What are functional mushrooms, and do they make the world go round? Although these mushrooms don’t influence the earth’s rotation or transport you to other dimensions, they do offer exceptional adaptogenic properties. It’s not secret that there is a fungi frenzy, which can make selecting mushrooms or mushroom blends quite confusing. Which mushrooms do what and how do you know which ones you need?

What Are Functional Mushrooms?

Functional mushrooms are edible mushrooms that exhibit adaptogenic properties, which extend beyond the nutritional benefits. Adaptogens are compounds that help support the way the nervous system responds to stress. Functional mushrooms help support the body’s stress response, but they don’t stop there. Different mushrooms exhibit different nutrients and phytonutrients, but all of them contain beta glucans. These complex carbohydrates exist in the cell walls of mushrooms. According to researchers, fungal beta glucans can help improve gut health, inflammatory response, immune function, heart health, and beyond. 

The quality of the mushroom, or mushroom supplement, is just as important as knowing which mushroom to choose. Some mushroom supplements, for example, may not even contain mushrooms! They use mycelium (roots) of the mushroom, but the real benefits come from the beta glucans and other compounds in the mushroom’s fruiting body (above ground parts). So if you’ve ever considered experimenting with functional mushrooms, consider the following information your guide to adaptogenic fungi. 

Turkey Tail Mushrooms

The name comes from the fact that these mushrooms look like fanned turkey tails. They almost seem like they are out of a fairy tale book, growing on fallen logs or branches. Of all the mushrooms, turkey tails are the most researched and may help support optimal inflammatory response, cell growth, respiratory health, and liver function. There’s no need to forage any further than turkey tails if you want to reap some immune-boosting properties. 

Lion’s Mane Mushrooms

Your hair will not resemble that of a majestic male lion if you eat lion’s mane mushrooms. These functional fungi do offer majestic health properties, though. According to numerous studies, lion’s mane has positive effects on cognition and nerve growth. Other studies reveal that it may help improve overall brain and neurological health, so if you want to stay mentally sharp and focused, these fungi are your friends. 

Chaga Mushrooms

Chaga mushrooms differ from other mushrooms in that their benefits are concentrated in the mycelial mass, not the fruiting body. Chagas exhibit high antioxidant activity and support immune function and overall health. When it comes to purchasing chaga mushrooms or chaga supplements, make sure that they are chosen responsibly. You want wild-crafted mushrooms that are organic, if possible.

Cordyceps

Best known for their ability to support healthy stamina and physical energy, cordyceps have a long history of use. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), cordyceps were used to support kidney and lung function. Their energy-boosting properties make them highly sought after by people, especially athletes, who want to maintain peak physical performance. You may also find that chagas help support healthy stress levels. 

Maitake Mushrooms

Historically, maitake mushrooms were used as currency in Japan. If that doesn’t say something about their value, we don’t know what does. Maitake mushrooms work to support immune function and promote cellular health, especially when combined with other mushrooms. That is why you typically find maitake and chaga mushrooms in the same mushroom blend. Sometimes, you will even see them combined with immune-supporting agents like ginger or elderberry, both of which improve the taste of the powder supplement.

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Mushroom coffees and teas have become increasingly popular within recent years. A common star of these concoctions is the powerful chaga mushroom, which has one of the highest ORAC scores of any food. The higher the ORAC value, the better a food’s ability is to protect the body from free radicals. That also means that chaga mushrooms are one of the best sources of antioxidants.

What Is The Chaga Mushroom?

The chaga mushroom is quite ugly in appearance, but don’t let looks sway you from this nutritional powerhouse. These mushrooms grow in wild places like Northern Canada, Siberia, and Alaska. They mainly grow on the outside of birch trees in very cold climates, but they also grow on chestnut, beech, and alder trees. Because of their distinct appearance, chaga mushrooms are very easy to identify. They are lumpy and the exterior looks like burnt charcoal with a softer, yellowish, squishy core. 

For hundreds of years, Northern European countries have incorporated chaga mushrooms into traditional medicine. Historical accounts state that chaga mushrooms were used to treat diabetes and gastrointestinal cancer in those aforementioned areas of the world. Like other medicinal mushrooms, chaga mushrooms require the introduction of hot water or alcohol to break down the tough cellular walls. In doing so, the mushroom’s benefits become available for human consumption. Continue reading to learn about some amazing health benefits of chaga mushrooms. 

