It turns out Mushrooms are a nutritional powerhouse. While we are just catching on in the States, Eastern medicine has used mushrooms medicinally for centuries. Some of the benefits include, reduced stressed, enhanced immunity, hormone balancing, energy, mental clarity/focus, liver/kidney support and cardiovascular health. They also contain B vitamins as well as a powerful antioxidant called selenium, which helps to support the immune system and prevent damage to cells and tissues. They also have cancer-fighting properties. A study published in the journal Experimental Biology and Medicine tested five types of mushrooms (maitake, crimini, portabella, oyster and white button) and found that they “significantly suppressed” breast cancer cell growth and reproduction.
Mushrooms may work so well because their DNA is more similar to mammals than plants and this may help activate the properties that help us. Part of the beneficial properties may be due to their beta-glucans which act as pre-biotics, feeding the good bacteria in our gut. To benefit from mushrooms, you can eat them, drink them in tea or take supplements. While you can concentrate on one mushroom, for instance Reishi, mixing mushrooms can provide synergistic effects that go beyond the benefits of one. Sandra Carter, founder of Om Mushrooms suggests taking 2 grams or 1 tsp daily. Unlike pharmaceuticals though, you may not see the benefits for 2-3 weeks. You can double to dose the first few weeks to accelerate the effect. Heat will not affect the benefits of the beta-glucans. So which mushrooms should you choose (medicinal):
Cordyceps – Boosts energy, contains antioxidants, supports liver/kidney (energy, pre-workout)
Lion’s Mane – Supports brain cells and new cell growth (mental health/clarity)
Chaga – High in antioxidants – good for the gut (disease prevention)
Shitake – Contains beta-glucans for immune support and healthy cell development (cardiovascular)
Maitake – Promotes cellular health and immune support (synergistic effects with other mushrooms)
Turkey Tail – Promotes healthy cell turnover and liver health (overall health, immune support)
Reishi – Supports immune and cardiovascular systems and stress (stress)
White Button – one of the few non-animal sources of vitamin D. When they are grown, whether indoor or outdoor, they are exposed to UV light which increases their concentration of vitamin D
