Don’t be the Last One to Try Functional Mushrooms
More and more Americans are starting to try functional mushrooms. This collection of fungi, sometimes called adaptogenic mushrooms, includes Cordyceps, Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Maitake, and Turkey Tail mushrooms. Many of these don’t have a pleasant natural taste, so they are processed into powders, capsules, coffees, teas, and other mushroom products.
Preliminary research and anecdotal evidence suggest that functional mushrooms support a multitude of positive health improvements. This can include an immune system boost, improved exercise performance, and even increased focus and mental clarity.
5 Reasons to Incorporate Functional Mushrooms into the Daily Routine
Below are just a few of the reasons for someone to try functional mushrooms. Research is ongoing regarding these mushrooms, and discoveries are being made every year.
1. Improve Immune Health
Functional mushrooms have been shown to have extremely high concentrations of two immune-boosting compounds – antioxidants and polysaccharides. The Reishi mushroom is one of the most versatile functional mushrooms. In a randomized controlled trial, Reishi extract improved immune function in people with type 2 diabetes.
Other mushrooms have shown similar properties. Studies on lab animals show that Chaga mushrooms boost the immune system in as fast as eight days. The Turkey Tail mushroom boosts immunity by bolstering CD8+ T cells and CD19+ B cells.
2. Improve Cognition
One functional mushroom has been shown to improve cognitive function time and time again. The Lion’s Mane mushroom was tested in a randomized, double-blinded, controlled study. Participants with mild Alzheimer’s disease showed a significant reduction in cognitive decline after orally taking three capsules containing lion’s mane every day for 49 weeks when compared to the placebo group.
Another study involving young adults found an improvement in speed of performance and reduction in subjective stress. Yet, another study found this mushroom to boost nerve growth, which might improve memory by extension.
3. Reduce Stress
Reishi mushrooms have been found to support the function of the adrenal glands. These glands secrete cortisol, which is a hormone that helps the body respond to stress. Additionally, studies in rats have shown that Reishi may help protect against stress-induced anxiety.
4. Blood Sugar Control
Functional mushrooms are packed full of prebiotic fibers. These have been shown to keep our microbiome healthy by giving our microbes the food they need to stay alive. As a result of this, consuming any edible mushroom in whole food form has benefits for gut health and blood sugar control.
Other mushrooms full of prebiotic beta-glucans have also been shown to help regulate blood sugar, including the Chaga and Maitake mushrooms. Reishi mushrooms have been shown to be the most beneficial; in one study, they decreased blood sugar and improved HDL cholesterol.
5. Increase Antioxidants and Exercise Performance
Studies show that increasing antioxidants fights free radicals created during exercise. Mushrooms like Cordyceps and Reishi are very high in antioxidants. Chaga mushrooms have the highest antioxidant concentration of any food, which has been shown to boost exercise performance. It was proven in one study where it was found to reduce stress and fatigue in animals that took Cordyceps and had to continuously swim. Another study found that when Cordyceps were taken with Rhodiola crenulata during high-altitude training, a slight improvement in endurance was noted.
Functional Mushroom Recommendation
It is important to note that the FDA does not endorse any mushroom to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. They should not be used as a substitute for the guided care of an experienced medical practitioner. They are not meant to substitute or replace those of a medical doctor but rather work in conjunction with them.
Functional Mushroom Dosage
Functional mushrooms are not a one-and-done product. To take full advantage of these therapeutic benefits, take them as part of a daily regimen. It is also important to choose a particular health area that needs to be addressed and target it with a specific mushroom. Don’t expect one mushroom to be able to address everything that has been listed here.
Continue Exploring with Purely Found
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Because every product and ingredient can feel different from person to person, we believe clear information matters. Take time to read product details, review suggested use, check ingredients, and start with a thoughtful approach whenever trying something new.
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