Mushrooms are a type of fungi. Experts estimate that there may be as many as 5.1 million fungal species on our planet. While there may be a lot of mushroom types out there, far fewer are cultivated for consumption and many types of wild mushrooms are not even safe for humans. However, several types of mushrooms have been clinically-researched for health. Here are a few of our favorites:
1. Cordyceps Mushroom
Cordyceps, also known as the “caterpillar fungus,” is a mushroom-like fungus with a history in traditional Tibetan and Chinese health practices. It is found at high altitudes in the Himalayas. Traditional uses have varied widely—from supporting longevity and general vitality to sexual health and liver health.
Research shows that cordyceps may enhance aerobic capacity, helping optimize oxygen use and boosting cellular energy. It is also used as an adaptogen to support a healthy stress response and to promote immune function.
2. Reishi Mushroom
This prized reishi mushroom, or Ganoderma lucidum, is so highly valued in Eastern traditions that it is known in many Asian countries as the “mushroom of immortality.” Reishi mushrooms boast around 400 active compounds that provide benefits throughout the body.
Reishi mushroom has been studied as a supporter of immune function and antioxidant activity as well as for cardiovascular support. It is also taken to as a liver detox aid, as an adaptogen to reduce stress while supporting energy levels.
3. Lion’s Mane Mushroom
This exotic-sounding mushroom gets its name from its shaggy, mane-like appearance.
Lion’s mane mushroom has adaptogenic properties and supports balanced health in both mind and body, promoting a feeling of calm alertness and boosting antioxidant activity.Studies have shown that lion’s mane mushroom may also benefit cognitive health and memory, as it contains two compounds, hericenones and erinacines that may promote brain and nerve cell health.
4. Turkey Tail Mushroom
Turkey tail mushrooms are among the most researched of them all due to beneficial polysaccharides, beta glucan and many other nutrients within them that promote health.
Polysaccharides are powerful immune boosters and beta glucan is a type of dietary fiber with a broad range of potential health benefits, including promoting heart health.Turkey tail mushrooms contain more beta glucan than other types of wild or cultivated mushrooms. Since beta glucan is also a prebiotic fiber, it may promote healthy gut flora and improve digestive health, which can also promote immune health.
5. Chaga Mushroom
Revered for its anti-aging benefits and often sipped as chaga tea, chaga mushrooms are loaded with antioxidants, beta glucans and a variety of botanical compounds that offer benefits for the immune system, heart and energy levels. It is the extremely high levels of antioxidant phytonutrients in chaga that make it a popular anti-aging pick since antioxidants help fight oxidative damage, a major contributor to signs of skin aging.
6. Agaricus Blazei Mushroom
Agaricus blazei is native to the Brazilian village of Piedade, where the local people were known for their remarkably good health into old age. Research suggested that Agaricus blazei mushrooms did in fact play a role in the health of the people of Piedade, showing promise as an immune system booster and cellular defender.
Agaricus blazei is also believed to have adaptogenic properties, helping fight physical and emotional stress.
7. Zhu Ling Mushroom
Records of the use of zhu ling mushroom as a health tonic date back to the 5th century. This mushroom has held a valued place in traditional Chinese healthcare for ages.
Zhu ling is often taken to stimulate the immune system and promote liver health.
8. Maitake Mushroom
In Japanese, maitake means “dancing mushroom.” It got its name because people were so happy when they found one of these healthful mushrooms that they started dancing on the spot.
Maitake mushroom is an adaptogen that supports a healthy response to daily stress and it also works to help balance systems throughout the body and support immune health. It is rich in antioxidants, beta glucans, vitamins B and C, copper, potassium, fiber and amino acids.
9. Shiitake Mushroom
It is one of the most popular mushrooms for cooking. Compounds in these mushrooms boost immunity, support heart health and more.
Many studies have been conducted on shitake mushrooms, showing that eating just two dried shiitake mushrooms daily for a month can have beneficial effects on the immune system and overall health. They are also a natural source of vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium to build strong bones.
10. Snow Mushroom
Also known as Tremella fuciformis or white wood ear mushroom, snow mushrooms are making their way into beauty routines as a buzzworthy skincare ingredient. Snow mushroom is a hydrating ingredient in some skin creams, since this mushroom can hold 500 times its weight in water and it provides anti-aging benefits by supporting the skin’s natural collagen production to help keep skin firm.
