8 Best Mushrooms for Health
Mushrooms are somewhat of an enigma. Some of them are poisonous, some of them add a savory taste to soups and stir-fries, and others can have powerful health benefits.
There are just over 2,000 species of edible mushrooms, opens in a new tab around the world, so finding the mushrooms with the best health benefits would be a massive project. That’s why we did the legwork and made a list of the eight best mushrooms for health.
8 Best Mushrooms for Health
Medicinal mushrooms are regular mushrooms that can have exceptionally powerful health benefits. While these functional mushrooms might seem like a new fad, they’ve actually been around for thousands of years. Many of these mushrooms are fixtures in Japan and China, as well as other countries with traditional modes of folk medicine.
1. Lion’s Mane
Lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is a white, fuzzy-looking mushroom that grows throughout America, Canada, Europe, and parts of Asia. This mushroom is rich in beta-glucans, a type of polysaccharide that acts as prebiotic fiber.
Lion’s mane also plays a role in supporting overall brain health, as it can support the body’s production of nerve growth factor (NGF), opens in a new tab. This is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this fantastic fungus — it can also support mental health, healthy sleep, mental focus, opens in a new tab, and gut detoxification.
2. Turkey Tail
Turkey tail mushroom is a common name that refers to either Coriolus versicolor or Trametes versicolor. Both species of mushroom look similar and have near-identical health benefits.
Specifically, turkey tail is known for its ability to modulate the immune system, specifically in cancer patients. It also contains polysaccharide Krestin (PSK), which is an approved cancer treatment in Japan.
3. Chaga
Chaga mushroom, opens in a new tab (Inonotus obliquus) is a black, lumpy mushroom that grows on trees in cold regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. This mushroom is known for its powerful antioxidants, as well as its ability to support healthy immune function.
Chaga also contains melanin, which can encourage healthy hair, skin, and nails. One study also suggests that this mushroom may support healthy blood sugar levels, opens in a new tab.
4. Reishi
Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) is widely known for its adaptogen-like abilities. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, reishi is used to calm someone’s mental and emotional state.
Some experts suggest that reishi mushrooms can support healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, opens in a new tab. This mushroom can also increase white blood cell production, as well as support healthy blood sugar levels.
5. Cordyceps
Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis) is a species of mushroom that grows in certain types of insects. This mushroom is popular among athletes and gym-goers for its ability to increase athletic performance.
Cordyceps can increase the body’s production of ATP, which is used throughout the body for cellular energy. This can help you work out harder for longer, which can increase your gains in the gym. This mushroom can also improve your Vo2 max, opens in a new tab, which measures your body’s ability to efficiently use oxygen.
6. Shiitake
Up until now, you may not have recognized any of the mushrooms we’ve discussed. However, shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) can be found in the produce aisle of any American grocery store.
These mushrooms can support your immune system and heart health. They are also a great source of potassium and add a wonderful flavor to any dish.
7. Oyster
Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) are large mushrooms that look a lot like oysters — hence the name. These mushrooms grow on trees in any temperate climate and can be pretty easy to forage. They’re rich in vitamin D, opens in a new tab and B vitamins and are also edible, which makes them a healthy addition to any meal.
8. Maitake
Maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) is another popular edible mushroom that has some hidden health benefits. Maitake can improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as lower blood sugar levels.
Benefits of Mushroom Supplements
Since most of these mushrooms are edible, why would you take a supplement when you could just fry them up in a pan? As it turns out, there are a few key reasons why you may want to opt for mushroom supplements.
These include the following:
- Mushrooms Used: Mushroom supplements are often designed to target specific health concerns, which affects the types of mushrooms and other ingredients you’ll find in each brand.
- Dosages: Mushroom supplements often use a far higher amount of mushrooms than you’d get on a plate.
- Extracted Compounds: Mushroom supplements are made with mushroom extracts. The bioactive compounds in mushrooms must be properly extracted to be useful, so simply eating raw mushrooms unfortunately won’t give you the same benefits.
- Edibility: Most of these mushrooms are edible. However, some, like chaga and reishi, have such bitter tastes that almost no one eats them. Taking them in supplement form can be the easiest way to get their benefits.
As with any dietary supplement, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider before you start taking a mushroom supplement, especially if you have a preexisting health condition or take any medications. Medical mushrooms generally have no common side effects, but it’s still important to pay attention to how you feel when you take them. If you notice any symptoms after taking them, talk to your doctor.
How To Take Mushroom Supplements
There are plenty of different types of mushroom supplements. You can find liquid tinctures, mushroom powders, capsules, and even mushroom coffee.
Our Mushroom Coffee+ is made with lion’s mane and chaga fruiting bodies which have been double extracted to help you get more benefits. It’s incredibly easy to make, too — all you need to do is add hot water and any flavors you’d like.
That’s not all. Our blend also features collagen protein to support gut health, L-theanine to encourage mental health and focus, and coffee extract to support feelings of energy and alertness.
The Bottom Line
Mushrooms are great on pizza and in stir-fries, don’t get us wrong — but some mushrooms are wasted in the kitchen. Medicinal mushrooms like lion’s mane, chaga, turkey tail, and cordyceps have powerful health benefits that make them especially useful as dietary supplements.
Of course, not all supplements are as boring as regular capsules. Our mushroom blends are delicious, easy to make, and even easier to enjoy. To try our mushroom coffee for yourself, shop our collection, opens in a new tab today.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8810068/, opens in a new tab
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24266378/, opens in a new tab
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28954386/, opens in a new tab
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30806268/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27408987/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10252922/, opens in a new tab
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