need. For the first 100 nights, you can swap out layers for free.
Mattress type: Hybrid | Feel: Plush, Medium, Cushion-Firm, Firm, Extra-Firm | Material: Organic cotton (GOTS-certified), Organic wool batting, Organic latex (available in vegan option), Plant-based PLA fiber | Height: 12″ | Number of layers: 3 l | Sleep trial: 100-nights | Free shipping: Yes | Warranty: 25-year limited warranty
Best Luxury: Purple Restore Premier Hybrid Mattress
Purple
Pros: Exceptional cooling features (100% free airflow and GelFlex grid for heat diffusion)
Advanced pressure relief, especially for the hips and shoulders
Durable construction built with materials that are meant to last
Cons: 15.5″ height, which means it may be more difficult to find sheets that fit well
More expensive (premium price point)
Purple is another brand that puts safety first for pets, people, and the planet. All Purple mattresses are non-toxic and made with CertiPUR-US certified materials, free of heavy metals, ozone depleters, and other harmful chemicals. Instead, the Restore Premier Hybrid Mattress utilizes a unique GelFlex grid to dissipate heat and cradle the lower back, zone-responsive coils to promote airflow, and a SoftFlex cover with an anti-microbial finish, which leaves the skin feeling soft and refreshed. Customers say this mattress offers an immersive feel, with full-body support, ideal for anyone who suffers from back pain.
Mattress type: Hybrid | Feel: Medium-Firm | Material: 3″ GelFlex Grid, Ultra Comfort Foam, CoolFlex Coils | Height: 15.5″ | Number of layers: 3 | Sleep trial: 100-Night Trial | Free shipping: Yes | Warranty: 10-year warranty
Best Crib: Avocado Green Organic Crib Mattress
Avocado
Pros: Certified Organic Materials
Dual-sided design (ideal for growing babies)
Latex and coconut coir core resist sagging over time
Carbon negative company
Cons: Lacks a built-in waterproof layer (may require a mattress protector)
Shorter trial than some other options
If you're a parent, you probably know that finding safe, healthy, and affordable baby bedding can feel even more difficult than selecting your own mattress. Avocado may be best known for its adult selection, but the organic crib mattresses are just as well-designed, according to many satisfied customers. The Organic Crib Mattress features a dual-sided design with different levels of firmness for infants and toddlers, which means it grows with your little one — and is a great investment, if you're looking for something that will last. It's also made with certified organic materials, including GOTS-certified cotton, coconut fiber, flame-tetardant wool, and GOLS-certified organic latex. The district MADE SAFE award means it's also been independently tested to meet some of the strictest chemical emission standards. Both parents and their babies can rest easy knowing this crib mattress meets the standards.
Mattress type: Dual-sided organic crib mattress | Feel: Firm (Infant Side), Medium-Firm (Toddler Side) | Material: GOTS-certified organic cotton and wool (natural flame barrier), GOLS-certified organic latex, Organic coconut husk fiber, Individually wrapped steel coils (170 count) | Height: 6″ | Number of layers: 4 | Sleep trial: 30-nights | Free shipping: Yes | Warranty: 25-year limited warranty
How We Tested
Finding the right organic mattress for your sleep position and personal preferences requires time and patience. We evaluated the best organic mattresses based on some important criteria: material, firmness, motion support, sleep trial, and price.
Miska Salemann
Materials: Organic mattresses are often hypoallergenic and free from the chemical irritants that can aggravate sensitive skin or respiratory conditions. Experts suggest looking for organic mattresses with natural latex, wool, and cotton, which tend to resist dust mites, mold, and bacteria more effectively than their synthetic counterparts.
Organic mattresses are often hypoallergenic and free from the chemical irritants that can aggravate sensitive skin or respiratory conditions. Experts suggest looking for organic mattresses with natural latex, wool, and cotton, which tend to resist dust mites, mold, and bacteria more effectively than their synthetic counterparts. Support, Firmness, and Pressure Relief: As with any mattress, an organic mattress should be suited to your sleep position and preferences. The correct amount of support will depend on whether you're a side, back, or stomach sleeper. Generally, side sleepers prefer softer surfaces, while back and stomach sleepers benefit from firmer models.
As with any mattress, an organic mattress should be suited to your sleep position and preferences. The correct amount of support will depend on whether you're a side, back, or stomach sleeper. Generally, side sleepers prefer softer surfaces, while back and stomach sleepers benefit from firmer models. Motion Isolation: A solid mattress should provide movement isolation, so individual sleepers aren't affected by their tossing and turning, a partner's movement, or a pet jumping on the bed.
A solid mattress should provide movement isolation, so individual sleepers aren't affected by their tossing and turning, a partner's movement, or a pet jumping on the bed. Sleep Trial and Warranty: Finding a mattress with a reasonable sleep trial and warranty program is important, regardless of what parameters you're searching for. It can take weeks or months to adjust to a new mattress, especially if you're trying one that uses materials you're not used to.
Finding a mattress with a reasonable sleep trial and warranty program is important, regardless of what parameters you're searching for. It can take weeks or months to adjust to a new mattress, especially if you're trying one that uses materials you're not used to. Price: Per our research and testing, organic mattresses tend to be a bit more expensive than your typical bed. Many models were between the $1,000 – $2,000 range. While these mattresses are more of an investment, it's important to consider the impact they can have on your sleep quality and daily life, especially if you have sensitive skin, allergies, or are looking to reduce the environmental impact.
What makes a mattress organic?
When a mattress is labeled certified-organic, it typically means that its materials — such as cotton, wool, and latex — are grown and processed without the use of synthetic pesticides, harmful chemicals, or genetically modified organisms.
According to Gartenberg, the gold standard certifications to look for include GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) for textiles and GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) for latex. These certifications ensure not only organic sourcing but also environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing processes.
'Additionally, I recommend looking for GREENGUARD Gold, which tests for low chemical emissions, and OEKO-TEX Standard 100, which ensures the product is free from harmful substances,' he added.
Can organic mattresses help people with sensitive skin or allergies?
The short answer, according to Garternberg — Absolutely. He explained that organic mattresses are often hypoallergenic and free from the chemical irritants that can aggravate sensitive skin or respiratory conditions.
'Natural latex, wool, and cotton tend to resist dust mites, mold, and bacteria more effectively than their synthetic counterparts. For individuals with asthma, eczema, or chemical sensitivities, switching to an organic mattress can significantly reduce nightly triggers and improve sleep quality,' he said.
What should you look for in an organic mattress? What are the best materials for organic mattresses?
When evaluating an organic mattress, Gartnerbeg recommends looking for transparency in sourcing, third-party certifications, and a clear list of materials. The best organic mattresses typically combine:
GOTS-certified organic cotton for breathability and softness
for breathability and softness GOTS-certified wool for natural flame resistance and moisture-wicking
for natural flame resistance and moisture-wicking GOLS-certified natural latex for contouring support and durability
Gartenberg also offered up one other tip, 'Make sure the entire mattress — not just the cover — is certified. Some brands market 'organic' layers while using conventional materials in the core.'
Are organic mattresses more eco-friendly?
'Organic mattresses avoid petroleum-based foams and synthetic chemicals, reducing environmental pollution during production. They're biodegradable or recyclable at end-of-life, unlike most traditional mattresses that end up in landfills,' Gartenberg said.
In addition, many organic mattress companies focus on sustainability across their supply chain; from carbon-neutral shipping to ethical labor practices, so your purchase can have a meaningful impact beyond your bedroom.
This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson's Blueprint Longevity Mix to home gym elliptical machines to Jennifer Aniston's favorite workout platform – often with her adorable one-year old daughter by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.
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Why ‘old people smell' happens — and the superfood you can eat to help prevent it

