Whether you’re looking to strengthen your immune system, improve brain function, or boost athletic performance, mushrooms are an essential part of a well-rounded supplement routine.
Mushroom Supplements come in many different forms and sizes, including powders, capsules, and blends that combine several mushrooms into one. Read on to learn more about their benefits and how you can integrate mushroom supplements into your daily routine!
Historical Use of Mushrooms for Medicinal Purposes
Throughout history, mushrooms have been used as medicine in a variety of ways. From tinctures to supplements, people across the globe have been using mushrooms as a means of treating various health conditions for millennia.
One of the most well-known medicinal mushrooms is Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum). These mushroom contain potent antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-neurodegenerative and antidiabetic compounds.
Mushrooms are also thought to boost mood and cognition. A recent study found that hericium erinaceus, commonly referred to as Lion’s Mane, can improve mental health in both healthy individuals and patients with mild cognitive impairment.
In addition, a number of studies suggest that mushrooms may help reduce inflammation and promote brain function. These benefits are attributed to the compounds that fungi contain, which are known for their ability to reduce oxidative stress.
These effects are also believed to be bolstered by the beta-glucan polysaccharides present in the mushrooms. These substances increase mitogenicity (the ability of white blood cells to reproduce) and “inspection” of foreign entities in the body, boosting the immune system’s overall effectiveness.
Several Yuman groups from Northern Mexico have long been aware of the medicinal uses of mushrooms and lichens. However, their communities have become in a state of critical crisis and are struggling to provide basic needs, such as water, electricity, transportation and medical services.
Extraction Methods for Mushroom Supplements
Mushroom extracts are made by breaking down the cell walls of the mushroom using either hot water or alcohol, or both depending on the specific type of mushroom. This helps your body make use of all the beneficial compounds within the mushroom.
Some mushrooms have different medicinal compounds that are water soluble (like beta-glucans) and others that are alcohol soluble (like triterpenes). The best way to extract the full range of medicinal compounds is to do a dual extraction, which uses both alcohol and hot water to dissolve the various medicinal compounds in the mushroom.
Another method is to use an ultrasonic extractor, which sends waves through the liquid that causes the mushroom cells to implode. This releases the inner constituents into the liquid, and makes it much easier to extract them.
The ultrasonic extraction technique is also very gentle, avoiding the need for heating the mushroom and destroying all the good components in the process. This allows PURE5 to create a more natural extract that has less chance of being degraded and retains the full potency of the mushroom.
The study investigated the effect of four different extractants on the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of powdered Boletus edulis and Cantharellus cibarius mushrooms. Results showed that aqueous extracts had the highest TPC and TEAC values, while hydro-alcoholic extracts had the lowest.
Brain Function Enhancement
Adding mushroom supplements to your daily routine can help you improve your brain health. Mushrooms have several brain-supporting properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune boosting benefits.
Choosing the right supplement can be difficult. You need to find a brand that uses high-quality ingredients and is transparent about its production methods. It should also have a clean label and full disclosure of its ingredients and dosage levels.
The Cordyceps mushroom has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries to strengthen the brain. It has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that boost memory and focus, as well as a boost in energy.
In addition, cordyceps has been shown to increase blood flow and oxygen flow to the brain. This can improve your mental clarity and overall cognitive function, thereby preventing age-related brain diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.
Lion’s mane is another medicinal mushroom that has been studied for its neuroprotective qualities. This fungi has been found to promote neurite outgrowth in the brain and stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
These neuroprotective effects can be a great benefit for people with Alzheimer’s disease, as well as those who are experiencing other signs of aging. Studies have also found that lion’s mane can help improve cognitive performance in young adults.
To experience the brain-boosting benefits of lion’s mane, Dimitriu recommends taking the mushroom in a quality powder form. You can add the powder to coffee, smoothies, or soups.
Summary of the Benefits of Mushroom Supplements
Whether you’re trying to boost your immune system, improve brain function, or maintain a healthy weight, mushrooms can provide the support you need. But if you’re new to mushroom supplements, it can be difficult to know which mushrooms have the best benefits for you.
Fortunately, there are many types of mushrooms that have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. They can be found in tinctures, powders, capsules, and liquids (teas)—all of which can be convenient ways to integrate them into your daily routine.
Reishi, for example, has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries to strengthen the immune system. This mushroom is rich in polysaccharides, which stimulate T-cell production. It’s also believed to reduce stress and help promote sleep.
Chaga is another mushroom that has been used for centuries to help improve cognitive health and boost the immune system. It also has the ability to decrease inflammation in the body, a major cause of chronic diseases.
Turkey tail mushroom is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can also increase the number of natural killer cells in the body, which can destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors.
While there is some research to back up the claims of these mushrooms, more randomized clinical trials are needed before they can be recommended for specific health conditions. And, because the potential for side effects is so high, it’s important to talk with your doctor before attempting any supplement.
Potential Cancer Prevention
Mushrooms are a great source of several important nutrients that have been shown to help prevent cancer. For instance, mushrooms contain two antioxidants — ergothioneine and glutathione — that can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
They also contain polysaccharides that can help your body make healthy bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. These bacteria can help keep your colon clean, preventing colon cancer.
Moreover, they’re packed with vitamins and minerals that help your body function optimally. These include vitamin D, which helps your immune system and reduces inflammation. Shiitake and maitake mushrooms are good sources of vitamin D, while cremini and portabella are great choices for vitamin B6.
The potential benefits of integrating mushroom supplements into your daily routine are endless. They can improve your overall health, increase energy levels and help you live longer.
In addition, they can help you fight off chronic fatigue and other conditions. These supplements can be taken in capsule form, gummies or powder.
According to a new study, people who eat 2 mushrooms a day have a 45% lower risk of cancer than those who don’t. This is a big deal, because it means that you could be halving your chances of developing cancer!
However, this is a small piece of evidence, and more research needs to be done. Before you make any changes to your diet, talk with your doctor.
Conclusion
Mushrooms are an easy, tasty and nutritious way to add antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to your diet. Their savory umami flavors can transform any dish and have the added benefit of being low in sodium, helping recipes taste better without the salty ramifications for your heart health.
They’re also a great alternative to meat in many dishes, which helps you cut down on calories and fat and avoid saturated fats, which contribute to obesity and heart disease. Plus, they’re loaded with fibre and a type of soluble fibre called beta-glucans that increase your body’s immune system function by activating natural killer cells and macrophages.
Adaptogen mushrooms like Cordyceps, Reishi and Chaga have been shown to boost immunity, support energy levels, help you sleep and fight stress-induced anxiety. They’re also known for their anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to promote healthy gut flora.
A variety of mushroom supplements are available in the market, including those made with fruiting bodies (spore-producing structures) and those with mycelium (vegetative growth). Look for products that contain high concentrations of beneficial compounds, such as ergothioneine and glutathione.
The best mushrooms are also sourced from wild, organic and/or sustainable sources. This is crucial to make sure that the mushrooms you’re consuming are truly effective in your body.
FAQ’s
Q :Can mushroom supplements help with cardiovascular health?
Answer: Yes, certain types of mushroom supplements, such as reishi, have been shown to have cardioprotective effects and may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
Q :Can mushroom supplements interact with other medications?
Answer: Mushroom supplements may interact with certain medications, so it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking them if you are on any prescription or over-the-counter medications.
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