Getting to know popular mushroom extracts
Fungi, including mushrooms, are peculiar forms of life. They pop up, seemingly overnight, out of nowhere. And unlike plants, they’re not green, they don’t have leaves or roots, and they never form flowers, fruits, or seeds.
Evolutionarily speaking, fungi are more closely related to humans than plants. This fact may be why many of the components that help mushrooms defend themselves against their enemies also support your body’s defense mechanisms and are increasingly being seen as a legitimate means to enhance your health and well-being.
The ancient Egyptians believed eating mushrooms brought a long life. And mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in cultures around the world, particularly in Asian countries.
Now, modern scientists are discovering some fascinating healing properties of mushrooms. And more than a hundred species of mushrooms are currently being studied across the world today for their potential health benefits.
Lion's Mane
Lion's mane mushrooms are white, globe-shaped fungi that have long, shaggy spines. People can eat them or take them in the form of supplements. Research suggests that they may offer a range of health benefits, including reduced inflammation and improved cognitive and heart health.
People in Asia use these mushrooms for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Health food stores sell lion's mane extract in supplement form, and both the fungus and its extracts appear to be beneficial to health.
What are the potential benefits? Lion's mane mushrooms may help with the following:
• Inflammation and oxidation
• Immune function
• Anxiety and depression
• Cognitive health
• Heart health
• Diabetes
• Digestive health
• Wound healing
People that generally use this extract include authors, poets, mathematicians, scientists, brain trauma patients, academics, students, mindful people, biohackers, corporate professionals, information technologists, travelers, and dreamers.
Cordyceps
While only gaining popularity in the Western World over the last 20 years or so, Cordyceps has been widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. Of the many benefits most closely associated with this weird and wonderful fungus, it was mainly used to protect the liver, improve kidney function, alleviate symptoms of respiratory illness, and to enhance libido. It was also recommended as a tonic for "all illness," with the ability to improve energy, endurance, stamina, appetite, and disrupted sleep patterns.
Cordyceps Benefits:
• Immune System
• Respiratory System
• Enhances Athletic Performance
• Promotes Longevity
• Liver & Kidney Health
• Sexual Health
People that generally use this extract include athletes, people with active lifestyles, gymnasts, performers, hikers, professional sports players, and doers.
Reishi
Reishi mushrooms are among several medicinal mushrooms that have been used for hundreds of years, mainly in Asian countries, for the treatment of infections. More recently, they have also been used in the treatment of pulmonary diseases and cancer. Medicinal mushrooms have been approved adjuncts to standard cancer treatments in Japan and China for more than 30 years and have an extensive clinical history of safe use as single agents or combined with chemotherapy.
Reishi mushroom has been used to help enhance the immune system, reduce stress, improve sleep, and lessen fatigue. People also take reishi mushroom for health conditions such as:
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Cardiovascular disease
• Liver or kidney disease
• Respiratory diseases (such as asthma)
• Viral infections (such as the flu)
• HIV/AIDS
• Cancer and support during chemotherapy
• Pain during and after a shingles outbreak
• Building strength and stamina
• Fatigue
People that generally use this extract include chillers, relaxers, deep breathers, meditators, yoga and Pilates practitioners, mystics, bohemians, surfers, channelers, people in flow, gardeners, kind people, missionaries and musicians.
Turkey Tail
Turkey Tail has an ancient history of being used as a medicinal mushroom. In many Asian cultures, turkey tails in curving cloud forms symbolize longevity and health, spiritual attunement, and infinity. It was traditionally brewed into a soothing tea and has been used for centuries in TCM to clear damp conditions, increase energy, strengthen the lungs, stomach, and spleen and to assist in convalescence from long-term diseases.
Turkey Tail Mushroom Benefits
• Immune System
• Digestive Health
People that generally use this extract include airplane travelers, young families, city people, prebiotic enthusiasts, balanced humans, gut focused people, partiers, seekers of immunity, talkers, walkers, workers, and contributors.
Shiitake
For hundreds of years, shiitake mushrooms have been a popular food source in Asia. They’re the second most popular and the third most widely cultivated edible mushroom in the world.
Today, shiitakes can be found in most grocery stores because of their meaty and versatile flavor, but did you know that they're packed with B vitamins and have the power to fight cancer cells, cardiovascular disease, and infections? That's just a few of shiitake mushroom nutrition benefits.
Why are these small fungi so powerful? It's because shiitake mushrooms have antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. They also help to control blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation within the body. That's right — all of these health benefits come from eating a mushroom. And there are a ton of easy ways to incorporate shiitake mushrooms into your diet.
Shiitake Mushroom Benefits:
• Fight Obesity
• Support Immune Function
• Destroy Cancer Cells
• Support Cardiovascular Health
• Contain Antimicrobial Properties
• Boost Energy and Brain Function
• Provide Vitamin D
• Promote Skin Health
People that generally use this extract include beauticians, dermatologists, self-lovers, nutritionists, naturopaths, perfectionists, models, actors, radiant people, inner beauty babes, sensual people.
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