Mushroom Madness: The foundation of your daily core supplement regimen
Once reserved for ancient folklore and hippies, medicinal and adaptogenic mushrooms have entered the spotlight in mainstream health, wellness and culinary recipes. Many of us are drawn to discovering the powerful healing properties of mushrooms and fungi. There is an allure and fascination to this dynamic, magical, and healing kingdom. Options range from forest foraging, growing your own at home, or sourcing from some of the top supplement and wellness brands across the country. Medicinal mushrooms can be defined as macroscopic fungi that are used in the form of extract or powder for prevention, alleviation, or healing of multiple diseases and/or in balancing a healthy diet (Bioactive Food as Dietary Interventions for Arthritis and Related Inflammatory Diseases Second Edition, 2019). As a family, mushrooms host a variety of general benefits including:
- Offer a food source of nutrition that is readily digestible and absorbable
- Enzymes and prebiotics to support digestion, assimilation of nutrients and provide food sources for probiotic microflora in the intestinal tract
- High antioxidant content- helps to combat free radical damage in the body
- Provide immune support
- Help to balance blood sugar
- Support the nervous system through stress and fatigue reduction
- Increase energy and stamina; supports the body in adapting to physical and mental stress
- Rich in vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, Vitamin D, iron, copper, and selenium
There are several well-known medicinal mushrooms that have garnered a lot of attention in the health and wellness space. Below you will find the main benefits for our top five as well as how they compare with other vitamins, herbs, and constituents. Two of the most popular medicinal mushrooms are chaga and reishi, often referred to as the King and Queen of medicinal mushrooms, respectively. Chaga, the mushroom that’s not really a mushroom, is a woody canker that grows on birch trees in colder regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It is rich in beta glucans-polysaccharides with immune boosting and modulating properties. In addition to its immune system benefits, chaga is known for its high antioxidant content and function as a gastrointestinal support. It has similar benefits to Resveratrol and chamomile. Reishi, “the mushroom of immortality”, hosts a range of benefits including stress support, cardiovascular support, energy and stamina, and overall wellness. Reishi possesses similar benefits to Eleuthero, Hawthorne, and Quercetin. Are you seeking a cognitive health support? Lion’s Mane may be what you’re looking for. Studies have verified Nerve Growth Factor in Lion’s Mane. It is known to promote mental clarity, focus and memory as well as benefits related to cerebral, immune, and nervous system support. The benefits of Lion’s Mane are comparable to Gingko and Phosphatidylserine. Turkey Tail is another popular species. It is known to be an excellent source of cellular nutrients and offers both immune and liver support. A recent clinical study by the NIH showed Turkey Tail to be immunologically active. Cordyceps are a fantastic option when you need an extra pep in your step. These fungi are primarily beneficial for boosting energy and stamina. They may enhance natural metabolic systems, augment oxygen uptake, support healthy libido and promote healthy kidney function. Cordyceps are commonly selected by those wishing to support athletic performance naturally. The benefits of cordyceps are comparable to Tribulus and B vitamin complexes. Experience the power of mushrooms with our featured products from Purica. Handpicked for their premium quality and potency, Purica’s mushroom blends offer a convenient way to incorporate the benefits of these superfoods into your daily regimen. Purica Chaga Micronized Mushrooms 120 Vegan Caps Purica Reishi Micronized Mushrooms 120 Vegan Caps Purica Lion’s Mane Micronized Mushrooms 120 Vegan Caps Purica Turkey Tail Micronized Mushrooms 120 Vegan Caps Purica Cordyceps Micronized Mushrooms 120 Vegan Caps Purica Complete 360 Micronized Mushrooms 120 Vegan Caps Purica Vegan Protein with Chaga Purica Vegan Protein with Lion’s Mane Purica Vegan Protein with 8 Mushrooms The content in this post is for information purposes only and is not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment of conditions that your health care practitioner should assess. The products discussed may not be suitable for you. Always read and follow the label. For additional recommendations, you are always welcome to visit us in-store at 317 Brock Street S Whitby, ON L1N 4K3. References: Abdel-Azeem, A et al. 2019. “Bioactive Food as Dietary Interventions for Arthritis and Related Inflammatory Diseases. Second Edition.” Chapter 21: Endophytic Fungi as a New Source of Antirheumatoid Metabolites. Stamets, P. 2024. “Mushroom Benefits at a Glance.” <https://hostdefense.com/pages/mushroom-benefits-at-a-glance> Stay Wyld Organics. 2024. “Mushroom Learning Center.” <https://staywyldorganics.com/blogs/mushroom-learning-center> Image: Stay Wyld Organics. 2024. “Mushroom Learning Center: Turkey Tail.” <https://staywyldorganics.com/blogs/mushroom-learning-center/turkey-tail>