May Prevent And Treat Cancer

There are many impressive testimonials about people using medicinal mushrooms, including chaga mushrooms, to help them beat cancer. Laboratory studies show that chaga mushrooms can inhibit cancer progression, but not enough human studies exist yet. In one study, researchers observed tumor-bearing mice that were given chaga mushroom extract. The results indicated a 60% reduction in tumor size, while mice with metastatic cancer experienced a 25% reduction in their number of nodules. One study looked at chaga mushroom’s effects on cancerous human liver cells. The study found that chaga extract may be able to prevent liver cancer cell growth. 

May Lower Blood Sugar

A few different animal studies linked chaga mushroom to lower blood sugar levels, so it may be beneficial for those with diabetes. In one study observing diabetic mice, chaga supplementation led to a 31% decrease in blood sugar levels over the course of three weeks. Another study in obese, diabetic mice found that chaga extract aided blood sugar reduction and insulin resistance, compared to the diabetic mice that didn’t receive the supplement. Because human research is currently unavailable, it is not yet clear whether or not chaga can manage blood sugar levels in diabetic humans. 

Exhibits Potent Antiviral Activity

Chaga mushroom appears to exhibit antiviral properties against several viruses. Research from 2015 found that chaga extract had an antiviral effect on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1. In several animal studies, chaga extract exhibited antiviral effects against the hepatitis C virus. By examining animal cells, researchers found that chaga was able to decrease the infective properties of hepatitis C by 100-fold in just 10 minutes. As of right now, it looks like this mushroom may be a worthy candidate to rival antiviral drugs, but more research is necessary. 

May Reduce Inflammation

Inflammation is a natural immune response that can help protect the body from infection and disease. Long-term or chronic inflammation, however, has been linked to rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, and other serious conditions. Several animal test-tube studies suggest that chug extract can positively impact immunity by reducing long-term inflammation. One animal study found that chaga extract was able to reduce inflammation from ulcerative colitis in animal subjects. This anti-inflammatory effect in the colon was due to chaga extract’s ability to suppress the expression of chemical mediators of inflammation. 

Stimulates The Immune System

Chaga mushroom extract works to promote the formation of beneficial cytokines, which are specialized proteins that regulate the immune system. In doing so, chaga ultimately stimulates the production of white blood cells, which you need to fight off viruses and bacteria. Other animal and test-tube studies note that chaga can prevent the production of harmful cytokines that can trigger inflammation. In some animal studies, researchers observed that chaga extract boosted immune function by increasing the production of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and T lymphocytes, two types of immune cells. Other research found that chaga extracts can stimulate spleen lymphocytes, which positively affect the immune system.

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A recent survey found that the average American adult drinks coffee daily. Be it a morning cup that puts the body in motion or an afternoon pick-me-up, people have to have their java. While a cup of black coffee does exhibit health benefits, guzzling cup after cup can have adverse effects on your health. 

Coffee starts to become unhealthy the moment sugar, sweeteners, creamers, or dairy products enter the cup. Since coffee is the first thing that most people put in their bodies to start the day, why not make it healthier? In reality, people should start their day with water, but it’s not as popular as coffee. Water does give you life, though, just saying. Anyways, if you’re the type of person who enjoys a cup of joe in the morning, you can enhance that cup with a few simple tips. Sneak some extra nutrients in there!

Choose Quality Beans

People have their opinions about organic versus non-organic foods, but it’s best to purchase organic, fair trade coffee. You can taste the difference between a five-dollar bag and a 15-dollar bag of coffee! The quality of coffee will vary depending on how the beans were grown and processed. It’s a common practice for growers to spray coffee beans with synthetic chemicals, which humans should not consume. Additionally, buying fair trade means that you know the origin of the product, certifying that the farmers that grow the coffee receive a fair price. Plus, their communities benefit as well. 

