7 Powerful Mushrooms For Your Physical And Mental Health

Since the pandemic, people are becoming more aware of the importance of maintaining their health. Medicinal mushrooms, rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support our immune systems are edible macroscopic fungi used for their advantageous health effects. Worldwide, an estimated 14,000–22,000 mushrooms have been identified, of which 20–30 are cultivated edible varieties, and 15 are obtained through foraging in the wild. Notably, seven popular medical mushrooms have been highly discussed and could benefit our physical and mental health with extensive scientific evidence to support.

According to research, medical mushrooms contain about 130 potential therapeutic characteristics. The benefits include Anti-bacterial, Anti-diabetic, Anti-fungal, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Anti-parasitic, Anti-tumor, Anti-viral, Hepatoprotective(protective of the liver), and Immunomodulating. They are also a proven vegetable protein source for people who have diabetes, as it helps lower blood sugar levels. Continue reading to learn about seven specific mushroom varieties and how they benefit our bodies. 

Chaga

Chaga is known by many names, such as black mass, clinker polypore, birch canker polypore, cinder conk. It grows mainly on birch tree bark in cold climates, including Northern Europe, Siberia, Russia, Korea, Northern Canada, and Alaska.

According to various studies, Chaga extract may boost immunity by promoting the production of advantageous cytokines and increasing white blood cells, which are necessary for preventing hazardous bacteria or viruses—as a result, reducing long-term inflammation.

In lab research, Chaga supplements reduced tumor size by 60%. Chaga extract stopped cancer development in human liver cells in test-tube research. Similar outcomes were seen with lung, breast, prostate, and colon cancer cells. It is believed to have an anti-cancer impact partly because of its rich antioxidant content, which defends cells from free radical damage.

Cordyceps

Cordyceps are frequently used in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as a natural energy booster. Additionally, proponents assert that cordyceps can guard against ailments like fatigue, hypertension, upper respiratory infections, inflammation, and kidney diseases.

Researchers believe cordyceps will allow athletes to be more tolerant of intense activity. In light of the creation of the chemical adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is necessary for supplying energy to the muscles.

Also, Cordyceps has been linked to improvements in hyperlipidemia (which means your blood has too many lipids (or fats), such as cholesterol) and triglycerides in previous trials due to its share structural similarities with adenosine, a substance that occurs naturally in the body and is essential for the metabolism and breakdown of high levels of fat in the blood. In addition, cordyceps has been used by the elderly to increase sex drive, build muscle, and combat tiredness. Its antioxidant presence, according to researchers, may account for its anti-aging properties.

Maitake

Maitake is a kind of adaptogen that assists the body in overcoming any type of physical or mental challenge. Its function is to restore balance to the body's systems. According to a study, the bioactive compounds in maitake mushrooms may be able to postpone or stop the onset of neurological diseases like depression. By observing how specific brain receptors reacted to the maitake, the researchers were also able to confirm the antidepressant impact of the mushroom.

As for the maitake mushrooms' mental health benefits; " it is safe and delicious, and while it may not have the same potency, maitake has less adverse effects than the currently prescribed antidepressants," according to scientists.

Also, Maitake mushrooms contain polysaccharides, such as beta-glucan, a soluble fiber. Polysaccharides are long molecules of carbohydrates that have a positive effect on the immune system. In addition, Soluble fiber offers digestive benefits, which may maintain healthy immune function.

Oyster

Oyster mushrooms contain abundant fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other vital components. They are an excellent option for people who follow low-carb dietary habits. Other nutrients, such as vitamin D and selenium, are also present.

Antioxidants, molecules that lessen cellular damage in your body, are present in oyster mushrooms. For instance, seven phenolic compounds, including gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, and naringenin, have been found in Pleurotus ostreatus, an oyster mushroom extract. These compounds all serve as antioxidants in your body. The amino acid ergothioneine, which possesses potent antioxidant properties, is also present in these mushrooms.

Moreover, Oyster mushrooms taken as a supplement or included in the diet may help regulate blood sugar levels and other aspects of health, according to research on individuals with and without diabetes.

Reishi

The reishi mushroom, scientifically referred to as Ganoderma lucidum and lingzhi, is a type of fungus that originates in several hot and humid regions of Asia. This fungus has long been a mainstay of Eastern medicine. According to some research on the mushroom's potential to prevent or treat colorectal cancer, Reishi medication was shown to reduce the number and size of tumors in the large intestine.

These advantages included enhancing cancer patients' quality of life and raising the body's white blood cell activity, which aids in the fight against cancer. According to researchers, Reishi should be used in addition to conventional medicine rather than as a substitute.

Reishi also has potential benefits for mental health. A study looked at its effects on 132 people with neurasthenia, a mysterious ailment characterized by aches, pains, headaches, dizziness, and irritability. After taking the supplements for eight weeks, the researchers observed a decrease in fatigue and an improvement in well-being. The participants in the study also reported less anxiety and depression.

Turkey tail

One of the most well-known medical mushrooms, Trametes Versicolor or Coriolus versicolor. Commonly referred to as turkey tail due to its striking colors. This mushroom has been used worldwide for centuries to treat various conditions.

This mushroom is known for being packed with Antioxidants. Such as phenol, and flavonoid chemicals that improve the health of your immune system by lowering inflammation and encouraging the release of protective compounds.

Turkey tail contains two types of polysaccharide peptides: Kristin (PSK) and polysaccharide peptide (PSP). Both PSK and PSP have potent immune-stimulating qualities. They support immune response by activating and inhibiting particular types of immune cells and reducing inflammation.

Thanks to its many beneficial compounds, turkey tail is frequently used as a natural treatment to fight certain cancers, such as breast cancer, gastric cancer, or colorectal cancer. Patients who received 1 to 3.6 grams of turkey tail mushroom per day in addition to standard treatment showed a significant survival advantage, according to an analysis of 13 studies.

Lion's mane

The lion's mane mushroom originates in traditional Eastern medicine, also called Hericium Erinaceus, Yamabushitake, hedgehog mushroom, and houtou. This mushroom has been shown to benefit the health of your brain and cognitive function.

Your brain naturally slows down as you age. Animal studies suggest that lion's mane mushroom extract may promote brain health by stimulating the production of two crucial substances: nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

NGF and BDNF are two types of proteins that encourage the growth of new cells and fortify existing ones. NGF is critical for developing myelin, the protective sheath that surrounds nerve cells and aids brain cells' function. The boost in brain plasticity caused by BDNF makes your brain cells more resistant to stress and aging.

Due to potent anti-inflammatory properties, lion's mane may also improve focus. Your brain receives more oxygen because of enhanced blood flow caused by decreased inflammation. Better brain function is a consequence of having more oxygen in your brain.

 

All the above medical mushrooms can be taken as dietary supplements or functional foods. If you are seeking an all-in-one convenient daily supplement, consider our Sea Moss + Smart Shrooms capsules.

Check out our product page for more info. Also, if you are wondering how sea moss can benefit you? Learn more here.