An Overview of Functional Mushrooms

I listened to a podcast early this morning on the topic of mushrooms, & found it so interesting: I had to write about it.  On Jillian Michael’s June 5th “Keeping it Real” podcast, she interviews Tony Shields, co-founder of FreshCap Mushrooms.  And what I found so interesting about this interview was: so many conversations about mushrooms these days revolve around psilocybin (magic mushrooms), & how it’s being studied as a potential therapy for a number of disorders.  While this is ground-breaking & fascinating ~ it’s also important to learn about mushrooms you can take daily, that are not psychadelic.  Enter: “An Overview of Functional Mushrooms.”

Mushrooms are a HUGE topic of conversation these days. Here, we’ll take a look at the benefits of functional mushrooms.

Let’s make the distinction right up front: the mushrooms we’re discussing today are NOT psychadelic, “magic” mushrooms. For further clarification, mushrooms can largely be broken down into three categories: 1) Food Mushrooms – Ones we eat; 2) Functional Mushrooms – Ones we take for performance, mental clarity, etc. ~ such as Lion’s Mane or Reishi; & 3) Psilocybin/Magic Mushrooms – Ones that, in a large enough dose, will have a psychadelic effect.

An Overview of Functional Mushrooms

We’ll discuss six of the most popular functional mushrooms below.  And while each is known for having a particular “Super Power,” it should be noted that all serve many functions ~ not just one.  I’m simply listing the benefits they’re most often associated with & known for.

Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane, & chaga are a few of the mushrooms we’ll be discussing…

The Most Popular Functional Mushrooms

• LION’S MANE = Brain Health & Cognitive Function: Lion’s Mane contains two very special compounds ~ hericenones and erinacines, which stimulate the growth of brain cells. Perhaps because of this, animal studies have shown that it can be used to protect against Alzheimer’s Disease & dementia, among many other benefits.

• REISHI = Sleep Support, Immune Support, & Stress Relief: Reishi mushrooms contain more than 400 different nutrients!! Among these are beta-glucans, which lower blood sugar & blood pressure, & they may also increase the number of white blood cells in the body, which are responsible for fighting off viruses & infection. Reishi’s potent antioxidant effect helps fight free radical damage, which can in turn reduce stress & improve sleep quality. 
• TURKEY TAIL = Immune Support: Filled with antioxidants such as phenols & flavonoids (of which Quercetin is one), Turkey Tail helps to fortify your immune system ~ mainly by helping maintain healthy gut bacteria. And that’s because it also contains prebiotics: which is the food that feeds your healthy gut bacteria. 
• CORDYCEPS = Energy, Performance, & Endurance: Cordyceps is like the testosterone of the mushroom world, & is associated with improved athletic performance, along with increased energy levels. It’s said to increase energy levels via an increased production of your body’s ATP ~ whose primary duty is delivering energy to muscles. Cordyceps may also improve the way your body uses oxygen, particularly during exercise. 
• CHAGA= Digestive & Immune Support: One of chaga’s primary functions is to fight inflammation, particularly in the digestive tract. A recent study on mice published by the National Library of Medicine confirms this, as it proved to reduce inflammation & fight off harmful bacteria specifically within the gastro-intestinal system. 
• MAITAKE = Improve Gut & Cardiovascular Health: Maitake mushrooms contain a hefty dose of prebiotic fiber, along with polysaccharides that promote microbial diversity in the gut ~ both of which promote healthy gut flora. And the beta-glucan in maitake mushrooms helps reduce cholosterol & improve arterial function, leading to better cardiovascular health.

Powder Supplement

Ways to Try Functional Mushrooms…

Not all mushrooms are created equal.  If you’re going to try functional mushrooms, you want to make sure & look for a blend or capsule that contains “Fruiting Bodies.”  You also want to look for a formulation that does not contain rice or grain: this would signal that it’s a very watered-down, less potent version. 

For reference, Four Sigmatic & FreshCaps are two well-known, trusted brands in the functional mushroom space.

FreshCaps is one of the most trusted brands in the functional mushroom space. Photo by AndNowUKnow.

• Try them as a coffee alternative ~ Four Sigmatic’s blend is delicious;
• Add a small, powder mushroom supplement to your morning coffee (some have no flavor ~ others have a mild taste);
• Take them as a capsule: FreshCap’s Ultimate Mushroom Complex contains all six of the mushrooms listed above;
• If you’re interested in treating a specific condition, try one of the concentrated capsules ~ such as Lion’s Mane to improve brain health, or Cordyceps for increased energy, etc.

xoxo Noelia 

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