Super Mushrooms: 7 Potential Benefits
Mushrooms are more than just an underrated pizza topping or soup ingredient — they are also packed with vitamins, minerals, and beneficial compounds. However, while we don’t have anything against the standard button mushrooms that are often used in cooking, only certain types of mushrooms truly have what it takes to be considered “medicinal mushrooms.”
But which mushrooms are the best, and what are the benefits you can expect from them? Read on to learn more about these superfoods and how to make them part of your daily routine.
7 Potential Health Benefits of Super Mushrooms
Mushrooms are pretty interesting when you think about it. Some of them are colorful, some control insects, and others are toxic or even poisonous. On top of all of that, a few species of mushrooms can actually have such powerful benefits that they’re collectively called “medicinal mushrooms.”
Many of these mushrooms have been used throughout parts of Asia and America for thousands of years. For instance, traditional medicine in China makes use of mushrooms like lion’s mane and reishi because of their many benefits, while countless American cuisines, particularly soups, incorporate local species.
The potential health benefits of mushrooms include the following:
- Supports Gut Health: Many mushrooms contain beta-glucans, a type of prebiotic carbohydrate that can feed your good gut bacteria.
- Encourages Digestion: Beta-glucans can also help support smooth and regular digestion. It’s similar to eating salad, except mushrooms are much more versatile. For instance, you can even sneak them into your morning cup of coffee!
- Supports Brain Function: Some mushrooms contain compounds that can encourage focus, memory, and awareness. Who needs espresso when you can have mushrooms?
- Provides Valuable Nutrients: Many mushrooms are rich in vitamin D and B vitamins, as well as minerals and amino acids.
- Bolsters the Immune System: A few mushrooms can actually support the immune system by encouraging the production of white blood cells.
- Supports Heart Health: Many mushrooms can support healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Encourages a Healthy Blood Sugar: Some mushrooms can encourage the body’s natural elimination of sugar from the blood.
7 Super Mushrooms To Try
These are all great benefits, but each type of mushroom has its own unique benefit profile. One type of mushroom might excel at supporting your immune system, while another might be better for supporting digestion.
Choosing a functional mushroom supplement is a little like online dating. Once you know the qualities you’re looking for, you’ll know when it’s time to swipe right. Read on for a profile of each species and prepare to meet your mushroom match!
1. Chaga
Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) is a black, lumpy mushroom that contains powerful antioxidants. In fact, it’s often called the “King of Mushrooms” because of its strong antioxidant properties. This mushroom can also support the immune system and may even support healthy blood sugar levels.
2. Reishi
Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) can lower blood sugar and blood pressure levels, thanks to compounds like triterpenes. This mushroom also has some adaptogenic qualities and is said to help lower stress and increase relaxation. Stress can affect your overall well-being, so lowering it can work wonders for your health.
3. Lion’s Mane
Lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is a white, fluffy mushroom that is known for tasting like seafood. It is also rich in polysaccharides like beta-glucans. Lion’s mane can support balanced mental health, support focus, encourage healthy sleep, and even support the body’s natural detox pathways. It can also encourage cognitive function and brain health, especially in older adults.
4. Cordyceps
Don’t worry — cordyceps mushroom (Cordyceps sinensis) won’t turn you into a zombie. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Cordyceps can actually increase your cellular energy, help your body use oxygen more efficiently, and jumpstart your metabolism. It’s a little like pre-workout, except it won’t give you a caffeine crash once it wears off.
5. Maitake
Maitake mushrooms (Grifola frondosa) contain beta-glucans and antioxidants and are also considered adaptogens. They are rich in vitamins B and C, potassium, and copper. Maitake mushrooms can boost the immune system and lower blood sugar, which can support overall health.
6. Shiitake
Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) are the only ones on this list that you might be able to find in the produce aisle at your local grocery store. These mushrooms are rich in vitamin D and B vitamins, particularly vitamin B6. They have antimicrobial properties, can support overall digestion, support immune function, and can encourage a healthy metabolism.
7. Turkey Tail
Turkey tail mushroom (Trametes versicolor) is a popular edible mushroom because it grows pretty much everywhere. Seriously — it grows almost all over the world in every climate (except Antarctica). This mushroom provides powerful immune support and protects against terminal illnesses.
Mushroom Supplement Tips
You’ve picked out which mushrooms you want to try and you’ve read up on their health benefits, and now you’re ready to pick out your mushroom supplement. However, while you certainly can pick up any mushroom supplement off the shelf, there are some important things to look for if you’re looking for the highest quality supplement.
These include the following:
- Form of Mushrooms Used: Mushroom powders are not as bioavailable as mushroom extracts.
- Parts of Mushrooms Used: Mushroom mycelium is not as nutritionally dense as fruiting bodies.
- Mushroom Growing Practices: Mushrooms grown on wood have more nutrients than those grown on grain.
- Extra Ingredients: Every brand of mushroom supplement includes its own extra ingredients, so make sure you look at these too.
It’s also important to choose a supplement that you know you’ll take every day. For instance, our Mushroom Coffee+ is designed to replace your morning cup of coffee. It tastes just as good and the benefits are even better, thanks to lion’s mane and chaga mushrooms, L-theanine, collagen, and coffee extract. Plus, we only use 100 percent wood-grown fruiting bodies that have been fully extracted.
Most functional mushrooms are pretty gentle on the system and generally have little to no side effects. However, it’s always a good idea to get medical advice before making a new supplement part of your daily routine. If you take any medications, have any health conditions, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to a healthcare provider before starting any new supplements.
The Bottom Line
Look, we’re not saying mushrooms are the most powerful superfood out there — but isn’t there something magical about a food that tastes good, has powerful benefits, and blends perfectly into a cup of coffee? Whether you opt to try chaga mushroom or turkey tail, your body may thank you for it.
At Everyday Dose, we know all about the power of mushrooms because we’ve seen it in our own lives. We wholeheartedly believe in our Mushroom Coffee+, but we know that it’s really something you need to experience yourself. Give super mushrooms a try today with one of our mushroom blends!
Sources:
Immunomodulatory Activity of the Water Extract from Medicinal Mushroom Inonotus obliquus | PMC
Turkey tail mushrooms act as nonspecific immune modulators | UCLA Health
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