by Sofia Moreau

From sprucing up your morning omelette to becoming a beacon in the health and wellness domain, mushrooms have a lot to offer. These funguses are brimming with bioactive compounds rendering an armful of benefits for your physical and mental well-being.

Mushroom kingdom encompasses more than 10, 000 types of mushrooms, with around 270 species possessing potential health benefits. Medicinal mushrooms are becoming a household name, usually consumed in powder form for health benefits. Delve deeper to decode the health benefits of these earthy flavored gems.

Health Treasures Concealed in Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a treasure trove of essential nutrients containing all nine vital amino acids, Vitamins B and D, and essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and zinc. They are also abundant in prebiotic fiber, the unseen hero for a healthy gut microbiota.

Mycotherapy, the usage of mushroom compounds for health, is the latest health-boosting trend making waves around the globe. Different types of mushrooms- including reishi, cordyceps, lion’s mane, chaga, and shiitake have been revered in traditional medicine for generations, now scientists are discovering the specifics behind their powerful immune-supporting, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

One of the primary bioactive components found in medicinal mushrooms is beta-D-glucan, a soluble fiber polysaccharide also present in oats and seaweed. This compound helps maintain bodily balance. In addition, medicinal mushrooms also contain terpenes, aromatic compounds recognized for their protective characteristics against diseases, and helping with pain and inflammation reduction.

Mushrooms also function as adaptogens that uphold homeostasis or balance within the body, and in turn, render optimal health. Certain types of mushrooms like cordyceps, reishi, and lion’s mane stand out with their powerful adaptogenic properties.

Unique Benefits of Different Medicinal Mushrooms

Each type of medicinal mushroom boasts of a unique set of health benefits. For instance, chaga mushrooms are known for their high antioxidant content, aiding with inflammation and digestion. By regulating the nervous system, reishi mushrooms are beneficial for helping with high-stress situations, insomnia and anxiety, and regulating insulin. Cordyceps mushrooms are recognized for their potential in boosting athletic performance and reducing chronic fatigue. Shiitake mushrooms contain components that help lower cholesterol. Royal sun agaricus mushroom with a high concentration of beta-glucans supports the immune system. The maitake mushroom is favorably known for its metabolic balancing properties.

How to Incorporate Medicinal Mushrooms

The fruiting body of the mushroom, the bit that finds its way to your pizza, is the most potent part of the fungus. While buying supplements, look for ones that incorporate the whole mushroom – the fruiting body, mycelium (roots), and spores (seeds). Noteworthy health benefits can be gained from a concoction, so consider using a mushroom blend or your personalized combination of single mushroom supplements.

How to Choose the Right Medicinal Mushroom Supplement

Selecting the ideal mushroom supplement requires some diligence. Look for active compounds like beta-glucans and terpenes listed by weight on the pack. The way the mushrooms are grown also influences the quality of the supplement. As mushrooms absorb whatever is in their environment, it is important to choose organic brands to avoid any potential contamination by heavy metals and pesticides.

Medicinal mushrooms and their health benefits are waiting to be explored. Join millions from around the world who are discovering this burgeoning trend in wellness.

Related: Discover more sweeping food and nutrition trends in 2022.

medicinal mushrooms, health and wellness, mycotherapy, immune support, antioxidants, reishi, cordyceps, Lion’s mane, chaga, shiitake, adaptogens, beta-D-glucans, royal sun agaricus, shiitake, gut health, nutritional supplements