Why Supplement with Mushrooms?

 

Humans share more DNA with mushrooms than with plants. Fungi may form the natural foundation of a superfood to nurture mind, body, and spirit. You need only look to the psychoactive effects of hallucinogenic mushrooms and the toxicity of poisonous varieties to understand that mushrooms can have potent biochemical effects says David Hibbett, PhD., a mycologist (mushroom expert) and professor of biology at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. “Mushrooms produce a lot of interesting chemical compounds that could be defensive,” he says, and that might be useful for fending off bacteria and other bodily invaders that make us sick. “Fungi produce some of our most important drugs,” says Hibbett, pointing out that both penicillin and cholesterol-lowering statins were derived from fungi, the category of organisms that includes mushrooms. Here are three of the most researched mycological species on the planet that support immune function, promote natural energy, enhance physical performance, support cognitive function and mood, and promote longevity.

Cordyceps – the Performance Mushroom

Long used in traditional Chinese medicine, Cordyceps is said to have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Cordyceps is often used as a natural energy booster. Proponents also claim that cordyceps can protect against health issues like fatigue, high blood pressure, upper respiratory infections, inflammation, and kidney disorders. Some herbalists also believe that cordyceps can boost libido (sex drive), slow aging, and protect against cancer.

When taken as a supplement, cordyceps benefits may include:

• Increased exercise performance

• Boosted immunity

• Reduced inflammation

• Improved heart health

• Lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes

Red Reishi – the Longevity Mushroom

There are six different types of reishi and top herbalists will say the “red” reishi is the most potent (medicinal) variety. Reishi contains over 90 percent indigestible fiber and has quite a bitter taste. So, since you wouldn’t eat it, the best way to access its nutritive value is to take it in capsule form!

Researchers have identified that water-soluble polysaccharides are the most active element found in Red Reishi, with anti-tumor, immune modulating and blood pressure lowering effects. Another major active ingredient are triterpenes, called ganoderic acids. Preliminary studies have indicated ganoderic acids help alleviate common allergies by inhibiting histamine release, improve oxygen utilization and improve liver functions.

Red Reishi contains several constituents, including sterols, coumarin, mannitol, polysaccharides, and triterpenoids called ganoderic acids. Ganoderic acids seem to help lower blood pressure as well as decrease low density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride levels. These specific triterpenoids also help to reduce blood platelets from sticking together an important factor in lowering the risk for coronary artery disease.

9 Benefits of Red Reishi Mushrooms:

• Support the immune system

• Alleviate fatigue

• May lower blood pressure

• Are good for brain function

• Have allergy-fighting potential

• Contain cholesterol-lowering compounds

• May be helpful for diabetics

• Can improve liver function

• Rich in antioxidants

Lions Mane – the Cognitive Mushroom

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is unique in the mushroom family both in appearance and function. Lion’s Mane Mushroom is extremely effective at stimulating Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in the brain.

Known for its powerful effects as a “brain tonic”, Lion’s Mane is said to have been used as a tea for thousands of years by Buddhist monks. To enhance brain power, and heighten their ability to focus during meditation.

Lion’s Mane is a powerful catalyst for brain cell regeneration helping improve memory and cognition.

The primary active compounds in Lion’s Mane are hericenones and erinacines. Hericenones help your brain produce more Nerve Growth Factor. And erinacines easily crosses the blood-brain barrier to boost the production of neurons.

Lion’s Mane helps:

• Nerve Growth Factor. Lion’s Mane Mushroom is used as a therapy to protect the brain from possible nerve damage. Once past the blood-brain barrier, Lion’s Mane stimulates enzyme production which release sNerve Growth Factor (NGF). Nerve regeneration helps relieve neurodegenerative disease symptoms such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s Disease.

• Neurogenesis. Lion’s Mane stimulates the repair and creation of neurons. Boosting neurotransmitters and signaling effects memory, learning, recall, and mood.

• Brain Optimization. Lion’s Mane helps eliminate brain fog. A therapy to restore memory and mental alertness. Improves symptoms of anxiety and depression.

• You may not experience the effects of supplementing with Lion’s Mane Mushroom immediately. But many users report continued use of Lion’s Mane boosts their mood and mental energy.

• Some Report increases in depth perception, and an improvement in sense of smell.

• Others testify to improved decision-making, the ability to solve problems and an increase in ability to learn. This is likely due to Lion’s Mane ability to improve neuroplasticity.

• The overall consensus is Lion’s Mane Mushrooms offer a way to lessen anxiety, reduce depression and improve concentration.