How much do we know about fungi?
Why Mushrooms?
Medicinal mushrooms have been utilized for hundreds of years in many ancient cultures for their therapeutic properties. They’re becoming increasingly popular nowadays. The vast number of scientific research on therapeutic mushrooms that have been undertaken has sparked this new interest. Many of them have found new applications as a result of these investigations, which have verified their traditional functions. When you take care of your health, the appropriate mixture of mushrooms may help you better your situation, no matter what ailment you have. The kingdom of mushrooms is such a big and comprehensive entity that it has the potential to transform your life in an instantaneous, powerful, and enormously beneficial way.
The benefits
Nature has been the most significant source of medicine since the dawn of time. Living creatures create bioactive chemicals that may be used as functional food and a key component of our daily lives. Medicinal mushrooms are a species of fungus that has been scientifically proven to provide a variety of health advantages in humans. While there are over 1500 edible mushroom species on the earth, only a tiny number contains the unique qualities that qualify them as “medicinal.” Medicinal mushrooms are nowadays mostly utilized as dietary supplements or as part of a balanced diet. There’s almost nothing medicinal fungus can’t accomplish, from bringing balance and healing to your immune system, boosting oxygen flow, and strengthening your creative and mental aptitude to managing blood sugar, lowering stress, and increasing the quality of your sleep.
Our heroes
Many nutrients can be found in medicinal mushrooms. They provide basic nourishment to your body. Polysaccharides, flavonoids, terpenes, phenolic compounds, and alkaloids are among the bioactive substances found in them. In particular, the immune-stimulating and prebiotic effects of -glucan, a polysaccharide found in mushrooms, have been examined. Chaga (Inonotus obliquus), Cordyceps (Ophiocordyceps Sinensis), Lion’s Mane (Hericium Erinaceus), Reishi (Ganoderma lingzhi), Turkey Tail (Coriolus Versicolor), Shiitake (Lentinula edodes), Maitake (Grifola frondosa), and Oyster Mushroom are among the most well-known and studied.
Lion’s mane
The culinary and medicinal fungus Hericium Erinaceus is a well-known choice for brain and nerve health. The Lion’s Mane is absolutely unique. There appears to be no other herb or mushroom discovered in nature that has the same impact on boosting nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor production. A growing body of data suggests that this mushroom can aid strengthen cognitive function, increase mental focus, and increase memory. The potent anti-inflammatory properties of the Lion’s Mane fungus may also aid to reduce anxiety and sadness. It appears to affect mood via upregulating neurogenesis in the hippocampus, according to research. Lion’s Mane has anti-aging properties both directly and indirectly since it promotes overall health and well-being. Reduces the risk of heart disease and aids in the healing of the intestines. Like other medicinal mushrooms, Lion’s Mane contains beta-glucans and polysaccharides that have been shown to boost healthy immunological function.
CHaga
Chaga fungus is one of the most effective antioxidants on Earth, working as a super adaptogen, providing the body everything it needs to return to its original form, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine. Chaga has the power to boost the immune system, reduce blood sugar levels, and fight cancerous and mutagenesis cell development. Chaga has the highest concentration of antioxidants of any naturally occurring food. It has 45 times the antioxidant content of acai berries, 80 times the antioxidant content of pomegranates, and 1,300 times the antioxidant content of blueberries. Chaga contains polysaccharides, which aid in the conversion of food into useful energy, providing us with more persistent and maintained mental vigor. Beta-Glucans, which are abundant in this mushroom, may increase white blood cell activation and stimulate the formation of healthy new skin cells. Chaga’s ability to decrease inflammation and multitask on several levels makes it an extremely strong supplement for the body. It promotes a favorable reaction to stress and stressors by supporting your adrenal system.
reishi
Reishi (or lingzhi), often known as the “mushroom of immortality,” possesses a wide range of properties. For over 2000 years, Reishi has been known as a medicinal fungus, and its potent effects have been chronicled in ancient texts. The ability of the reishi mushroom to improve your immune system is one of its most essential properties. It also helped people feel less tired and depressed. The mushroom is thought to offer a long, healthy, happy, and lively life for those who utilize it in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Reishi can be taken as a supplement to help with a variety of chronic conditions, including cancer. This fungus is said to be a Qi (vital energy) tonic.
Shiitake
For ages, shiitake mushrooms have been used as a natural cure in alternative medicine. This species of edible fungus is the world’s second most widely grown mushroom. Shiitake mushrooms contain phytochemicals that protect DNA from oxidative damage, according to research. One of the most significant essential components identified in shiitake mushrooms is lentinan. Lentinan is a highly refined polysaccharide that has been used in the treatment of cancer. Shiitake mushrooms are extremely effective at controlling cholesterol and blood sugar levels. It protects your liver and has antimicrobial and antibacterial effects.
Turkey tail
Turkey tail is the most well-studied of all therapeutic mushrooms, with several clinical trials yielding promising effects. This mushroom contains beta-glucans and polysaccharides, which aid in the small intestine’s ability to fight germs and viruses. It also includes prebiotics, which helps in the nourishment of the gut’s good bacteria. Turkey’s tail has been shown in several studies to be effective in the treatment of some cancers and to be a potent antioxidant.
Cordyceps
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, cordyceps is highly prized. It’s used to treat respiratory difficulties, male sexual issues, anemia, irregular heartbeat, excessive cholesterol, and dizziness, among other things. Cordyceps is an immune modulator and adaptogen that is used to strengthen the liver and kidneys and enhances overall endocrine function. According to certain research, Cordyceps polysaccharides have anti-fatigue and anti-aging properties. Another remarkable feature of this fungus is that it can regulate blood sugar levels, making it a possible functional meal for diabetics. Cordyceps protect your cardiovascular system and fights inflammation.
Maitake
These medicinal mushrooms have been linked to a number of health advantages, including blood sugar regulation and cholesterol reduction. They’re also known as adaptogens, which means they have potent qualities that can assist the body in naturally recover and regulate itself for greater health. Maitake mushrooms’ fruiting bodies are high in polysaccharides, particularly beta-glucans. They aid the immune system in fighting sickness quickly and effectively. When eaten on a daily basis, maitake can help to keep the immune system in perfect form. Maitake mushrooms may benefit those who suffer from chronic inflammation because of their antioxidant properties. The maitake mushroom is a genuine superfood.
Oyster mushroom
Oyster mushrooms have been thoroughly researched and have been shown to benefit health in a variety of ways. Polysaccharides and beta-D-glucans are found in them. These potent chemicals enhance the immune system in a natural way. Oyster mushrooms are high in antimicrobial activity and have a natural cholesterol-lowering impact. Polysaccharides found in oyster mushrooms have been found to have powerful anti-tumor effects. They also assist to reduce blood sugar levels, making them a perfect snack for anybody looking to naturally treat diabetes. Oyster mushrooms have been discovered to have a relaxing effect on the smooth muscle of artery walls, decreasing blood pressure significantly. Oyster mushrooms are the ideal functional food source because of their wide range of health-promoting and therapeutic characteristics.