7 Great Benefits of Functional Mushrooms

Date:

Functional mushrooms are having a moment, and health enthusiasts enjoy them for their capacity to boost immunity, improve digestive health, regulate mood, and more. We’ll discuss seven great benefits of functional mushrooms, and one of the best sources of quality mushroom products on the market.

In recent times, people have been inspired to take greater responsibility for their bodies to maximize their overall health. This involves turning to natural supplements that offer multiple benefits instead of consuming a multitude of over-the-counter synthetic pills. 

Functional mushrooms are a group of edible mushrooms that have been used for centuries due to their medicinal properties. These fungi contain bioactive compounds that promote a diverse array of health benefits. While functional mushrooms have been utilized across the Eastern hemisphere for thousands of years, they have just recently been popularized in Western cultures. Modern scientific research has begun to support their potential health benefits as dietary supplements and natural remedies. Read on to discover seven great benefits of functional mushrooms.

You May Also Like:

The Best Mushrooms for Liver Health

The Best Turkey Tail Mushroom Capsules: 5 Top Products Reviewed

Benefits of functional mushrooms #1:

Stress response

There are two categories of functional mushrooms: adaptogenic and medicinal. Many mushrooms fit into both of these categories. The adaptogenic properties in functional mushrooms have made them popular in Western cultures to help support stress reduction.

Adaptogens appear to affect the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis (HPA) by normalizing cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone. When stress is introduced to a person, their cortisol level increases. Adaptogenic mushrooms like Reishi and Turkey Tail help the body to overcome stress responses while protecting against the long-term effects of perpetual cortisol increases and chronic stress.

Benefits of functional mushrooms #2:

Immunity support

The benefits of functional mushrooms largely come from their bioactive compounds, usually in the form of beta-glucans. Beta-glucans are known for their immune-enhancing properties, helping to trigger your immune response when ingested. This may promote a biological response that will protect the body from pathogens. Double-blind randomized control trials of mushrooms like Turkey Tail and Reishi support these benefits.

Benefits of functional mushrooms #3:

Reduced inflammation

The beta-glucans in medicinal mushrooms have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation can affect many areas of the body, including the brain, heart, and joints. In studies where subjects consumed Reishi extract supplements, they had significantly reduced inflammation markers.

Benefits of functional mushrooms #4:

Brain health

In addition to the adaptogenic properties of functional mushrooms that benefit the brain, the medicinal properties of mushrooms like Lion’s Mane have been shown to possibly stimulate the growth and repair of nerve cells in the brain. This promotes improved cognitive function and may lower the risk of contracting neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, one study showed that Lion’s Mane may improve mild cognitive impairment in elderly individuals.

Benefits of functional mushrooms #5:

Effects on cancer

There were an estimated 1.9 million new cancer diagnoses in the United States in 2022. Functional mushrooms have been studied concerning their viability as possible adjuncts to medical treatment because of their anti-cancer properties. The beta-glucans in functional mushrooms like Reishi may have anti-tumor effects by activating natural killer cells. Natural killer cells are a type of white blood cell that may target and kill cancer cells.

Studies also show the anti-tumor effect of beta-glucans. However, more clinical research is needed to understand how functional mushrooms may be used as a complementary therapy for cancer treatment.

Benefits of functional mushrooms #6:

Improved cardiovascular health

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, killing one person every 34 seconds. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that maitake mushrooms may have an effect on blood pressure and lipid profiles in individuals with hypertension.

A lipid profile is a group of tests that measures the amount of cholesterol and other fats in your blood. In other words, maitake mushrooms may influence your lipid profile by helping to lower high cholesterol levels. A leading factor in contracting heart disease is a high cholesterol level, suggesting maitake’s ability to help prevent heart disease. Another study linked the consumption of Reishi mushrooms with significantly reduced blood pressure.

Benefits of functional mushrooms #7:

Gut health

Recent studies have linked gut health with the overall health of a person. Research indicates that the microbiota of the gut affects digestion and even cognitive function. Furthermore, beta-glucans have been studied as a potential source of prebiotics, possibly contributing to the composition of the gut microbiome. Additionally, the active compounds in Turkey Tail mushrooms have been shown to create clear and consistent changes in intestinal composition.

Benefits of functional mushrooms:

Making the right choice

Research continues to show the benefits of functional mushrooms, motivating the recent surge in the consumption of mushroom products. Unfortunately, many mushroom products on the market today contain little of these active compounds, often substituting ineffective fillers as their main ingredients. One company that provides a high percentage of active compounds in their mushroom products is Real Mushrooms. The company was founded by Skye Chilton after his father Jeff Chilton’s influence. Jeff Chilton is the founder of Nannex, the leading supplier of organic mushroom extract ingredients to supplement companies. With his 40 years of experience, he is a crucial figure in the functional mushroom market.

