Move over, magic mushroom.Medicinal mushrooms can help support your immune system and enhance memory, as well as other superpowers.
Mushrooms have officially taken over the health space and go far beyond the magical species, even the one you find on the plate.Health enthusiasts are putting mushrooms in everything from coffee to smoothies to medicine cabinets. It seems that this is just the beginning of the mushroom boom.
But not all mushrooms are created equal.Many of them have impressive special (scientific support) characteristics.One of the most beneficial types of mushrooms is called functional mushrooms, and it is very different from the button mushrooms you might add to pasta (although they are good for you).
“Functional mushrooms are a type of mushroom whose benefits exceed the nutritional benefits of traditional mushrooms that we are familiar with in cooking,” said Alana Kessler, a registered dietitian.”Functional mushrooms can be taken in capsules, powders, liquids (tea) and sprays,” Kessler said.
There are so many different types of mushrooms on the market, how do you know which one is best for you?Which ones are worth buying tinctures or supplements instead of cooking and eating?Read on for a complete overview of all the healthiest mushrooms you can use-from the types you can eat to those that are healthy when taken in more concentrated supplement form.
You will find medicinal mushrooms in many forms, but one of the most common supplement methods is to use mushroom powder or extract (more on this later).Although many mushrooms are taken in supplements, powders, or other forms, some medicinal mushrooms are also eaten in whole form.”Mushrooms usually provide rich nutrients and low calories. They provide selenium, B vitamins, vitamin D and potassium-which are necessary for energy and nutrient absorption, as well as beta glucan which is important for reducing inflammation and providing fiber. Especially shiitake mushrooms and maitake mushrooms,” Kessler said.
Maitake mushroom: “It can be fried, boiled, or cooked separately (usually not raw),” Kessler said.Maitake is an adaptogen, which means it can help the body adapt to stress and maintain balance.In addition to helping improve cholesterol and type 2 diabetes, it also has potential anti-cancer benefits.
Shiitake mushrooms: “[Can] be cooked into any type of dish, and can be eaten raw, but usually cooked,” Kessler said.Shiitake mushrooms may help fight cancer and inflammation, and they contain beta-glucans, which may help lower cholesterol.
Lion’s mane: “Usually not eaten raw, it can be substituted for crabmeat in recipes. [Helps] support emotional health and memory,” Kessler said.
Oyster mushrooms: “Usually they are not eaten raw, they can be fried, or used for stir-frying,” Kessler said.Studies have shown that oyster mushrooms contain antioxidants, which may help reduce the risk of certain diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, obesity and diabetes.
Although not an exhaustive list, the following types of mushrooms are some of the most common types sold and sold in supplements, extracts, powders, and other products today.
Lion’s mane mushrooms are known for their potential benefits for brain health.Some supplements and products that sell lion mane claim that it can help improve concentration and memory.Although there are not many human clinical studies on lion mane, some animal studies have shown that it helps to enhance memory and may help prevent diseases that affect cognitive function, such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease.Lion’s mane is rich in antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation in the body.
Traditionally used in East Asian medicine, Lingzhi is a mushroom that is used for many reasons and has a long list of potential health benefits.It is currently used to help Chinese cancer patients who need to help strengthen their immune system after cancer treatment.
According to Kessler, Ganoderma contains a variety of polysaccharides that can stimulate part of the immune system.”[Ganoderma] helps the body fight viruses and bacteria by stimulating the production of T cells,” Kessler said.Ganoderma may also be beneficial in fighting cancer, because “polysaccharides can significantly increase’natural killer’ cells, thereby destroying cancer cells, shrinking tumors and slowing the spread of existing cancers,” Kessler said.
Due to naturally occurring compounds called triterpenes, Ganoderma lucidum may also help reduce stress, reduce symptoms of depression, and help improve sleep.
“[Chaga] fungus grows in colder climates and has high fiber content. This may be a reason. Although it is beneficial to immune function and provides antioxidants, it is also used as a supplementary treatment for heart disease and diabetes because It helps lower blood sugar,” Kessler said.In addition to antioxidants and fiber, Chaga also contains a variety of other nutrients, such as B vitamins, vitamin D, zinc, iron, and calcium.
Turkey tail is known for its potential benefits for immune health, and it has been studied in conjunction with other treatments to treat cancer.
“[Turkey tail] stimulates the process of fighting tumor growth and metastasis in the body, including the production of T cells and’natural killer’ cells,” Kessler said.”Research shows that polysaccharide-K (PSK, a compound in turkey tail) improves the survival rate of patients with gastric cancer and colorectal cancer, and shows promise against leukemia and certain lung cancers,” Kessler said.
Perhaps the most popular mushroom among the fitness crowd, Cordyceps is loved by fitness enthusiasts and athletes for its ability to promote recovery and endurance.”Cordyceps sinensis can promote metabolism and endurance, and accelerate recovery by increasing ATP, and improve the body’s use of oxygen,” Kessler said.
Some mushroom supplements and products contain fillers and other ingredients that you need to avoid to find the best quality products.”When buying mushroom supplements, make sure that starch is listed. Some supplements can be added with’fillers’, so make sure that only 5% of the formula contains starch,” Kessler said.Another tip from Kessler is to choose concentrated extracts instead of powdered forms.She said she would look for “extracted hot water” on the label or on the company’s website.
“Avoid supplements containing mycelium-this means that supplements do not contain β-glucan, which gives it most of its medicinal value. Look for labels with triterpenoids and active polysaccharides,” Kessler said.
Finally, remember that taking medicinal mushrooms requires patience, and you will not see immediate results.”It takes at least two weeks to notice the effects of functional mushrooms. It is recommended to take a week off every four to six months,” Kessler said.
The information contained in this article is for educational and information purposes only, not as health or medical advice.If you have any questions about your medical condition or health goals, please consult a doctor or other qualified health provider.
Post time: Dec-29-2021