Recently, there has been a surge in the popularity of mushroom products – from powders, to teas, to capsules – it’s hard to escape news of the ‘trendy’ fungi. While the many health benefits of mushrooms are hard to deny, it is important to practice healthy skepticism before jumping onto any health trend.
To understand why mushroom products are being championed as such powerful natural ingredients, let’s have a closer look at why mushrooms are known to be so good for the health, and how they can be used to power up your overall well-being.
Facts About Mushrooms
Mushrooms are considered to be some of the most nutrient-dense food items available. Research has shown that mushrooms are one of the world’s best sources of vitamin D, and are packed with antioxidants and necessary B vitamins. Studies have also demonstrated that consuming mushrooms can aid in reducing the risk of heart disease, metabolic disease, and even helps fight inflammation.
Power Up with Mushrooms
Mushroom products can provide endless benefits for good health. Following are some of the most commonly known benefits of consuming mushrooms:
• Regulates Blood Pressure: Mushrooms are high in potassium, which is an important mineral for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.
• Regulates Cholesterol: Mushroom extracts contain beta-glucans, which are polysaccharides that help reduce bad cholesterol levels in the body.
• Strengthens the Immune System: Several types of mushrooms contain the powerful antioxidant, ergothioneine, which is known to be a powerful immune booster.
• Supports Healthy Bones and Muscle Tissue: Mushrooms are also rich in minerals, including zinc and manganese, which promote healthy bone and muscle tissue.
Know Your Mushrooms
With an endless array of different mushrooms available, it’s important to know which are the most powerful ones to provide the most benefit. Here is a list of the eight most powerful mushrooms, and how they can help improve your health:
• Shiitake Mushrooms: Contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can help regulate cholesterol and strengthen the immune system. Shiitake mushrooms are best consumed as part of a dish–items such as shiitake stir-fries or vegetable soups are great for incorporating them into your diet.
• Oyster Mushrooms: High in zinc, manganese, and phosphorus, which helps promote strong bones as well as healthy immune system, oyster mushrooms are a fantastic addition to any stir-fry, salad, or pizza topping.
• Lion’s Mane Mushrooms: This unique mushroom is believed to be a powerful neuroprotective, helping to boost cognitive functions. Lion’s Mane mushrooms are best consumed in the form of a tea, for maximum absorption of the important antioxidants.
• Reishi Mushrooms: Known for their powerful immune-boosting properties as well as their anti-viral and anti-inflammatory effects, Reishi mushrooms can be used to make a powerful health tonic, steeped in hot water and sweetened with honey.
• Maitake Mushrooms: Maitake mushrooms can be eaten both cooked and raw, and are a common addition to salads and stir-fry dishes. They are rich in valuable antioxidants that contribute to healthy heart and liver function.
• Chaga Mushrooms: Chaga mushrooms are high in nutrients, as well as being one of the most concentrated sources of antioxidants available. They are best consumed as a pill or powder form, which can be added to smoothies or easily mixed with water and consumed as a tea.
• Enoki Mushrooms: This type of mushroom contains high levels of B-vitamins, which helps protect against a number of diseases. Enoki mushrooms can be added to sandwiches, soups, and stir-fries for a flavorful boost.
• Turkey Tail Mushrooms: High in dietary fiber, as well as active compounds, which are believed to have anti-cancer properties, Turkey tail mushrooms are best consumed in tincture form, or as capsules.
Mushrooms are extremely powerful ingredients that have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, but with so many different types of mushrooms on the market, it’s important to know which ones are most effective for good health. Before embarking on a mushroom supplement regimen, it’s smart to do your research. Many major health studies can back up the claims about the power of mushrooms, and with such a wide array of mushroom products available to choose from, there’s sure to be something that suits your needs.
