The healing power of mushrooms

What prevents you from trying medicinal mushrooms? Stop panicking and hang in there with us for a second. We will, in fact, recommend that you brew coffee with mushrooms (among other things). But trust us, there's a good reason behind this.

Eastern medicine has relied on medicinal mushrooms for thousands of years, and their popularity has only grown in recent decades. You may obtain these mushrooms in many forms, including the wildly popular Los Angeles latte, but they were always supposed to be consumed in powdered form (never raw or whole). However, one of the simplest methods to satisfy your mushroom craving? Just toss a tablespoon into your morning coffee, vegetable stir-fry, or smoothie.

The benefits that medicinal mushrooms give to human health are many (think: brain booster, hormone helper, antioxidant powerhouse). However, the medicinal benefits of mushrooms vary widely depending on the kind.

Bear in mind that these mushrooms won't magically fix everything. The study of mushrooms is very young in Western medicine, and much more investigation is needed before there can be any conclusive proof for human use. Therefore, you should consider them more as mini-vaccines against stress, inflammation, and cancer, or even more like sidekicks for your immune system. Let's learn about the best six varieties of mushrooms and what makes them so potent so that you can tap into their potential.

 

Relax with some reishi

One of the most well-liked mushrooms, this one is often used for medical purposes. It's possible that Reishi can accomplish it all: help you lose weight (as shown in a rat research), keep your immune system in balance, and (perhaps) ferociously combat cancer cells.

The component triterpene, which is present in reishi in relatively high concentrations, is responsible for the mushroom's soothing effects, making it stand out from other medicinal mushrooms. Evidence from mice suggests that these mood-enhancing chemicals can help with things like relieving anxiety, easing sadness, and promoting better sleep. And that's not all the good news about triterpenes and the neurological system. It has been shown that the use of Reishi can not only speed up the healing process, but also improve concentration.

For a mental boost, try lion's mane.

Do you have a severe case of brain fog? For a dose of all-natural focus, try lion's mane. Like other therapeutic mushrooms, this feathery "pom-pom" variety is rich in antioxidants and boosts the immune system. However, lion's mane is exceptional in that it promotes NGF and myelin formation, two essential components of the nervous system (an insulation around nerve fibers).

Myelin and NFG are both essential for proper brain function. Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis are only two of the neurological illnesses that may be exacerbated by an imbalance in them. Then the lion's mane is an excellent source of mental nourishment! A tiny human research found that this magical mushroom enhanced cognition, while another found that it enhanced memory in mice, boosted focus, and reduced anxiety and agitation.

The use of lion's mane has been linked to improved memory, focus, and other mental processes.

Consume chaga, a potent antioxidant capable of neutralizing free radicals, to improve your health.

Because of their high antioxidant content, chaga mushrooms can be serious candidates in the battle against free radicals and inflammation. This black mushroom has been shown to reduce levels of the "bad" cholesterol low-density lipoprotein (LDL), fight oxidative stress (which has been related to skin aging), and maybe even prevent or halt the development of cancer. Although most research on chaga has been conducted on human cells and animals, all indications suggest that this mushroom has positive effects on health.

 

Shiitake mushrooms are good for your heart.

If shiitake mushrooms are already a staple in your kitchen, by all means, keep using them. However, this well-liked mushroom is good for you in more ways than just adding flavor to your stir-fry.

If you're looking to improve your heart health, go no further than these mushrooms. In mice, shiitakes were shown to reduce LDLTrusted Source because they contain chemicals that prevent the body from taking in and producing cholesterol. Phytonutrients, which are present in these handy fungi, have been demonstrated in a rat research (Trusted Source) to assist in the prevention of plaque accumulation and to keep blood pressure and circulation normal.

 

Utilizing turkey tail in the battle against cancer

In all honesty, the majority of the medicinal mushrooms on our list have anticancer capabilities because to the high levels of antioxidants that they contain. However, turkey tail elevates it to an entirely new level.

The turkey tail is rich in a substance known as polysaccharide-K (PSK), which is known to boost the body's immune system. Because of how successful PSK is in treating cancer, it is now available in Japan as a prescription medicine. It has been demonstrated that turkey tail improves the likelihood of survival for patients diagnosed with specific malignancies. Fight the cells that cause leukemia, Reliable Source. Trusted Source, and help patients undergoing chemotherapy better tolerate its side effects by boosting their immune systems. (It goes without saying that you shouldn't stop taking your cancer medication without first discussing it with your oncologist.)

Do you need a little boost of energy? The saving power of cordyceps

Low on energy or in need of a pick-me-up before your workout? You should try cordyceps, a type of mushroom. This fungus has a well-deserved reputation for being a potent energizing and libidinal booster.

Cordyceps has been shown to improve oxygen use and circulation. Particularly useful for sportsmen and fitness enthusiasts. Besides enhancing exercise and athletic performance, this mushroom has also been demonstrated to hasten muscle recovery after exercise.

Mushroom understanding

The remarkable health benefits of mushrooms may be easily obtained by adding a teaspoon of mushroom powder to any of your favorite dishes. Also, stick to the recommended daily allowance of one to two teaspoons. Even if you notice an improvement in your health, it's not wise to raise your dosage because additional research is needed to confirm the advantages of these mushrooms.

It's important to consult your doctor before including medicinal mushrooms into your diet, especially if you're already on medication or expecting a child. Also, before you fully commit, learn as much as you can about the fungal species that has caught your eye. Having an adverse reaction to mushrooms, such as an upset stomach or an allergy, is possible.

Now that you know about all these incredible therapeutic mushrooms, which one are you most looking forward to trying?