Fungi with Benefits: How Medicinal Mushrooms Extracts Can Functionally Improve Your Health
India’s mushroom revolution is brewing, mushrooms are stepping out of the food territory and into the realm of functional medicine. Certain species contain compounds that deliver powerful therapeutic effects for the brain, immune system, nerves, and the body. ‘Magic’ medicinal mushrooms, indeed.
Mushrooms are miniature pharmaceutical factories, and of the thousands of mushroom species in nature, our ancestors and modern scientists have identified several dozen that have a unique combination of talents that improve our health. – Paul Stamets
Take Lion’s Mane, whose shaggy appearance resembles it’s namesake. This neuroprotective fungus contains bioactive compounds shown to stimulate nerve growth factor production in the human brain. Research indicates lion’s mane may aid digestion, relieve mild cognitive impairments, ease anxiety, improve focus and memory, and also protect the brain from dementia.
Then there’s Turkey Tail, an unassuming mushroom used for centuries in Japanese and Chinese medicine dating back to the 15th century. It turns out turkey tail contains unique polysaccharides that significantly boost immune function. Studies show taking turkey tail improved survival rates and immune cell counts in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Its antiviral and antibacterial effects make it a promising functional supplement for immunity.
For a physical performance boost, Cordyceps have been long famed as an athletic enhancer. Cordyceps contains antioxidants that may delay fatigue by reducing the oxidative stress on muscles. Some early findings also indicate cordyceps may enhance aerobic capacity, making it the perfect pre-workout supplement for your fitness regimen.
With its rich red hues and expansive health benefits, it’s easy to see why reishi is nicknamed the “mushroom of immortality.” When it comes to calming inflammation, many turn to Reishi mushrooms. Research indicates this fungus is packed with anti-inflammatory triterpenoids. Reishi contains ganoderic acid and other compounds shown to inhibit inflammation. Drinking reishi mushroom tea could help ease joint pain while reducing skin irritations like eczema.
Sure, you could eat fungi by the forkful, but mega-dosing on mushrooms is perhaps way too much umami in comparison just taking a powder or liquid extract packed with concentrated compounds.
I love mushrooms fried up with some olive oil as much as the next fun-guy, but whole mushrooms can’t maximize the medicinal benefits like targeted extracts. My go to is Nuvedo for the all good stuff. They’ve got a wide range that includes powdered blends and extracts for you to choose from. Another brand, a few of our friends swear by is Rooted Actives. They’ve also got great variety of mushroom extracts in powdered form, tinctures and even capsule supplements.
Mushrooms may be magic, but their mystical bioavailability comes through best in carefully crafted extracts – not your saucy stir fry.