Over the last decade, there has been a stupendous rise in superfoods as people realized the benefits of adding certain foods and herbs to their daily routines. Functional mushrooms have been in existence much before any of the trends started. For thousands of years, functional mushrooms have been consumed by different ethnicities and traditions across the world. The supplements made from functional mushrooms are ready to take the wellness world by storm. These remarkable fungi are not only nutritious but also packed with the potential to enhance overall well-being. Functional mushrooms are types of fungi celebrated for their health benefits beyond their nutritional content, with specific advantages varying by mushroom species. Let us look at each type of functional mushroom and its intended benefits.
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus), often referred to as the “Brain Mushroom,” is believed to enhance focus, memory, and cognition while reducing anxiety. Like other medicinal mushrooms, it is rich in antioxidants that boost the immune system. Lion’s Mane is known for stimulating the production of nerve growth factor (NGF) and myelin, which are essential for maintaining brain health. Additionally, its mood-lifting properties can benefit individuals struggling with anxiety and depression. Lion’s Mane also helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle, promoting restful sleep by decreasing wakefulness during REM sleep. Some of the potential benefits of Lion’s Mane mushrooms include preventing dementia, relieving depression and anxiety, speeding recovery from nervous system injuries, protecting against digestive ulcers, reducing heart disease risks, and helping manage diabetes.
Often referred to as the “Longevity Mushroom,” Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is known for its calming effects on the mind, ability to boost energy, and encouragement of restful sleep. Traditional medicine practitioners have long believed that Reishi promotes health, balances body functions, and increases life expectancy without any side effects. Scientists have identified that Reishi mushrooms are rich in over 400 bioactive compounds, including triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and peptides, which contribute to various health benefits. It is also a great source of essential minerals, vitamins (especially vitamin D and B-complex vitamins), amino acids, and antioxidants. Some of the notable benefits of Reishi mushrooms include support for conditions like Alzheimer’s and cancer, aiding in sleep and mental clarity, promoting lung and respiratory health, maintaining blood sugar levels, and bolstering the immune system.
Often referred to as the “Energy Mushroom,” Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris) is a powerful medicinal mushroom that has been used in Chinese and Tibetan medicine for centuries. This unique combination of caterpillar and fungus has shown numerous beneficial effects on the human body. Research suggests that various strains of Cordyceps may help boost the immune system, possess anti-tumour effects, increase energy levels, and provide anti-metastatic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. In traditional medicine, Cordyceps has been valued as a tonic for lung and kidney health, making it beneficial for respiratory issues and physical fatigue. Additionally, these mushrooms are renowned for enhancing athletic performance. Some of the potential benefits of Cordyceps mushrooms include improved energy and exercise performance, a healthy inflammatory response, support for testosterone levels, blood sugar balance, heart health maintenance, mood support, and kidney function enhancement.
Maitake (Grifola frondosa), often called the “Dancing Mushroom,” is a highly valued wild mushroom known for its impressive nutritional benefits and long history in Eastern medicine. This mushroom is celebrated for its ability to enhance the immune system and promote overall health. Rich in beta-glucans, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, Maitake provides a natural boost to well-being. Its beneficial compounds, particularly polysaccharides like beta-glucans, ergosterol, and proteins, contribute to its immune-boosting properties. Incorporating Maitake into your daily routine can offer various benefits, including immune system support, regulation of blood sugar and pressure, cholesterol management, weight control, increased energy levels, digestive health support, antioxidant protection, anti-inflammatory effects, and hormonal balance.
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus), often called the “Mushroom of Immortality,” is a highly nourishing wild mushroom traditionally used to address various ailments. Known for its potent antioxidant properties, Chaga is packed with antioxidants, SOD enzymes, vital amino acids, minerals, and other essential compounds. It has the potential to promote cellular proliferation and may help combat the ageing process. Chaga’s chemical composition features over 200 different bioactive metabolites, including polysaccharides (beta-glucans), melanin, triterpenes, and ergosterol, with polysaccharides being particularly active in supporting health. Incorporating Chaga into your daily diet can offer numerous benefits, such as anti-ageing and skin health, antioxidant support, digestive aid, cancer prevention, lowering bad cholesterol (LDL), reducing inflammation, balancing the immune system and blood sugar levels, alleviating muscle fatigue, and promoting healthy brain function.
Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor), also known as the “Cloud Mushroom,” is a widely recognized polypore mushroom celebrated for its potent antioxidant properties and potential anticancer effects. It contains polysaccharide-K (PSK), an approved anticancer drug in Japan, known for its ability to stimulate the immune system and combat leukaemia cells, thereby improving survival rates for certain cancers. Additionally, Turkey Tail is believed to bolster the immune systems of individuals undergoing chemotherapy. With one of the highest beta-glucan contents among mushrooms, Turkey Tail is extensively studied for its numerous health benefits. Incorporating Turkey Tail into your diet can help fight and prevent cancer, slow cancer growth, boost antioxidants, improve skin health, promote anti-ageing, aid digestion, reduce inflammation, and enhance brain function.
Often referred to as the “Heart Mushroom,” Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) is a medicinal mushroom with a long history in traditional medicine, particularly in East Asia. Shiitake mushrooms are well-known for their ability to lower LDL cholesterol while supporting healthy blood pressure and circulation. Their health-promoting properties have made them a popular ingredient in cuisines around the world and a favoured nutritional supplement. Incorporating Shiitake mushroom supplements into your diet can offer several impressive benefits, including improved heart health, enhanced immune system function, regulated blood sugar levels, and better skin health.
All Organic Mushrooms supplements are crafted from functional mushrooms that are organically grown in British Columbia and hot water extracted to enhance the bioavailability of beneficial compounds like beta-glucans. By using certified organic mushrooms, we unlock their most beneficial properties and improve absorption. Our products are organic, vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free, ensuring they meet high-quality standards. Produced entirely in Canada, we prioritize quality and authenticity in every step of the process.