Supplements that focus on mushrooms like lion’s mane, cordyceps and turkey tail can significantly boost immunity, mood, energy levels and cognitive function. When purchasing supplements like these it is essential that they list their ingredients and third-party test results so that you know which supplement is right for you.
Reishi
Reishi mushroom is an adaptogen, meaning it helps our bodies adapt to physical, emotional and environmental stressors. Reishi balances immune function and supports natural bodily processes. Reishi is commonly known as the “hero mushroom”, with Traditional Chinese herbalist Fu Zheng therapy using this herbal remedy to strengthen our resistance capacities so we can face whatever life brings our way with grace and strength.
Reishi has been shown to increase immune cell production and strengthen their ability to combat invading pathogens, acting as an anti-inflammatory and studied for its effect on autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, Reishi helps support healthy blood pressure levels as well as having positive impacts on heart health.
Studies have also demonstrated Reishi’s potential in helping to prevent and treat cancer as well as promote sleep, thanks to its impact on GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) pathways – which act like “brakes” on neural activity in our brain, helping us sleep easier and longer. You can click the link: https://www.healthline.com/health/gamma-aminobutyric-acid for more information on GABA.
Reishi contains beta glucans which have been proven to inhibit cancer cell growth, prevent tumor metastases, and enhance chemotherapy drugs’ efficacy. Furthermore, studies have also demonstrated its antiviral properties and positive impact on cardiovascular system health while providing hepatoprotective action and lowering cholesterol levels.
Reishi may help protect against DNA damage and premature aging by providing over 400 bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, triterpenoids, nucleotides, steroids, fatty acids and proteins/peptides. Reishi has become an increasingly popular superfood in Western culture as more individuals uncover its many health benefits.
Chaga
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is an unsightly mushroom used for centuries as medicine in Siberia and Asia to strengthen immunity and improve health. Studies have demonstrated its ability to stimulate the endocrine system, increasing melatonin production and thus improving sleep quality, making it a natural insomnia remedy.
Chaga has long been a part of traditional cultures in the northern regions, and is quickly gaining more widespread use today due to its many health benefits. Businesses like the gb mushrooms company know that these mushrooms are packed with polysaccharides, lipids, vitamins, minerals, plant-based steroids and superoxide dismutase (SOD). They make it easy to incorporate these into your diet.
Animal studies have demonstrated the positive benefits of chaga in supporting normal insulin function and maintaining balanced blood glucose levels, as well as decreasing triglyceride and cholesterol levels while simultaneously increasing “good” HDL cholesterol levels. Chaga has also been proven to increase insulin sensitivity while supporting pancreatic tissue health.
Animal and test-tube studies have demonstrated the positive influence of chaga extract on immune system response, stimulating white blood cells to fight infections while simultaneously eliminating harmful bacteria and viruses. In addition, it regulates production of cytokines which serve as chemical messengers between immune system cells.
Chaga contains beta-D glucans which work to balance the immune system by stimulating it when necessary and downregulating it when excess activity arises. Furthermore, inotodiol serves as a mast cell stabilizer to reduce allergic responses while simultaneously supporting eye and nasal comfort in animal models.
Maitake
Grifola frondosa, more commonly known as maitake is one of the “functional” mushrooms gaining widespread attention today. Research is showing its immune-enhancing, blood sugar stabilizing and cholesterol reducing properties as well as potential cancer fighting ones.
The mushroom has become so wildly popular that both fresh and dried versions are offered for sale. Additionally, it’s often included as part of functional mushroom powder blends. Furthermore, capsules and tincture formats often combine adaptogens and immunomodulators; many doctors even suggest taking it to help combat high cholesterol, decreased immunity levels or to prevent cardiovascular disease.
Anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin have been demonstrated, and its antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress on the body – essential components for cardiovascular wellbeing. You can click here to learn more about antioxidants. Curcumin can also strengthen immunity by activating macrophages and natural killer cells to attack cancerous cells faster, as well as providing support to chemotherapy patients through its anti-tumor properties.
Shiitake
Shiitake mushrooms are one of the most well-known functional mushrooms, famed for their earthy yet meaty flavor and impressive nutritional profile. Packed with nutrients such as niacin, vitamin D, potassium, copper and choline as well as all eight essential amino acids they make an essential addition to any healthy diet.
Shitake has been demonstrated in numerous studies to both boost immune system activity while at the same time suppressing over activity and inflammation. This effect is caused by the polysaccharide lentinan which stimulates macrophage T-lymphocytes as well as other immune effector cells to work more efficiently.
Shiitake mushrooms are an excellent source of B vitamins, such as B2, B6, pantothenic acid, folic acid and B3; these essential B vitamins assist the body’s energy production and metabolism. Shiitake also offers various antioxidants including phenolic compounds, diterpenoids, vitamin C and gallic acid to combat oxidative stress and protect cells and organs against damage.
Studies have demonstrated that shiitake mushroom has hypolipidaemic properties, meaning it can reduce elevated blood cholesterol levels. This effect is likely caused by several factors, including lentinan and beta-glucans which work to decrease cholesterol absorption from the intestinal tract while inhibiting its metabolism in the body.
Mushrooms offer numerous health benefits, and supplements are a quick and easy way to incorporate these little powerhouses into your daily routine.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
