Functional mushrooms have been studied extensively for their potential anti-inflammatory properties, and while they may not necessarily “cure” inflammation, they have shown promise in helping to manage it. Several types of functional mushrooms, such as Reishi, Chaga, Turkey Tail and Cordyceps, contain bioactive compounds like polysaccharides, beta-glucans, triterpenoids, and antioxidants, which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in laboratory and animal studies. These compounds can modulate the immune system and reduce the production of pro-inflammatory molecules, thereby alleviating inflammation.

For example, research has shown that polysaccharides found in mushrooms like Reishi and Turkey Tail may inhibit the release of inflammatory cytokines and promote the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, certain mushrooms contain compounds that can suppress the activity of inflammatory enzymes like cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which play key roles in the inflammatory process. Chaga is high in antioxidants and can help prevent the production of harmful cytokines thereby reducing inflammation in the body. Reishi supports the immune system and can help fight inflammation. Krestin (PSK) and Polysaccharide Peptide (PSP) found in Turkey Tail mushrooms help activate and inhibit specific types of immune cells and suppress inflammation. Research shows that Cordyceps helps suppress special proteins that increase inflammation in the body.

Functional mushrooms possess adaptogenic properties, meaning they can help the body adapt to stress and maintain homeostasis. Chronic stress and inflammation are closely linked, and by supporting the body’s stress response systems, mushrooms may indirectly help reduce inflammation.

While the research on medicinal mushrooms and inflammation is promising, it is essential to note that most of the evidence comes from preclinical studies, and more clinical research is needed to confirm their effectiveness in humans.

Additionally, functional mushrooms are not a replacement for conventional medical treatment for inflammatory conditions. Still, they may serve as complementary therapies when incorporated into a balanced and healthy lifestyle, including a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and stress management techniques. As always, individuals with inflammatory conditions should consult with a healthcare professional before adding functional mushrooms or any other supplements to their regimen.

This recipe is shared by Laska Maria Freeman.

This is one of my new favourite recipes from my daughter-in-law @misscuccicuccicucci and from her mother @sune.choi

A twist on a Classic Korean Soup by adding mushrooms for extra nutrition.

Mushrooms are one of the only vegetables that are not sprayed with harmful pesticides and chemicals in Canada. I find local mushrooms and dry them but the extracts from @organicmushroomsca work extremely well

This is a simple recipe and one can modify it as per individual tastes and preferences.

• Brown pork chop or chuck steak (a cheaper piece of meat) also I add 2 straps of Bacon.
• I like cooking with Sesame Seed Oil, but you can use any oil you have.
• Add the white part of the Green Onions
• Remove meat from pot when browned.
• On medium or low heat, add a generous spoonful of Kimchi to the pot.
• You can simply add Organic Mushrooms extract powders to it. You can use fresh mushrooms or powdered mushrooms that are dried.
• Add whatever other vegetables you want or whatever is left in the fridge.
• Cook over medium heat and then add 2 cups of water or broth.
• For spice, you can add a full teaspoon of Gochujang paste (Hot Pepper Paste)
• Bring to a boil on Medium then to a Minimum and Simmer for an hour.
• Cook rice or noodles when ready to eat.
• Garnish with the green part of the onion.
• This pot makes enough for one person for a few days.

Fungi have been around even before humans came into existence and functional mushrooms have been known to offer health benefits to humans for centuries now. Before the medicines came into existence functional mushrooms were the natural solution for ailments and diseases and preventive healthcare. In the past decade, there has been a renewed interest and a definite rise in the consumption of mushroom supplements as people realize the benefits of preventive healthcare using century-old traditions as compared to modern pharma, sometimes in addition to modern pharma. Functional mushroom supplements have bagged the limelight in the past few years as people look for natural ways to enhance their health and wellness.

Mushroom supplements are conveniently available in multiple forms, including capsules, powders, extracts, supplement gummies and tinctures. It has become extremely easy to incorporate them into your diet regime.

Functional Mushroom supplements offer standardized dosages of the beneficial bioactive compounds, and it is easy to keep track of how much you are consuming to fulfill your nutrition deficit. It is recommended to consume 2-3 grams of mushroom extracts per day.

The bioavailability of mushroom supplements is best in terms of per-gram consumption. The supplements only contain the beneficial bioactive compounds extracted from mushrooms fruiting bodies. Supplements allow you to consume the beneficial part after discarding the remains enhancing the effectiveness of what you consume.

Functional mushroom supplements are nutrition for the body especially when you have specific health goals. Mushrooms such as Lion’s Mane are good to improve cognition while Turkey Tail can help improve digestion, Cordyceps can help with improved energy and exercise performance and so on.

Supplements have a way longer shelf life as compared to fresh mushrooms, which makes them a practical choice for those who do not consume mushrooms regularly. Organic Mushroom supplements have a shelf life between 2-3 years from the date of milling if they are stored in a cool and dry place away from sunlight.

