Functional Mushrooms for Wellness
- Jena Beck
- Dec 15, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 2, 2024
Welcome back, lovelies. Last week, we discussed a few research-backed herbs for psychological health. This week, we take a moment to explore the world of functional mushrooms. Yes, some fun fungi have remarkable benefits, not only for your physical health, but also for your psychological health. Nutritionally, mushrooms are low in calories and fat, but are rich in proteins, carbohydrates, and fiber. Mushrooms have many nutrients and minerals that the brain and body need. These include copper, potassium, and vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, and folate.
While culinary mushrooms provide nutritional value, today we are specifically discussing mushrooms studied for their benefits for the body and brain. Functional mushrooms have adaptogenic properties and health benefits, exceeding their nutritional value. Today we'll explore a few mushrooms you've likely heard about, and maybe a few you have not. Buckle in, we're growing our knowledge like mycelium.
What makes functional mushrooms different from culinary?
In addition to the macronutrients they provide, mushrooms also pack a plethora of pharmacological actions that better allow us to live our best lives. The bioactive compounds have many health benefits. They can reduce inflammation, boost the immune system, and prevent diabetes. They also have anticancer and antioxidant properties. Additionally, they protect the liver and fight against allergies. These compounds are also effective against high cholesterol and have antimicrobial and prebiotic effects. These are all actions that our bodies benefit from when we consume mushrooms daily, but it’s important to know that not all mushrooms are created equal in terms of wellness. Some mushrooms are definitely superior to others. So much so, they’ve caught the attention of scientists, athletes, and wellness providers.
5 Functional Mushrooms You Should Know:
Cordyceps
Yes, you read that right. We're discussing the creepy parasitic fungi that “takes over the brain of its host”. While HBO did a spectacular job on The Last of Us, I want to make sure we are separating fact from fiction here. Cordyceps is a genus of ascomycete fungi, in which most of its 600 worldwide species are endoparasitoids, parasitic. These mushrooms infect their host, insects, arthropods, and in some cases other mushrooms. These parasitic fungi, depicted in HBO's "The Last of Us," are safe for humans. They offer numerous health benefits, such as antioxidants, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic properties. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Cordyceps is used to treat respiratory diseases, liver or renal problems, hyperglycemia, and tumors.
Chaga
Chaga has one of the highest oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) of any other food. Chaga’s antioxidant properties are nearly 50% higher than the Acai berry. These mushrooms are a powerhouse of phenolics, terpenoids, polysaccharides, fatty acids, and alkaloids. Moreover, it has been studied for its potential in lowering blood sugar levels and reducing cholesterol, contributing to its reputation as a multifaceted health-supporting fungus.
Tremella
Tremella, also known as snow fungus, is loaded with fatty acids, proteins, enzymes, polysaccharides, and other bioactive substances. Its polysaccharides, in particular, are known for their immune-boosting, antitumor, anti-oxidation, anti-aging, and neuroprotective effects. Clinically, this mushroom is used to support and replenish fluid in the body, reduce swelling, and balance cholesterol. This awesome little jelly mushroom is also a natural source of hyaluronic acid, making it my personal favorite for my skin health.
Lion's Mane
Lion's Mane mushrooms are abundant in compounds like β-glucan polysaccharides, hericenones, erinacine terpenoids, isoindolinones, sterols, and myconutrients, which potentially have neuroprotective and neurodegenerative properties. Clinical trials have shown Lion's Mane to be effective in patients with dementia by improving functionality and slowing disease progression. Lion's Mane contains valuable bioactive compounds. However, specific compounds like erinacines are primarily found in the mycelium. Erinacines have been shown to induce the expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis, which is crucial for neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects. So while the fruiting body of the mushrooms is important, here the mycelium is equally important.
Reishi Mushrooms
Reishi Mushrooms are a medicinal staple in Asian regions, and is used in TCM to prevent and treat bronchitis, allergies, hepatitis, immunological disorders, and cancer. Reishi mushrooms contain antioxidants that can help in neutralizing harmful free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Some studies suggest that Reishi can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and boost the effectiveness of chemotherapy. The mushroom's adaptogenic nature helps reduce stress and improve overall wellness. This contributes to its reputation as a versatile and beneficial natural remedy.
Agaricus blazei Murrill
Agaricus blazei Murrill, also know as the Almond Portobello is a mushroom you may or may not have heard of before. This interesting fungi is being studied for its antimutagenic and antitumor effects. In a study of 100 chemotherapy patients with gynecological cancer, those treated with ABMK showed higher NK cell activity. This activity is critical for fighting tumors and viral infections.
A Final Note:
Nature offers us a veritable cornucopia of support for our bodies – we just need to know where to find these treasures and how to use them properly. If the idea of consuming mushrooms directly doesn't appeal to you, there's good news. Many companies have transformed functional mushrooms into more palatable forms like coffee or cocoa. This way, you can enjoy the myriad health benefits of these functional fungi in a tasty and convenient manner. If you plan to forage for mushrooms, please be sure to take a mushroom identification class. All mushrooms are edible at least once. A mushroom identification class can help ensure you can safely identify mushrooms and avoid ones that would lead to unwanted side effects, including potentially death. Nature’s gifts are plentiful; we just need to learn to utilize them effectively.
Until next time
Jena Your certified mental health guide for holistic wellness
Sources:
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