Introduction
Mushroom supplements have become fashionable in recent years. Medicinal mushrooms have their origins in ancient Chinese medicine and Tibetan medicine books from thousands of years ago. Although the use of mushrooms for medicinal purposes has been around for a long time, it is only now that their use is becoming more widespread in the West;
Mushrooms are essential food for a healthy diet.
Mushrooms commonly purchased at grocery stores, such as portobello, shiitake, button mushrooms, and white mushrooms, fall into the same category. Technically, they are fungi, but mushrooms are classified as vegetables for culinary purposes. Consuming mushrooms provides the body with a great fiber, vitamins, and minerals source. Among the most notable nutritional benefits of mushrooms are the number of antioxidants and the soluble fiber beta-glucan, which has been shown to improve heart health.
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What are the benefits of mushroom supplements?
The mushrooms used in cooking are grown and produced the same way as those found in supplements. The difference between the two is that mushrooms used in supplements are considered more beneficial to health. Such benefits are classified as functional foods, which offer more nutritional benefits. More than 100 medicinal properties produce mushrooms.
Among the main benefits of mushroom supplements, the antioxidant properties, cardiovascular prevention, antibacterial properties, and anti-inflammatory properties stand out. In the health field, few clinical studies have been conducted on the benefits of mushrooms, so further research is needed. However, it is proven that the consumption of mushrooms is safe and not harmful to health in general.
Another term you may hear or see in relation to mushroom products is adaptogens. In this sense, adaptogens are herbs and mushrooms that help balance the stress experienced by the body. The pituitary and adrenal glands intervene in response to stress so that the adaptogens help stabilize the balance of the organism. Therefore, another functional benefit of mushroom supplements is adaptogens.
5 types of mushrooms and their health benefits
Various mushrooms or mushrooms are freshly picked and arranged on a wooden board.
Mushroom supplements are made by drying raw mushrooms and extracting them with hot water. They are then turned into a fine powder, similar to our products in stores. When purchasing mushroom supplements, it is essential to note that they are not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration, and you should only purchase from reputable sources.
You can use a variety of mushrooms for making supplements, depending on their medicinal properties. The most commonly used mushroom supplements are reishi, lion's Mane, Chaga, Cordyceps, and turkey tail. There are many more varieties of mushrooms, but these are the ones most commonly featured in supplements. Due to the number of varieties available, it is usually difficult to differentiate which ones have functional properties and when to use them;
Reishi Mushrooms
Reishi mushrooms are scientifically named Ganoderma lucidum and may also be known as lingzhi. The word lingzhi, in Chinese, symbolizes divine power and longevity, which is why this variety of mushrooms is considered to be linked to eternal youth. This variety of reishi mushrooms has a bitter taste and a hard texture. These reishi mushrooms grow on deciduous trees.
Reishi mushrooms are commonly used to boost the immune system and possibly help fight free radicals in the body. Reishi mushroom beta-glucans are considered to stimulate the immune system, which can give them this effect. The unique characteristic of this mushroom is its relaxing properties derived from triterpene, which can improve mood, reduce anxiety, relieve depression and even improve sleep.
Few human studies have been conducted; however, research is ongoing to determine the possible benefits of reishi mushrooms.
Lion's mane
Lion's mane mushrooms are one of the funniest looking mushrooms. These mushrooms are large, white in color, and contain many long, white spines that resemble a lion's mane. They are usually grown on dead, decaying hardwood trees or can be grown at home with the substrate.
Like most mushrooms, the lion's mane also contains many antioxidants that can keep cells healthy. One of the positive effects is that it promotes mental clarity. Some studies have shown that the lion's mane has compounds that can stimulate the growth of brain cells. So, in addition to helping memory, it can also support emotional responses and anxiety and depression.
To easily remember the function of the lion's mane, try to associate the lion's mane that is on the head and the brain inside it.
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Chaga
Chaga mushrooms often grow on the bark of birch trees in cold climates. Although the appearance of Chaga mushrooms resembles a mass of burnt tree bark, they do have functional properties. Originally, Chaga was ground and used to make tea, but today can consume in supplement form.
Chaga has been shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, which can help reduce physical signs of aging in the body.
It is recommended to consult your GP or nutritionist before trying Chaga mushrooms. Unlike other varieties of mushrooms, Chaga contains a protein that can impair blood clotting. Likewise, these Chaga mushrooms contain a high content of oxalates, which increases the probability of suffering from kidney stones.
Turkey Tail
Turkey's tail, despite its name, does not contain turkeys. I chose this name because the fungus resembles a turkey tail and is brightly colored. These fungi often grow on tree trunks in wooded areas.
Turkey's tail is the most popular because of its immune and antioxidant properties and because it contains compounds that can stimulate and strengthen the immune system.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps span more than 400 species; however, two types are the most researched and used in supplements.
Their most common use is to improve energy, as they increase the production of a molecule that helps provide energy to the muscles. Traditionally, cordyceps have been used to reduce fatigue and increase strength and sex drive. But, like many other functional mushrooms, they can also slow down aging.
Given the difficulty of harvesting cordyceps, pharmaceutical products are often used.
Coffee, tea, and mushroom cocoa
Mushroom coffee is one of the most common ways to supplement mushrooms. It is an excellent herbal alternative to traditional coffee. . It is also known as Ganoderma coffee, and it often comes in packets containing mushroom extract and instant coffee. Each packet is added to hot water and mixed to obtain the mushroom coffee. For tea and hot cocoa, the same process is followed. That is, the previously measured packet is added to the water. Although having mushroom coffee in the morning sounds fancy, it's just plain black coffee mixed with one or more of the functional mushroom extracts.
The mushrooms are dried and extracted for the beneficial compounds, then mixed with a regular coffee for mushroom coffee. Mushroom coffee generally has less caffeine than regular coffee, which may benefit some consumers. Likewise, in the case of coffee with mushrooms, the same ideas of limiting the amount of sugar, cream, and other additives used in coffee apply.
Expert Tip: Try adding one variety at a time
When adding any mushroom supplement to your diet, try to incorporate one variety at a time to keep track of any benefits you may experience. In this regard, remember that before starting a new supplement, including mushrooms, check with your medical provider to ensure safety, especially if there are any pre-existing conditions.
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