Mushrooms have seen an exponential surge in their popularity recently, becoming mainstream ingredients in coffee drinks and wellness supplements alike. Mushrooms act as adaptogens with proven immune and energy boosting effects.
Medicinal mushrooms such as lion’s mane, cordyceps and reishi can reduce fatigue by increasing ATP production and improving immune function, memory and cognition. Chaga is another effective medicinal mushroom which reduces inflammation and anxiety to relieve pain.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps fungus encompasses over 350 species that act as endoparasites, parasitizing insect larvae for nutrients in order to thrive and reproduce. Cordyceps sinensis is among the best-known medicinal mushrooms used in Chinese herbal medicine and grows at high elevations throughout Tibet, Yunnan and Qinghai provinces of China.
Fungus infective hyphae are sticky and stick to insects’ exoskeletons before penetrating their bodies, where they create cysts or sclerotia which attach to their host by stalks, then transform into infective spores that spread throughout its tissues from within and ultimately kill it, eventually growing into fruiting bodies erect from beneath its base head and then producing infective spores which release infective spores into its tissues to invade further and eventually digest its host from within before digesting itself before creating fruiting bodies at its base head for further growth of its fruiting body.
Cordyceps has long been used as an energy booster and to treat hepatitis, chronic fatigue syndrome and lung diseases. Recent in vitro experiments indicate that cordycepin, an antioxidant found in C. sinensis sclerotium’s sclerotium, has antioxidant, antitumor and cytotoxic activities as well as enhanced immunity and adaptogenic properties that make this herb effective in treatment and prevention of disease.
Cordycepin has been shown to both increase natural killer cell activity and monocyte concentrations in human peripheral blood, while also downregulating expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-I and CD126 among human fibroblasts and decreasing expression of transforming growth factor-b and platelet-driven growth factor among hepatocytes; it even reversed hepatotoxicity induced by Bacillus calmette guerin and LPS; moreover it protects renal function in rats suffering gentamicin-induced acute renal failure while inhibits oxidative stress within renal tissue.
Numerous studies have demonstrated the numerous pharmacological benefits of C. sinensis-containing supplements, including increasing sperm production and reproductive health, improving immune function, decreasing cholesterol levels and treating cancer. Its anticancer and immunomodulatory activities could be due to its sterols, polysaccharides, peptides and proteins. Furthermore, one recent study demonstrated how cordycepin + L-arginine increases testosterone in human men.
Reishi
Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) has long been recognized in Eastern cultures as an adaptogen, helping the body regulate stress. Reishi can also be used for antiviral, immune-boosting and cancer fighting benefits; making them popular ingredients in herbal supplements and teas as well as foods such as fried rice or stir-fries. Although studies conducted in Petri dishes or lab testing on animals or cells indicate its effectiveness as alternative medicine, it’s always wise to speak to your healthcare provider about any supplements taken that may impact on health issues before starting or taking any health supplements on their own.
Mushrooms have been shown to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Reishi mushrooms may even help manage type 2 diabetes by decreasing resistance to insulin in people’s bodies. Reishi has also been found to increase levels of the amino acid ergothioneine, which promotes healthy aging and lowers risks associated with chemotherapy drugs. Reishi can reduce brain cell death in both animal and human studies; inhibit tumor growth and prevent metastasis of human cancer cells; as well as decreasing inflammation which may help treat chronic illnesses like heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel diseases.
Reishi tea has been shown in various studies to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, reduce oxidative stress in liver tissues, increase detoxification capacity, improve memory retention in animals and humans alike and enhance memory/cognitive performance.
Reishi has not been tested in pregnant and breastfeeding women and should not be consumed by those suffering from bleeding disorders. Furthermore, as it could interact with medications used to slow blood clotting and/or reduce its effects, it’s wise to speak to your healthcare provider prior to taking Reishi. Children aged under 6 should avoid it, due to possible side effects including stomach aches, dizziness and dry mouth.
Lion’s Mane
Hericium erinaceus, commonly referred to as the Lion’s Mane Mushroom, is well-known for its cognitive-enhancing benefits. Studies have demonstrated its ability to promote nerve growth and enhance memory recall. Furthermore, this mushroom boasts anti-inflammatory qualities which help relieve stress, anxiety and depression symptoms as well as providing an excellent source of vitamin D, essential for immune health and good immune function.
This versatile mushroom can be consumed raw, cooked or taken as a supplement, and added to soups, stews and other dishes. Many enjoy drinking lion’s mane tea made from steeping the mushrooms in hot water before sipping or taking capsule form of their supplement – with numerous different brands available on the market that contain only high quality ingredients.
Another excellent way to use mushroom is in a smoothie. Mushrooms contain iron, potassium and vitamin C – essential components of overall body health – along with B vitamins which may help keep blood pressure under control and provide essential benefits such as muscle maintenance. Mushrooms are an abundant source of protein which will keep muscles strong.
Lion’s mane mushrooms can be found both at specialty food stores and online retailers, both fresh and dried varieties are available for purchase. When purchasing fresh ones it is recommended to visit your local grower/farmer for best results; or alternatively buy from online retailers but be sure to read reviews first before making your decision. Dried versions can also be stored for long-term storage purposes.
One study demonstrated that lion’s mane supplements improved cognitive performance for patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease; however, more research must be conducted to support these findings. Another research group discovered that these supplements can also reduce anxiety levels and promote positive emotions for increased well-being.
Mushrooms can provide an effective energy boost, but you should use caution when eating them. Certain varieties have been known to trigger allergies; so before taking mushrooms it would be prudent to consult your physician first. Furthermore, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should avoid them.
Mushrooms have quickly become a natural solution to both enhance your mood and immune system, helping to stay focused even during stressful days and alleviate pain or fatigue. Plus, mushrooms could even protect against cancer and diabetes!
Shiitake
Lentinula edodes, more commonly known as Shiitake mushroom, has an important and longstanding tradition in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Believed to revitalize blood and stimulate qi (life energy), Shiitake mushroom can also support lipid metabolism, fight flu and reduce cholesterol while simultaneously improving immunity.
Shiitake mushroom is an incredible superfood, packed with powerful compounds like lentinans and beta-glucans that promote white blood cell production to fight infections naturally, while at the same time having anti-inflammatory properties and improving cardiovascular health – it’s no secret why it has become such an integral part of many Asian cultures!
Shiitake mushrooms are easy to cultivate indoors and an ideal choice for beginners or cultivators of all experience levels. Indoor cultivation aims to recreate conditions similar to what would exist in nature, including humidity, temperature, fresh air and light. Growers begin by inoculating hardwood-based substrate blocks with mycelium of Shiitake which eventually colonises it and forms pins which eventually expand to become classic umbrella-shaped caps over time – harvesting usually taking place between spring and fall in temperate climates.
Roasting is the perfect way to highlight shiitake’s deep, rich flavour and meaty texture while creating a nutty caramelised aroma and crisp edge finish. Roasted shiitake makes a tasty addition to grain salads, stir frys and bowls of vegetables as well as tofu dishes or soups with umami flavor profiles such as ramen or udon soups.
Shiitake has an exceptionally low calorie count and provides meals with fibre, plant-based proteins, and antioxidants to combat oxidative stress. As such, it makes an ideal supplement to include in daily meal planning for individuals seeking healthier lifestyles by eliminating fats and sugars that contribute to their fullness.