In addition, snow mushroom may help stimulate the immune system, promote a healthy liver.
1. Cordyceps Mushroom
Cordyceps, also known as the “caterpillar fungus,” is a mushroom-like fungus with a history in traditional Tibetan and Chinese health practices. It is found at high altitudes in the Himalayas. Traditional uses have varied widely—from supporting longevity and general vitality to sexual health and liver health.
Research shows that cordyceps may enhance aerobic capacity, helping optimize oxygen use and boosting cellular energy. It is also used as an adaptogen to support a healthy stress response and to promote immune function.
2. Reishi Mushroom
This prized reishi mushroom, or Ganoderma lucidum, is so highly valued in Eastern traditions that it is known in many Asian countries as the “mushroom of immortality.” Reishi mushrooms boast around 400 active compounds that provide benefits throughout the body.
Reishi mushroom has been studied as a supporter of immune function and antioxidant activity as well as for cardiovascular support. It is also taken to as a liver detox aid, as an adaptogen to reduce stress while supporting energy levels.
3. Lion’s Mane Mushroom
This exotic-sounding mushroom gets its name from its shaggy, mane-like appearance.
Lion’s mane mushroom has adaptogenic properties and supports balanced health in both mind and body, promoting a feeling of calm alertness and boosting antioxidant activity.Studies have shown that lion’s mane mushroom may also benefit cognitive health and memory, as it contains two compounds, hericenones and erinacines that may promote brain and nerve cell health.
4. Turkey Tail Mushroom
Turkey tail mushrooms are among the most researched of them all due to beneficial polysaccharides, beta glucan and many other nutrients within them that promote health.
Polysaccharides are powerful immune boosters and beta glucan is a type of dietary fiber with a broad range of potential health benefits, including promoting heart health.Turkey tail mushrooms contain more beta glucan than other types of wild or cultivated mushrooms. Since beta glucan is also a prebiotic fiber, it may promote healthy gut flora and improve digestive health, which can also promote immune health.
5. Chaga Mushroom
Revered for its anti-aging benefits and often sipped as chaga tea, chaga mushrooms are loaded with antioxidants, beta glucans and a variety of botanical compounds that offer benefits for the immune system, heart and energy levels. It is the extremely high levels of antioxidant phytonutrients in chaga that make it a popular anti-aging pick since antioxidants help fight oxidative damage, a major contributor to signs of skin aging.
6. Agaricus Blazei Mushroom
Agaricus blazei is native to the Brazilian village of Piedade, where the local people were known for their remarkably good health into old age. Research suggested that Agaricus blazei mushrooms did in fact play a role in the health of the people of Piedade, showing promise as an immune system booster and cellular defender.
Agaricus blazei is also believed to have adaptogenic properties, helping fight physical and emotional stress.
7. Zhu Ling Mushroom
Records of the use of zhu ling mushroom as a health tonic date back to the 5th century. This mushroom has held a valued place in traditional Chinese healthcare for ages.
Zhu ling is often taken to stimulate the immune system and promote liver health.
8. Maitake Mushroom
In Japanese, maitake means “dancing mushroom.” It got its name because people were so happy when they found one of these healthful mushrooms that they started dancing on the spot.
Maitake mushroom is an adaptogen that supports a healthy response to daily stress and it also works to help balance systems throughout the body and support immune health. It is rich in antioxidants, beta glucans, vitamins B and C, copper, potassium, fiber and amino acids.
9. Shiitake Mushroom
It is one of the most popular mushrooms for cooking. Compounds in these mushrooms boost immunity, support heart health and more.
Many studies have been conducted on shitake mushrooms, showing that eating just two dried shiitake mushrooms daily for a month can have beneficial effects on the immune system and overall health. They are also a natural source of vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium to build strong bones.
10. Snow Mushroom
Also known as Tremella fuciformis or white wood ear mushroom, snow mushrooms are making their way into beauty routines as a buzzworthy skincare ingredient. Snow mushroom is a hydrating ingredient in some skin creams, since this mushroom can hold 500 times its weight in water and it provides anti-aging benefits by supporting the skin’s natural collagen production to help keep skin firm.
In addition, snow mushroom may help stimulate the immune system, promote a healthy liver.
No comments:
Post a Comment