There are few odors more immediately recognizable and absolutely off-putting than 'old people smell.' Eau du elderly is characterized by top notes of mothballs and wet cardboard coupled with basement, expired canned goods and dead leaves. Long thought to be an inevitable, olfactory consequence of aging, a longevity expert explained how the smell develops — and how one superfood can help banish it. 'Old people smell comes from lipid peroxidation on top of the skin. And if you don't have enough antioxidants, that smell builds up, and because we don't get a lot of cellular turnover as we age, it lingers,' Leslie Kenny, founder of Oxford Healthspan and certified Bulletproof coach, told The Post. Kenny likens lipid peroxidation to the body rusting. 'It's a whole body thing,' she explained. 'The smell comes from a compound called 2-nonenal. It's basically sebum that has rusted.' Our skin's natural antioxidant defenses decline with age. This results in increased oxidation of skin lipids and the production of 2-nonenal, a byproduct of the breakdown of omega-7 fatty acids on the skin's surface. Kenny maintains that, unlike body odor, old people smell cannot be disguised or washed away. 'You can't mask it with perfume. The perfume simply layers on top of it, and it gives it a sort of musty smell,' she said. 'You can't get rid of it through bathing more because the cells are not turning over rapidly enough, and the lipid fats are not so easy to break down, so the scent will still be there.' The scent-sible solution to senior stank? 'What you want to do is get rid of it from the inside out.' Kenny explains that nutrition, specifically a diet dense with mushrooms, is key to this inside-out approach to staving off the scent. Mushrooms are packed with the amino acid ergothioneine, a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties that stops lipid peroxidation before oldie odor can accumulate. Ergothioneine can reportedly make you smell fresh and think straight, as research suggests that diets rich in mushrooms can cut the risk of cognitive impairment in half. Mushrooms are also an excellent source of spermidine, an organic compound that activates autophagy, the regenerative process that removes damaged cell components and recycles them to support cellular renewal. Autophagy plays a critical role in slowing aging, protecting against disease, maintaining metabolic efficiency and mitigating mature muskiness. Kenny notes that while all mushrooms aid and abet smelling more like a spring breeze than a caved-in root cellar, shiitake and oyster shrooms are the best bet for nutrient delivery. According to the expert, the lipid peroxidation that causes old people smell is the stank result of two conspiring conditions: hormonal drops and a lack of cellular turnover. 'As our hormones go down, that smell is more likely to build up, and as we age, we don't get a lot of cellular turnover, so that smell lingers for long term,' she said. With ergothioneine halting lipid peroxidation and spermidine supporting autophagy, Kenny calls mushrooms 'the perfect food to eat to combat this smell.' Kenny told The Post that mushrooms are a preventative and curative medicine. 'As we go through perimenopause and menopause, we want to try to include more ergothioneine-rich foods like mushrooms to prevent the onset of that smell,' she said. 'And if you are older and you want to get rid of the smell, mushrooms are a great choice because, again, they've got the spermidine that's going to help with the faster cell turnover.' In addition to helping us smell more like spring chickens than old crows, mushrooms have been shown to slow cancer progression, lower blood pressure, improve insulin resistance, shield against brain damage and help keep bones healthy. Other research has found a link between eating mushrooms and a lower risk of prostate cancer and breast cancer. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center notes that mushroom extracts have routinely complemented cancer care in Japan and China because they are rich in vitamin D, which is critical for the immune system.