Embrace Cinnamon

Some people have the same bottle of cinnamon sitting in their spice cabinet for years. It’s not a popular spice, for some reason, despite the fact that it exhibits powerful flavor and health benefits. Next time you brew your morning coffee, throw in a couple dashes of cinnamon into the cup. Cinnamon offers powerful antioxidants that help to reduce inflammation throughout the body. Some research found that cinnamon works to regulate blood sugar and insulin. You can enhance the health benefits by pairing cinnamon with complementary spices like nutmeg, cloves, or ginger.

Don’t Overload With Sugar

A cup of black coffee has health benefits, but people quickly tip the scales into the unhealthy realm with the addition of sugar, creamers, and artificial sweeteners. Artificial creamers, especially low-fat creamers, contain a lot of sugar and processed ingredients. Some nutritionists claim that they contain questionable ingredients that humans should not consume. Additionally, plant-based creamers are not always as healthy as people think. Artificial sweeteners and creamers have been linked to an increased risk of obesity and heart disease. Finally, limit the sugar you add to your coffee. Don’t pour it out of a giant container; rather, pour it into a small spoon and then mix it in, but don’t keep pouring spoonful after spoonful. 

Make Mushroom Coffee

Don’t worry, you aren’t about to see a layer or stir-fried mushrooms floating atop your cup of coffee. Mushroom coffee is a blend of ground mushrooms and coffee beans. When you pour boiling water over this blend, the result is a dark, smooth cup of coffee with a nutty flavor. The mushrooms that are in these blends typically include chaga, reishi, cordyceps, lion’s mane, and turkey tail. These medicinal mushrooms may help to reduce anxiety, enhance immune function, and lower inflammatory markers. Some of these mushrooms may even reduce the risk of cancer development. Do your research and find a reputable brand that has great customer reviews. 

Add MCT Oil

MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil is a supplement that many athletes and body builders use, but it’s also popular among keto diet followers. The shorter length triglycerides are easier for the body to digest than longer-chain fatty acids in other foods. According to a study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, people who added MCT oil to coffee experienced higher levels of leptin (a hunger-suppressing hormone). MCT oil can actually make you feel full for a lot longer and can help keep blood sugar stable. 

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Medicinal mushrooms have taken the health world by storm. You can eat mushrooms in their raw form, but the new trend is powder, and they go far beyond portobellos, buttons, and oysters. Nowadays, you can find supplements and functional powders that consist of medicinal mushroom blends. Some of the most popular varieties include lion’s mane, reishi, turkey tail, chaga, and cordyceps. 

What Are Mushrooms?

Health experts consider mushrooms to be in a tier above common superfoods like kale, avocado, or acai. Nothing against those delicious foods, but mushrooms are in a class of their own: functional foods. They contain nutrients that help energize the body and even assist with fighting common diseases. Not all of these mushrooms are appetizing, or readily available in stores, which is why they are available in dried, dehydrated, or powder form. 

What Is Mushroom Powder?

The use of medicinal mushrooms is far from a new trend. Traditional Chinese Medicine refers to mushrooms as the “elixir of life.” People brewed mushrooms into teas in the past, but modern convenience allows manufacturers to create mushroom powder blends that contain a high concentration of super nutrients. After drying out mushrooms, they are ground into a powder. Once the mushrooms are in powder form, it’s easy to mix them into various food preparations. The most common and trendy way to consume mushroom powder is in coffee or tea, but it’s possible to take them as supplements as well. 

The Benefits Of Mushroom Powder

Every single medicinal mushroom contains a signature blend of polysaccharides, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and enzymes that benefit the body. One polysaccharide, beta glucan, helps to balance immune function, instead of enhancing or suppressing it. Because of this trait, mushroom powder is a better alternative to cholesterol or anti-inflammatory supplements, which can occasionally trigger autoimmune responses.

Good For Your Heart

According to several studies, cordyceps mushroom powder may help reduce LDL cholesterol levels. High LDL levels increase your risk of heart disease, so lowering these levels can reduce damage to your heart. Cordyceps have also exhibited the ability to lower triglyceride levels in animal studies. More human studies are necessary for conclusive evidence. 

