realmushrooms.com has a wonderful article on their blog about the benefits of medicinal mushrooms, and how to know which supplements are good or not.
As an important point to getting the best of the benefits mushrooms can provide, this blog article explains that “in recent years the Western market in which these mushrooms are marketed and sold has few control standards, resulting in a high chance that the “mushroom” products being sold contain little to no mushrooms at all, and are mostly mycelium and starch, from rice or other grains, ground up into a powder.”
What is Mycelium?
“Mycelium is the root system of the mushroom, it is the precursor to the fruiting body we simply know as a mushroom. Mycelium and mushrooms are not synonymous. The key active compounds found in mushrooms that research has linked to health benefits are: beta-D-glucans, triterpenoids and ergosterol.
Beta-D-glucans have been identified as primary sources of medicinal activity; they are a naturally occurring structural component of the cell walls of mushrooms that can activate or potentiate both innate and adaptive immunity.
Triterpenoids play a complementary role with beta-glucans in immune system activation; primary activities include: liver protection, antioxidant activity, reduced histamine response and reduced inflammation.
Furthermore, a sterol called ergosterol is present in all fungi which has recently been discovered to also have immunomodulating and antioxidant properties. Ergosterol in fungi is similar to cholesterol in humans.”
The article goes on to explain how “Mushrooms are nutritional powerhouses with a myriad of health benefits including the following:
- Immune support
- Full of antioxidants
- Anti-inflammatory
- Helps to manage blood sugar
- Support brain health and cognition
- Support the nervous system
- Increase energy and stamina
Finally, an exploration of the benefits of different types of mushrooms:
Lion’s Mane: The Mushroom for the Mind
Supports healthy brain function
Reishi: The Mushroom of Immortality
Sleep aid and potent immunomodulator
Note:
One way to identify the purity of our reishi product is the dark colour and bitter taste.
Cordyceps: The Caterpillar Fungus
Improves lung capacity and increases energy
Note:
It is recommended that adults take up to 2gms per day over a long period of time.
Chaga: The Mushroom that’s not a Mushroom
Boosts digestion and clears skin
Note:
It is recommended that adults take Chaga daily.
Turkey Tail: The Mushroom of Multiple Colors
Boosts immune system function
Note:
It is suggested to take up to 2 grams per day.
Shiitake: The Fragrant Mushroom
Improves cardiovascular health
Note:
Recommended dosing is up to two grams per day. Can be taken at any time of the day, use for at least 6-8 weeks to feel the effects on the body.
Maitake: The Dancing Mushroom
Helps to regulate blood pressure and supports immune function
This website promotes the highest quality mushrooms, and offers a lot of resources so as to get the best possible products.
It’s important to know what supplements you consume. As far as mushrooms are concerned, always make sure it is not filled with additives, and that the fruiting body is the source of your mushrooms, not mycelium or other starches. Another good company is PrimalHerb.
Note: I do not have any affiliation with the RealMushrooms.com.
The information in this article is not meant as medical advice.