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Health Tips
Written By
Ema Wood
So, what exactly is a functional mushroom? When a mushroom has health benefits that go beyond its nutritional value, it is elevated to functional status, surpassing the culinary type frequently found in the vegetable aisle. These benefits place the mushroom in one of two categories: medicinal or adaptogenic.
Medicinal mushrooms have pharmacological activities including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and prebiotic properties. While adaptogenic mushrooms are mushrooms that may help reduce body stress. They differ from hallucinogenic or "magic" mushrooms because they do not effect consciousness or perception.
Traditional medicine has long incorporated functional mushrooms into treatment plans and today holistic practitioners are doing so as well due to the numerous health benefits of functional mushrooms.
According to GlobalData research from 2023, 57% of consumers worldwide believe mushrooms can benefit their health, which is boosting the use of these components in products such as supplements, beverages, and even skincare.
Consumers in the United Kingdom are following the global trend of using mushroom-based goods such as powders, capsules, teas, tinctures, and extracts to improve intestinal health, energy, and overall well-being. Powders can be readily included in smoothies, coffees, and soups, while capsules are ideal for regular dosage. You can consume reishi, chaga, and other mushrooms as herbal teas, and mix alcohol-based extracts, known as tinctures, into water or other beverages.
Benefits
Immune support: Functional mushrooms contain beta-glucans, which help the body's immune response. This makes them a popular choice for folks looking to avoid illness or recover from colds and other diseases.
Improve cognitive function: The neuroprotective qualities of certain mushrooms help to maintain brain health and mental clarity. They are said to enhance memory and concentration, and to reduce the risk of diseases like Alzheimer's.
Stress reduction: Reishi and Cordyceps mushrooms are adaptogens because they restore balance in the body and help the body cope with stress. They also help regulate cortisol levels, which are necessary for stress management and overall wellness.
Increased energy and endurance: Cordyceps and Lion's Mane mushrooms offer a natural energy boost. Benefits include improved oxygen uptake and stamina. They are popular among athletes and those who live an active lifestyle.
Digestive health and the gut: The gut is an important part of general health because it controls everything from digestion to mood. A lot of good mushrooms are prebiotics, which help keep gut bacteria in balance and make digestion better. Not only do these mushrooms help your digestive system, they can also improve your happiness and energy.
Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties: Long-term inflammation has been linked to a number of health problems, such as heart disease and gout. Antioxidants, which help fight free radicals and lower inflammation in the body, are found in large amounts in Chaga mushrooms.
Let's look at a few of the most common types of useful mushrooms and how they might help you reach your own health goals.
Let's look at a few of the most common types of useful mushrooms and how they might help you reach your own health goals.
Reishi (Ganoderma Lucidum)
Also known as the "Mushroom of Immortality," Reishi mushrooms help you deal with stress, relax, and sleep well. They are also known for their ability to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation.
Best for lowering stress, getting a better night's sleep, and keeping your immune system healthy.
Lion's Mane (Hericium Erinaceus)
Lion's Mane is also called the "Brain Mushroom" because it can help your brain work better and your nerves grow back. It makes you smarter, helps you remember things, and even helps people with mild cognitive problems use their brains better.
Great for keeping your brain healthy, focussing, and remembering things.
Cordyceps (C. sinensis)
Cordyceps works by making the body make more adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which muscles need to get energy. It also makes you take in more air, which may be good for your lungs.
Best for energy, athletic efficiency, and stamina.
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)
Chaga has a lot of vitamins and is often used to help the immune system. It is thought to help fight oxidative stress, which has been linked to long-term illnesses.
It is great for boosting the immune system, slowing down the ageing process, and reducing inflammation.
Turkey Tail (Trametes Versicolour)
Polysaccharides in Turkey Tails help the defence system work better. People best know it for its cancer-fighting properties. It also works as a prebiotic, helping to keep your gut healthy.
It is beneficial for cancer care, immune system health, and digestive health.
Maitake (Grifola Frondosa)
The "Dancing Mushroom," Maitake, is rich in beta-glucans that support your immune system, blood sugar regulation, and heart health. Maitake is frequently used in cancer treatments.
It is ideal for regulating your nervous system, cardiovascular health, and managing blood sugar levels.
Many are discovering the power of functional mushrooms and enjoying the benefits of a stronger immune system, less stress, increased energy, and brain function, to name a few. If you are interested in harnessing the power of the fungi, it is important to talk to your health caregiver before starting any new vitamins, especially if you are pregnant or already have a health problem.
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