Health Benefits of Mushrooms
Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-mushroom-53494/
Mushrooms, those fascinating organisms that thrive in various ecosystems, have long been cherished for their culinary versatility and distinctive flavors. Some also cherish them for their psychedelic properties, but we won’t delve into that here. For now, let’s stick to a non-controversial conversation about the health benefits of mushrooms.
Nutritional Powerhouses
Mushrooms may appear modest, but they are nutritional powerhouses. They are low in calories, fat-free, and cholesterol-free, making them an ideal addition to a healthy diet. Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, mushrooms are particularly rich in B vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid, which contribute to energy production, healthy skin, and proper nerve function. Additionally, mushrooms are a good source of selenium, potassium, and copper.
Immune-Boosting Properties
One of the most remarkable aspects of mushrooms is their ability to enhance immune function. They contain beta-glucans, a type of polysaccharide known for their immunomodulatory effects. Beta-glucans stimulate the activity of immune cells, such as natural killer cells and macrophages, helping the body to fight off infections and potentially reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. Incorporating a variety of mushrooms into your diet can strengthen your immune system and support overall health.
Let’s look at the four types of mushrooms in Mad Dandy.
Chaga - Gut Health and Reduce Inflammation
Chaga mushrooms are high in antioxidants and have been found to help fight inflammation according to the Cleveland Clinic.
“By having these antioxidants, Chaga mushrooms decrease inflammation in our gut, which can cause problems like irritable bowel syndrome,” says Registered dietitian Beth Czerwony of the Cleveland Clinic.
A study shows that Chaga mushrooms can not only help reduce inflammation but can also fight harmful bacteria.
Lowers cholesterol
With their high amounts of antioxidants, Chaga mushrooms may also help lower cholesterol, which can reduce your risk of heart disease.
One study shows that Chaga mushrooms reduced “bad” LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and overall cholesterol. It also increased antioxidant levels. There’s also evidence that Chaga mushrooms may increase “good” HDL cholesterol.
“Chaga mushrooms could protect your cholesterol levels and perhaps aid in improving your arterial walls,” says Czerwony.
Cordyceps - Anti-aging properties
Cordyceps have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine among older populations to provide energy, reduce fatigue and boost libido and sex drive. In fact, it’s been referred to as “Himalayan Viagra” because of these effects. It has traditionally been used alongside ginseng and Rhodiola rosea to help reduce fatigue. More research is needed, but scientists believe this is because cordycepin may help regulate energy metabolism.
Increase exercise performance
Reduced inflammation may also help boost exercise performance. “When you’re exercising, you’re causing inflammation throughout your body,” explains Czerwony. “By decreasing that, you’re going to perform much better.”
One study followed 28 individuals who participated in high-intensity exercise over the course of three weeks while consuming a mushroom blend that contained cordyceps. That study showed significant improvement in VO2 max (a measurement of how much oxygen your body absorbs and uses while working out).
Anti-inflammatory properties
A review of several research studies suggests cordyceps contain a bioactive component called cordycepin. This can help with inflammation related to asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, hepatitis and more. In fact, cordycepin has been identified as a potential nutraceutical (a food that contains medicinal benefits). Lab studies suggest cordycepin and cordyceps polysaccharide can have additional positive effects on obesity (a condition often associated with chronic low-grade inflammation). Still, clinical studies are needed to determine if these same effects are present in humans.
“Cordyceps seems like one of those superfoods that can decrease inflammation,” says Czerwony. “When we think about decreasing inflammation, we think of better overall heart health and cholesterol levels, too.”
Lion’s Mane - Brain Health
Lion’s mane mushrooms promote brain health and have tremendous Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant properties
Lion’s mane are rich in a specific type of carbohydrate called oligosaccharides that have many critical biological functions including antioxidative and antitumor activities.
They also exhibit immune-stimulating functions, all of which combine to lower the inflammatory fallout of such conditions like heart disease and arthritis.
Research conducted to understand the antioxidant qualities of several types of mushrooms found that lion’s mane mushrooms show the fourth most potent antioxidant activity. Some studies also indicate the benefits of lion’s mane mushrooms to fight obesity by lowering the impact of fat tissue inflammation.
Brain Cell Growth
As you age, the ability of your brain to form connections reduces along with its capacity to form new brain cells, and this leads to diminished mental functioning in elderly people. Studies have found that lion’s mane mushrooms, though, are a good source of hericenones and erinacines, two chemicals that accelerate the growth of brain cells.
Reishi - Boost Immune System, Reduce fatigue
Reishi mushrooms have more than 400 different nutrients. This includes beta-glucans and triterpenoids, compounds that can lower blood sugar and blood pressure levels, reducing your diabetes and heart disease risk.
Studies show the mushrooms also have high antioxidant activity, which protects your body from cell damage that can increase your risk of many chronic diseases.
While research is ongoing, Reishi mushrooms may also help:
Boost Your Immune System
Reishi mushroom’s claim to promote long-term health may be due to their effect on our white blood cells — the cells that flow through the bloodstream to fight viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens, protecting the body from illness. Studies show reishi mushrooms may increase the number of white blood cells in your body and improve their function.
Reduce Fatigue
Chronic fatigue is a condition where tiredness isn’t relieved by getting enough rest. The causes of ongoing fatigue aren’t well understood, but experts think it could be triggered by a combination of factors like infections, immune system problems, hormonal imbalances, and stress.
Studies show that Reishi mushrooms may reduce the severity of chronic fatigue. This effect may be due to the mushrooms’ ability to boost the immune system and fight free radical damage. Reishi mushrooms can also help regulate the body’s testosterone levels, which promotes good energy levels.
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