Medicinal mushrooms are a reservoir of valuable bioactive components that may be able to prevent or treat several diseases. Mushroom treatments seem to be generally safe, as might be expected given their long culinary and medicinal use. Over 130 medicinal effects of mushrooms have been reported, including anti-diabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, prebiotic, immunomodulating, anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits.
Medicinal mushrooms are a type of fungi that have been used for centuries in Eastern medicine to restore vitality and bolster health. Each medicinal mushroom has a unique nutritional profile and set of health benefits, making them a highly beneficial function food to add to your diet.
You can see below 5 medicinal mushrooms to supercharge your health and prevent disease:
1. Reishi - Immune Booster and Anti-Inflammatory Effect
Miracle Chinese herb, Ganoderma lucidum or reishi or lingzhi, is a massive and unpleasant medicinal mushroom with a brilliant outshining exterior that contains a high amount of active biological molecules. Ganoderma mushrooms have been promoting health used for a long time in Japan, China and other Asian countries known to stimulate immunity and fight cancer, thereby boosting longevity. Important constituents include primarily polysaccharides (e.g. beta-glucans) and triterpenes (ganoderic acids), but also lectins, sterols and B vitamins. Reishi increases the number and activity of numerous immune cells including T-lymphocytes, macrophages and NK cells. Triterpenes provide an anti-inflammatory (reduces the activity of NF-kB) and anti-histamine action. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of reishi are thought to provide it with its healthy ageing properties.
2. Shiitake - Anti-Cancer and Anti-Cardiovascular Effect
Shiitake is a common edible mushroom. Its Japanese name comes from the words ‘shii’ (species of chestnut) and ‘take’(mushroom), since it grows on chestnut wood. Important constituents include the beta-glucan Lentinan, choline, zinc, provitamin D, iron, B vitamins and unsaturated fatty acids. Large-scale clinical trials have confirmed significant anti-cancer activity from Lentinan.
Lentinan (injected) is a licensed pharmaceutical in Japan and is the third most widely prescribed anti-cancer ‘drug’ in the world today. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), shiitake is used to replenish Qi and nourish the blood. Shiitake is anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic. Studies have demonstrated life-prolonging effects of Lentinan in those with gastric, pancreatic, colorectal and liver cancer receiving chemotherapy. It is also shown to lower LDL by increasing faecal excretion, and increase HDL levels. Additionally, it inhibits platelet aggregation and is anti-thrombotic.
3. Lion’s mane - GI and Nervous systems disorders protector
Lion’s mane is a white-flesh, edible fungus, noted for its lobster-like flavour. Important constituents include beta-glucans, erinacines, high protein, selenium and zinc. Promotes regeneration of the gastric and intestinal mucosa. As a result, it is especially therapeutic in cases of: Increased intestinal permeability, inflammatory bowel disease, peptic ulcers, gastritis and GORD. It also acts as a prebiotic to support the intestinal flora and can be used in cases of dysbiosis. The erinacine in Lion’s mane has a stimulatory effect on the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein required in order to regenerate and repair nerve tissue. It is used in cases of Alzheimer’s, concussion recovery, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, peripheral neuropathies (e.g. diabetic) and general cognitive decline. Nerve injuries heal progressively and often slowly over time. Longer-term supplementation (months to years depending on the extent of disease) may be necessary.
4. Cordyceps - Anti-depressant and protector against reproductive diseases
Cordyceps is a fungal species that acts as a parasite in insects. It infects the insect, killing and mummifying it, then grows from the insect’s body! Cordyceps originated in Tibet — growing at an altitude of over 3500 m, but is now cultivated elsewhere in the world. Important constituents include polysaccharides, cordycepin acid, nucleosides, ergosterol and sterols. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is said to support the energy-stimulating capacity of the kidney, playing an important role in rejuvenation during convalescence. Cordyceps enhances fertility and libido in men and women, increases testosterone production in men and can be used in cases of impotency. Also, it up-regulates ovarian hormone production in women, helping to regulate the menstrual cycle. In terms of its anti-depressant effects, is an MAO inhibitor leading to increased dopamine and serotonin which improves mood.
5. Chaga - Anti-cancer and Immunomodulator
Chaga grows mainly on birch trees in cooler climates where it develops a woody growth that has the appearance of burnt charcoal. The inside of the hardened clumps reveals an orange-coloured, soft centre. Chaga has a long traditional use for certain cancers, heart disease, diabetes mellitus and to increase endurance. Key constituents include beta-glucans, triterpenoids and sterols including ergosterol. It is rich in antioxidant compounds and reduces inflammation by down-regulating inflammatory mediators. Acts as an immunomodulator that can support bone marrow activity and the proliferation of immune cells including T-lymphocytes. Chaga supports Anti-viral activity — e.g. against hepatitis C. It helps to prevent ‘cytokine storms’, where the immune system over-responds and damages healthy tissue. Due to antioxidant properties it induces cancer cell apoptosis and offsets bone marrow-suppressing effects of chemotherapy.
How to take medicinal mushrooms
Fresh mushrooms
With the exception of chaga, medicinal mushrooms can be eaten raw or cooked. You can add them to soups, salads and hot pots. Cooking does not destroy the medicinal properties in the mushroom; however, minimal cooking is recommended.
The best place to buy fresh medicinal mushrooms is your local farmer’s market or from a reputable grower online.
Powder
A common way to consume medicinal mushrooms is in their powdered form. The powder is versatile and easy to add to smoothies, hot drinks (herbal teas) and sprinkle over food.The powder is highly concentrated so you don’t need much of it for a therapeutic effect – start with ½ tsp per day and gradually increase to 1 tsp. You can buy powdered mushrooms individually or as a blend (containing lots of different mushrooms). They also come in capsule form for those who like the ease of a capsule.
Only buy certified organic, extracted and wood-grown mushrooms that are pure and do not contain fillers.
Mushrooms naturally grow and thrive on decaying wood and they pull a lot of nutrients from the wood. Some brands grow their mushrooms on grains as it’s cheaper – these mushrooms are less nutritious as mushrooms do not grow naturally on grains.
Stay Healthy, Stay Wealthy
Much Love,
Laura
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