Get ready to think about mushrooms differently! The next time you grab those ordinary looking fungi to toss in your stir fry, you might want to think again. Those plain looking mushrooms have some amazing healing potential that can rival prescription medications. The best part is they don't come with any unwanted side effects, are not addictive, and cost next to nothing!
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Check PriceMushrooms are medicine! And modern science is slowly learning what traditional medicine has know for millenia! But it isn't just any mushroom, or any preparation method. The difference between great therapeutic effect and only mild nutritional support, is knowing the right compounds in each variety and how to prepare them.
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1. SHiitake: The Commander of Your Immune System
Shiitake mushrooms have a special substance known as lentinan, which, like a drill sergeant, orders your immune system to do something. This beta-glucan acts as an 'officer' (immunology speak) giving orders to the immune system about how to identify and attack threats and prevents the immune system from overreacting and causing autoimmune problems. Studies show that shiitake mushrooms are effective in decreasing inflammation and in increasing natural killer cells by up to 40%.
Shiitake mushrooms can support digestion. Fresh shiitake mushrooms sautéed in olive oil allows you to benefit more from compounds in shiitake mushrooms. However, with dried shiitake mushrooms, compounds are more concentrated. Dried shiitake mushrooms are better for soups or broths. In addition to digestion, shiitake mushrooms contain a compound called eritadenine that helps with cholesterol breakdown and supporting good bacteria in the gut.
2. Lion's Mane: The Cure for Your Brain and Gut
Lion's mane is the only food that contains nerve growth factor (NGF). This means that eating lion's mane allows your brain to create new neurons! Because of that lion's mane is great for improving memory and focus, and can even slow down the progression of dementia. The compounds in lion's mane that heal the brain also heal the gut lining which makes it useful for leaky gut syndrome and gut inflammation.
The powder extracts give consistent therapeutic amounts. As for the extracts in powder form, you should have about 1-2 teaspoons in coffee, smoothies, or tea. For the best products, look for hericenones and erinacines for the most neuroprotective properties. You can prepare fresh lion's mane like you would a seafood dish.
3. Maitake: Your Blood Sugar Stabilizer
Maitake mushrooms can help with blood sugar control and weight management due to their unique polysaccharides. These substances improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. Research indicates that consistent consumption of maitake mushrooms can reduce blood sugar spikes by 25%.
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Maitake mushrooms help sustain the boost of your immune system because their fruiting body is packed with lots of beta-glucans. They can be put in broths and stir-frys fresh and the powdered extracts can be put in smoothies or taken in capsule form. For more added blood sugar support, combine with broccoli and other foods that contain chromium.
4. Portobello: A Nutrient Dense Alternative
Portobello mushrooms are sometimes considered boring and not interesting. However, they are a good source of B vitamins, especially niacin (B3) and riboflavin (B2). These vitamins are important for energy metabolism and for the brain to work properly. Plus, portobello mushrooms also have a lot of potassium, phosphorus, and selenium. These nutrients help protect the heart and the cells.
Portobello mushrooms are a great substitute for meat because they are a complete source of protein and have all of the essential amino acids that the body needs. They also have fiber which helps support digestive health. Grilling and roasting portobello mushrooms concentrates their nutrients and generates rich umami flavor. The meaty consistency of portobello mushrooms makes them ideal for burgers, steak, or stuffed dishes.
5. Cordyceps: Booster of Energy and Performance.
Your cellular processes, ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production, and oxygen usage can be improved with the help of cordyceps mushrooms. They provide fuel for cellular energy. The cellular boost helped manage fatigue and helped athletes perform better. Oxygen absorption may improve by 15%, according to one study. Overall, your exercise performance gets significantly better.
Traditional Chinese Medicine has shown the Cordyceps mushroom to be beneficial for the kidneys and lungs for over a millennium. Recent research on the Cordyceps mushrooms has shown to be beneficial to the adrenals and stress response. To reap the full benefits, taking the Cordyceps powder 30 – 60 minutes prior to exercise is recommended. It can also be taken in pre-workout drinks and morning smoothies.
6. Yellow Oyster: The Anti-Inflammatory Gold Mine of Minerals
Nutritional benefits are found in yellow oyster mushrooms. They are abundant in anti-inflammatory substances and minerals like iron, zinc, and copper. The vivid colors of yellow oyster mushrooms also indicate their richness in antioxidants, especially ergothioneine. This particular antioxidant accumulates in organs that are prone to oxidative stress.
These mushrooms contain lovastatin, a natural form of a cholesterol-lowering drug. Stir-frying the mushrooms will keep their color and nutrition and will add a crunch. They are very beautiful and go wonderfully with Asian food.
Sourcing and Safety Guidelines
When purchasing medicinal mushrooms, quality is imperative. If possible, select organic mushrooms since they will have absorbed both beneficial and harmful substances from the environment. Standardized extracts are more likely to offer therapeutic benefits and provide more consistent results than fresh mushrooms.
Foraging for personal use, wild mushrooms should never be done as there are many variations that may mimic edible mushrooms, but are poisonous. When purchasing mushrooms, fresh mushrooms can be bought from trusted vendors or for the powdered extracts, from certified organic vendors. Using the product should always be started in small amounts so that you can gauge your tolerance, and if you're taking any medicines or have any medical issues, always consult your doctor.
Healing mushrooms work differently than other foods. Many of the compounds in mushrooms work synergistically, which means they function in a way where each individual unit or component increases the effect of the others. When you incorporate these six varieties into your daily habits, you will build a natural pharmacy that works with your body to heal, no prescription required.