Skye’s goal for his company is to provide organic pure mushroom extracts to consumers while providing as much information to consumers as possible in a landscape of misinformation. This allows them to demand well-researched products. Real Mushrooms provides pure mushroom extracts like Turkey Tail that contain no grain fillers or starch. To uphold their transparency policy, they also provide articles, like this piece concerning Turkey Tail, that contain substantive research on the mushroom’s history and benefits.

mushrooms closeup shoot
benefits of functional mushrooms

The future of functional mushrooms

Functional mushrooms have been used for centuries for their multitude of benefits, including improved immune function, reduced inflammation, and improved brain function. Modern researchers work to confirm these benefits and provide supporting evidence for long-established traditional uses of functional mushrooms. With many deceptive products on the market, it can be difficult to obtain the benefits offered by a mushroom’s active compounds. But when a pure mushroom extract is found, it may be a great addition to your health regimen.

Further Reading for Additional Reference:

National Center for Biotechnology: “Edible Mushrooms: Improving Human Health and Promoting Quality Life

VeryWell Health: “What is Beta-Glucan?

Science Direct: “Mushroom as a potential source of prebiotics: a review

Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only,

and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.

Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Share post:

Popular

More like this
Related

Surprising Benefits of Oranges for Stress Relief: Do Oranges Give You Energy and Emotional Balance?

In a world increasingly dominated by high-stress environments and mental fatigue, the search for natural ways to boost mood and sustain energy has never been more urgent. Among the many fruits praised for their health benefits, oranges stand out as a surprisingly powerful ally in managing stress and promoting overall emotional well-being. But beyond their reputation as a rich source of vitamin C, do oranges give you energy in a way that can also enhance emotional stability? This article explores the compelling science behind the nutritional profile of oranges, their adaptogenic potential, and how they contribute to stress relief and balanced energy levels, all while aligning with dietary strategies for mental clarity and resilience.

7 Proven Adaptogenic Mushroom Strategies for How to Get Energized for a Workout

In an increasingly fast-paced world, maintaining consistent energy levels can be challenging, especially when preparing for physical activity. For many, the question of how to get energized for a workout is a daily concern that directly influences performance, motivation, and long-term fitness outcomes. Whether you're an early riser heading to the gym before work or someone who needs an afternoon boost to finish strong, the need for sustainable, non-jittery energy is universal. This is where adaptogenic mushrooms come into play. Known for their powerful effects on stress regulation and energy support, these natural remedies offer a holistic approach to enhancing physical and mental performance. Rooted in centuries of traditional medicine but increasingly validated by modern science, adaptogenic mushrooms have become a compelling focus in the world of health, wellness, and sports nutrition. In this article, we will explore seven research-backed strategies that leverage the unique properties of adaptogenic mushrooms to help you achieve consistent, natural energy before and during your workouts.

The Surprising Role of Blueberries in Stress Relief: Do Blueberries Give You Energy?

Blueberries, those vibrant, antioxidant-rich fruits, have long been celebrated for their nutritional benefits. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds, they are often touted as a superfood capable of improving everything from heart health to cognitive function. Yet in recent years, growing attention has been paid to a different question: do blueberries give you energy, and can they meaningfully support stress relief and emotional balance? This seemingly simple inquiry opens the door to a much broader exploration of how food affects both our physiology and our mental state. From their impact on cellular energy production to their role in modulating the nervous system, blueberries represent a fascinating case study in the connection between diet and psychological well-being.

How Adaptogenic Mushrooms and Almonds Support Energy and Stress Relief: A Proven Guide to Whether Do Almonds Give You Energy

In an era defined by chronic fatigue, overwhelming workloads, and a never-ending digital feed, the quest for sustained energy and stress relief has become more vital than ever. While synthetic stimulants and processed supplements often promise quick fixes, many people are now turning to holistic, natural alternatives that work with the body rather than against it. Among the growing field of natural remedies, two powerful food-based interventions have emerged as front-runners: adaptogenic mushrooms and almonds. A critical question has surfaced amid this nutritional renaissance: do almonds give you energy? As we explore this inquiry, it becomes apparent that both adaptogenic mushrooms and almonds play vital, complementary roles in supporting not only energy levels but also overall resilience to stress.