Balance Immunity

As we mentioned earlier, beta glucans and other polysaccharides help to support a healthy immune system. By balancing the immune system, you can avoid unnecessary autoimmune flare-ups. Chaga mushrooms, in particular, work to stimulate spleen lymphocytes, which work to regulate immune function. These lymphocytes help the body fight off bacteria, viruses, and other foreign invaders. 

Keep Yourself Young

Looking for the fountain of youth? We can’t promise that it’s at the bottom of a mug that contains mushroom powder tea, but mushroom powder may help fight early signs of aging. Mushroom powder contains a diverse mix of powerful antioxidants, which work to fight free radical damage and oxidative stress. Lessening the amount of free radicals in the body can help slow the signs of aging and contribute to better health. Some studies found that reishi mushrooms have the ability to extend life expectancy. Reducing oxidative stress and cellular damage helps boost longevity. 

Boost Your Brain

Boosting brain power and reducing the risk of cognitive decline has become a popular health trend. Many studies reveal the link between poor gut health and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Naturally, people want to be sharp as they age, so people turn to the power of mushrooms. Lion’s mane mushroom reigns supreme when it comes to boosting brain power! Several studies found that it helps to reduce the impact or neurodegenerative diseases. Mushroom powder may also mental clarity and improve your ability to focus. 

Anti-Cancer Properties

Both turkey tail and reishi mushrooms may potentially reduce the risk of the development of certain cancers. According to several reports, polysaccharide-K in turkey tail mushrooms is an acceptable prescription for cancer patients in Japan. A systemic review of reishi mushrooms found that people undergoing chemotherapy responded better when taking reishi supplements. Additionally, reishi mushrooms increase NK-cell activity to increase white blood cell activity to fight infections. 

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From low-carb and no sugar diets to adding mushroom powder to your coffee and cayenne to your lemonade, keeping up with new health trends can be difficult and exhausting. How can know which diet to follow when new diets and trends keep popping up every other week? Well, our advice remains the same: always focus on nutrient-dense, plant-based foods and avoid pre-packaged processed foods whenever possible. You’ll find some of the newest healthy foods to add to your diet in this article.

Chaga Mushrooms

Resembling a clump of dirt, the chaga mushroom is a parasitic fungus that is commonly found on birch trees in the northern hemisphere. Nutritionists advocate the addition of chaga mushroom to your diet because of the diverse nutritional profile. Containing vitamin D, zinc, potassium, fiber, amino acids, rubidium, iron, manganese, magnesium, copper, selenium, and B-complex vitamins, chaga mushrooms have been known to prevent cell damage, reduce bad cholesterol, fight inflammation, boost immune function, and slow the signs of aging. It is available as a supplement and in the form of herbal tea or coffee. The right dosage will depend on your health and what you are trying to accomplish.

Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional yeast is what vegans commonly use to add an umami or cheesy flavor to various recipes. Instead of using flour or fats to thicken sauces, people can use nutritional yeast. It can also be sprinkled on air-popped popcorn for a healthy, cheesy snack. Nutritional yeast is praised for the B-vitamin content, helping people who don’t eat meat satisfy the necessary B12 intake. Vitamin B12 helps to boost energy levels and the other minerals may assist with lowering cholesterol. Additionally, it is rich in manganese, molybdenum, zinc, selenium, and all nine essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own.

Kamut

Available at health food stores and certain grocery stores around the country, kamut is an Egyptian grain that has 30% more protein than wheat. Some people with wheat intolerances or allergies have been able to consume kamut, but not everyone can do this so consult with your primary physician before diving face first into a bowl of this grain. It has a nutty flavor and it is rich in protein, fiber, B-vitamins, selenium, and manganese, a mineral that the body needs to help with amino acid utilization. One serving of kamut can satisfy your recommended daily intake of selenium (55 micrograms per day), which helps to protect the body from cell membrane damage and genetic mutations.

Sugar Kelp

Kale isn’t the only dark green that deserves the spotlight in the world of healthy foods. Within recent years, a sustainable seafood purveyor worked with GreenWave, a small company of ocean farmers that protect the sea, to develop the crop known as sugar kelp. The growth has been rapid and long lines of sugar kelp grow and are harvested in vertical columns like oysters. Sugar kelp is rich in potassium, iodine, magnesium, zinc, calcium, copper, chromium, and vitamins A, B1, B2, D, and E. It can be dried and eaten as a snack or added to broths, stews, or salads. People are predicting that sugar kelp will open the doorway to the tens of thousands of beneficial sea vegetables already in existence.

Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds are commonly used for their pungent flavor, brightening curries and adding an almost maple like flavor to sauces or condiments. One important thing to note is that toasting the seeds in a dry frying pan over medium heat helps to release the flavor, but you can also grind them into a powder to add to teas or homemade baked goods. Traditionally, lactating mothers have consumed fenugreek seeds to stimulate milk production, while others have consumed them to improve digestion, kidney function, and skin disorders like eczema.

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Humans have used mushrooms for their medicinal properties for thousands of years. Roughly 2,000 of the estimated 14,000 species of mushrooms are considered to be edible. Of those 2,000 edible mushrooms, about 270 species have therapeutic properties or preventative agents that contribute to the overall health and wellness of the human body. Many people cook with mushrooms to add an earthy flavor to meals, but more and more people are gravitating toward the medicinal use of mushrooms.

The Power Of Fungi

This list of medicinal mushroom benefits is a lengthy one, which is why they have been regularly prescribed in Eastern Medicine. They are not intended to be eaten raw or in whole form; rather, they should be consumed in the form of a powder or extract. While mushrooms have not been deemed cures for any condition, they can be sidekicks for the immune system, reduce inflammation, decrease cancer risk, assist with balancing hormones, and boost brain health. So let’s explore the magical world of mushrooms to help you better understand the healing properties they possess.

Fill Up On Chaga For The Most Antioxidants

Chaga mushrooms have been researched for their ability to fight free radicals, reduce inflammation, and their incredible antioxidant content. Chaga’s antioxidants work to lower LDL cholesterol levels (the bad cholesterol), fight oxidative stress, and slow the growth of certain cancer cells. Many people enjoy consuming chaga mushrooms because of their ability to improve skin health and reduce wrinkles.

Lion’s Mane For Brain Health

The neurohealth properties of lion’s mane mushrooms have become increasingly popular, to the point where fancy coffee shops offer lion’s mane infused coffee. Many studies have found that this mushroom may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative disease-induced cell death. This means that lion’s mane may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, in addition to improving memory, focus, and overall cognitive function.

Fight Cancer With Turkey Tail

Resembling a fanned out turkey tail, the turkey tail mushroom ranks high on the list of medicinal mushrooms. Known for its potent anticancer properties, turkey tail mushrooms contain a compound known as polysaccharide-K (PSK), which enhances immune function. In fact, PSK has been approved as an anticancer prescription drug in Japan. Preliminary research has shown that turkey tail mushrooms can fight leukemia cells, improve the immune system of chemotherapy patients, and improve the survival rate of people with certain cancers.

More Maitake For Improved Blood Sugar

Maitake translates to “dancing mushroom” in Japanese, attributed to the fact that samurai had to forage for these deep in the mountains and forests of Japan. Upon finding them, they would dance for joy. Maitake is a mushroom that should be in your medicinal mushroom cabinet, and not just for the immunomodulating properties. Matiake contains SX-fraction, a water-soluble compound that can help counteract metabolic syndrome, also known as Syndrome X. SX-fraction is known for its ability to help reduce blood glucose levels and blood pressure. Acting as an adaptogen, SX-fraction works to balance the blood sugar levels for those with either hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia.

Cordyceps For An Energy Boost

If you need a pick-me-up, then cordyceps is the fungus for you. Known for its ability to reduce fatigue and increase energy, cordyceps has been a mainstay in Chinese medicine for over 1,300 years. Cordyceps were quite valuable in Ancient China because they only grew in the Himalayas at 12,000 feet above sea level. Harvesting this original strain was challenging, making them expensive for traders and vendors. Even though other strains of cordyceps now grow in other parts of the world, the strain that is still harvested in the Himalayas can fetch $500 to $1,300 per ounce. The beta-glucans in cordyceps help deliver oxygen to the body on a cellular level, increasing energy and stamina. This mushroom also helps to increase adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels in the body, and ATP is essentially the body’s primary energy supply and is necessary for all cellular processes.

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