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a day ago

• Yahoo

Why ‘old people smell' happens — and the superfood you can eat to help prevent it

There are few odors more immediately recognizable and absolutely off-putting than 'old people smell.' Eau du elderly is characterized by top notes of mothballs and wet cardboard coupled with basement, expired canned goods and dead leaves. Long thought to be an inevitable, olfactory consequence of aging, a longevity expert explained how the smell develops — and how one superfood can help banish it. 'Old people smell comes from lipid peroxidation on top of the skin. And if you don't have enough antioxidants, that smell builds up, and because we don't get a lot of cellular turnover as we age, it lingers,' Leslie Kenny, founder of Oxford Healthspan and certified Bulletproof coach, told The Post. Kenny likens lipid peroxidation to the body rusting. 'It's a whole body thing,' she explained. 'The smell comes from a compound called 2-nonenal. It's basically sebum that has rusted.' Our skin's natural antioxidant defenses decline with age. This results in increased oxidation of skin lipids and the production of 2-nonenal, a byproduct of the breakdown of omega-7 fatty acids on the skin's surface. Kenny maintains that, unlike body odor, old people smell cannot be disguised or washed away. 'You can't mask it with perfume. The perfume simply layers on top of it, and it gives it a sort of musty smell,' she said. 'You can't get rid of it through bathing more because the cells are not turning over rapidly enough, and the lipid fats are not so easy to break down, so the scent will still be there.' The scent-sible solution to senior stank? 'What you want to do is get rid of it from the inside out.' Kenny explains that nutrition, specifically a diet dense with mushrooms, is key to this inside-out approach to staving off the scent. Mushrooms are packed with the amino acid ergothioneine, a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties that stops lipid peroxidation before oldie odor can accumulate. Ergothioneine can reportedly make you smell fresh and think straight, as research suggests that diets rich in mushrooms can cut the risk of cognitive impairment in half. Mushrooms are also an excellent source of spermidine, an organic compound that activates autophagy, the regenerative process that removes damaged cell components and recycles them to support cellular renewal. Autophagy plays a critical role in slowing aging, protecting against disease, maintaining metabolic efficiency and mitigating mature muskiness. Kenny notes that while all mushrooms aid and abet smelling more like a spring breeze than a caved-in root cellar, shiitake and oyster shrooms are the best bet for nutrient delivery. According to the expert, the lipid peroxidation that causes old people smell is the stank result of two conspiring conditions: hormonal drops and a lack of cellular turnover. 'As our hormones go down, that smell is more likely to build up, and as we age, we don't get a lot of cellular turnover, so that smell lingers for long term,' she said. With ergothioneine halting lipid peroxidation and spermidine supporting autophagy, Kenny calls mushrooms 'the perfect food to eat to combat this smell.' Kenny told The Post that mushrooms are a preventative and curative medicine. 'As we go through perimenopause and menopause, we want to try to include more ergothioneine-rich foods like mushrooms to prevent the onset of that smell,' she said. 'And if you are older and you want to get rid of the smell, mushrooms are a great choice because, again, they've got the spermidine that's going to help with the faster cell turnover.' In addition to helping us smell more like spring chickens than old crows, mushrooms have been shown to slow cancer progression, lower blood pressure, improve insulin resistance, shield against brain damage and help keep bones healthy. Other research has found a link between eating mushrooms and a lower risk of prostate cancer and breast cancer. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center notes that mushroom extracts have routinely complemented cancer care in Japan and China because they are rich in vitamin D, which is critical for the immune system.