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Functional mushrooms as health supplements – a complete guide

Mushroom supplements are known to offer various health benefits, such as supporting immune function and helping manage stress. Although scientific evidence on their effectiveness is still limited, many people include functional mushrooms in their diet as supplements daily. At Organic Mushrooms, we believe in the power of functional mushrooms and offer 100% natural extracts of revered functional mushrooms in the form of natural extract powder, capsules, supplement gummies and tinctures. You can learn more about how our supplements are made.

Types of Organic Mushrooms and Benefits:

A typical daily dose of functional mushrooms is around 3 grams, and health practitioners advise starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it. Let us look at some mushroom forms and their benefits.

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is known for stimulating the production of nerve growth factor (NGF) and myelin, which are essential for maintaining brain health. 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 rich in over 400 bioactive compounds, including triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and peptides, which contribute to various health benefits. 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) has shown numerous beneficial effects on the human body. Cordyceps can help boost the immune system, induce anti-tumour effects, increase energy levels, and provide anti-metastatic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. 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 celebrated for its ability to enhance the immune system and promote overall health. 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 known for its potent antioxidant properties. 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 believed to bolster the immune systems of individuals undergoing chemotherapy. 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 well-known for its ability to lower LDL cholesterol while supporting healthy blood pressure and circulation. 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.

Potential risks and side-effects:

Most mushroom supplements are generally safe, though side effects can occur for some people. Potential side effects include:

  • Dry mouth
  • Itchiness
  • Gastrointestinal distress
  • Allergic reactions

Additionally, mushroom supplements can interact with certain medications. For instance, Reishi or Chaga mushrooms may increase bleeding risks if taken with blood thinners, and reishi mushrooms may lower blood pressure, posing risks if combined with blood pressure medication. People with diabetes should be cautious, as Reishi mushrooms may lower blood sugar levels. Those with bleeding disorders or undergoing surgery should avoid reishi mushrooms due to bleeding risks. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals are also advised to avoid reishi mushrooms until more research confirms their safety.

How to choose a mushroom supplement:

When choosing a mushroom supplement, experts suggest several key considerations. First, research the benefits to match the type of mushroom with your health goals.

  • Doctors advise considering any medical conditions, as certain mushrooms like Reishi can interact with medications for liver, kidney, and heart conditions.
  • Purity is also essential; Doctors recommend choosing certified organic products free from heavy metals and contaminants.
  • It is recommended to check the extract ratio, noting that a 4:1 ratio, for example, means 4 pounds of mushroom were used for each pound of extract. At Organic Mushrooms our supplements have a 10:1 ratio
  • Look for products with at least 25-30% beta-glucan content, and consider third-party-tested options from reputable companies that disclose their sourcing. At Organic Mushrooms, all our supplements have been third-party tested and verified for Beta-Glucans

Incorporating functional mushrooms into your daily diet is an amazing and seamless way for your body and mind to receive important nutrition. These healthy habits go a long way in helping you achieve your health and wellness goals. It is recommended to have 2-3 grams of mushroom extracts in a day. While mushroom extracts have no side effects, we recommend you speak to your physician in case you are making substantial changes to your diet regime.

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