To choose between mushroom supplements and whole mushrooms is an individual choice and preference as some people might want to consume functional mushrooms as a culinary delight although functional mushrooms do not have a good taste of their own. Whether you decide to consume functional mushrooms as a whole or as supplements, it is good as incorporating functional mushrooms into your diet offers numerous health benefits.

By Tammie Samuel 

We are happy to share this recipe shared by Tammie Samuel to cook a Black Bean Walnut Burger recipe!

These patties can also be rolled into bean balls to go with your favourite pasta sauce on those meat-free Mondays. The oat flour gives these burgers a satisfying crunchy coating. I enjoy them on their own, drizzled with tahini and topped with organic salsa, and a dark leafy side salad, but you can enjoy these healthy burgers on whole wheat buns, and homemade air-fried potatoes too!

Black Bean Walnut Turkey Tail Burgers ingredients:

1 (19oz) can organic black beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup. cooked & packed brown wild rice

1/2 cup. shiitake mushrooms, chopped; stems removed (other mushrooms work fine too)

1 flax egg (which is 1 tbsp. flax meal + 3 tbsp. water, sit for 5 min)

1/4 cup. onion, diced

1/3 cup. raw unsalted walnuts crunched into smaller pieces (I just crunch them in my hands)

1-1/2 tbsp. olive oil

1/2 tbsp. soy sauce

2 tbsp. oat flour

2 tbsp. nutritional yeast

1 tsp. smoked paprika

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. sea salt

1/2 tsp. Turkey Tail Mushroom Powder from Organic Mushrooms Canada

In a large bowl, place the beans and mash lightly with a fork, just until you reach a coarse texture. Add the cooked rice, shiitake mushrooms, flax egg, onion, walnuts, olive oil, soy sauce, oat flour, nutritional yeast, spices, and turkey tail powder.

Form into patties (I find wetting my hands makes it easier to make the burgers, as it will be very sticky). Place burgers on a lightly olive oil-greased baking sheet and bake at 375 for about 20 minutes, or until you see that crispy coating. Flip once. Enjoy!

Organic Mushrooms is looking for authentic food and beverage recipes that use mushroom extract powders and tinctures. Please share with us healthy recipes on how you cook your meals using Organic Mushrooms health supplements. You can email your recipes to us at info@organicmushrooms.ca or post them on social media and tag us.

The recipes will be shared with the community created by Organic Mushrooms as blog posts on the website and will be shared on social media. Winning recipes stand a chance to receive $100 shop credit that can be used across our product portfolio. One winner will be selected each week. Make the most of this opportunity to earn shop credit and share healthy food and beverage recipes with everyone.

Organic Mushrooms health supplements are 100% natural extracts of functional mushrooms such as Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Reishi, Turkey Tail, Chaga, Shiitake and our flagship blend Daily VitaMush. Our health supplements are gluten-free, non-GMO and without any fillers. Shipping across Canada is free.

Organic means relying on natural substances and farming methods that avoid anything artificial, allowing the crop to grow sustainably only using what’s available to it from mother nature. Even before life existed on this planet, fungi have grown on decaying matter without any help from mankind. The recent upsurge in the demand for mushrooms as health supplements might have caused some growers to use artificial additives or fillers to grow the mushrooms. The main difference between organic and inorganic mushrooms is the way mushrooms are grown and the raw materials used to grow mushrooms.

Conventional mushrooms and organic mushrooms are grown differently. The key differentiator is the nitrogen source used in the growing process. While conventional mushrooms are given nitrogen in the form of a synthetic material called Urea, organic mushrooms utilize fresh or dried chicken fertilizer as a part of the composting process.

Organic mushrooms have higher benefits than non-organic, as studies have shown that the antioxidant content is much higher in organic versus non-organic produce. When it comes to Mushroom supplements, it is important to choose those that are Organic. Organic standards prohibit animal testing, GM practices, manufactured herbicides and artificial fertilizers. Hydrogenated fats, artificial colours and preservatives are also not allowed. This is because mushrooms easily absorb everything from their environment, both good and bad. They can accumulate toxins while growing non-organically, which is not the case with organic mushrooms.

At Organic Mushrooms, we have built relationships with local growers that allow us to create health supplements without any fillers in them. The extraction processes used are all natural using hot water and food-grade alcohol to extract the goodness of functional mushrooms. The patented extraction processes allow the extraction of beneficial bioactive compounds from the fruiting bodies for best use as preventive healthcare supplements. Some growers also use mycelium to extract the beneficial compounds from organically grown mushrooms.

There is a difference of opinions regarding which type of fungal structure is more beneficial in terms of nutrition and medicinal properties – mushroom fruit bodies or mycelium. It’s reasonable to think that functional fungi, at all stages of their life cycle, produce substances that are beneficial for both nutrition and medicine. Understanding the contributions of both structures to health and well-being is important and we can offer both.

We believe in quality and understand how important it is for our customers who expect quality while choosing a mushroom supplement, we believe it’s essential to be transparent about the origins of our mushrooms and our organic certification. Our growers are tested, and we ensure that all our mushroom powders are gluten-free, non-GMO and free of any fillers as we get them tested by third parties. This enables us to offer you the highest quality and purest mushroom supplements.