Elevate your Optimal WELLth with Functional Mushrooms.
Mushrooms have long been touted for their myriad of health benefits, and the use of medicinal mushroom dates back thousands of years. Now, in recent times with functional medicine and nutrition going mainstream, we’re seeing a resurgence of interest in these marvelous superfoods. But there are a few things you should know before running to your local supplement shop…
Bountiful Benefits of Functional Mushrooms
Mushrooms are nutritional powerhouses with a myriad of health benefits including the following:
- Immune support*
- Full of antioxidants*
- Anti-inflammatory*
- Helps to manage blood sugar*
- Support brain health and cognition*
- Support the nervous system*
- Increase energy and stamina*
But before we jump in, we need to take a moment to demystify the functional mushroom marketplace, so we can ultimately make well-informed decisions when choosing the best products for our Optimal WELLth.
The Functional Mushrooms used in Mind Bloom and Immune Bloom and why!!
Lion’s Mane: The Mushroom for the Mind
Species name: Hericium erinaceus
Main Health Benefit: Supports healthy brain function
Lion’s Mane is rich in a multitude of important compound: beta-glucans, which are responsible for antitumor growth, immuno-modulating antioxidants and neuro-protective chemicals*. Oxidative stress, which these compounds protect against, is closely related to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) synthesis in nerve cells may be induced by certain compounds (hericenones and erinacines) found in Hericium erinaceus, thus making Lion’s Mane an amazing helper with the development and function of nerves because of its neurotrophic factors.
Historical Medicinal Use
Lion’s Mane, or Hericium erinaceus, is a species of mushroom that is beautiful in appearance, it has long cascading shaggy spines resembling a waterfall. Lion’s Mane grows on the trunks of hardwood trees in Northern forests and has been used in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) for millennia and has become a well-established candidate in promoting positive cognitive function.
Reishi: The Mushroom of Immortality
Species name: Ganoderma lingzhi
Main Health Benefit: Sleep aid and potent immunomodulator
Much of the polysaccharides in reishi mushroom are associated with immune functions, and if taken over time can significantly support the immune system through its effect on white blood cells*. It is also known to improve sleep, reduce stress and fatigue*. Reishi also aids in fighting liver and kidney disease*. It is used in the treatment of pulmonary diseases and has antitumorigenic properties*.
Historical and Medical Use
Reishi or Ganoderma lingzhi, has been recorded for its use for around 2000 years. Most notably used in China by Taoist monks to promote calmness, as well as enhance their meditative practices. It has even been used by Chinese royalty who sought longevity and held Reishi or “the mushroom of immortality” in high esteem. Reishi was listed the most cherished among the superior herbs, that are considered to prolong life, prevent aging, boost qi, and make the body light.
Cordyceps: The Caterpillar Fungus
Species name: Cordyceps Militaris
Main Health Benefit: Improves lung capacity and increases energy
Cordyceps are an incredible immune boosting mushroom because of their ability to increase the number of NK (natural killer) cells that protect the body from bacteria and viruses*. They are also thought to enhance physical performance because they increase the bodies production of ATP, which delivers energy to muscle cells*.
Historical and Medical Use
Cordyceps has been described as a treasure in old Chinese medical books and Tibetan medicine. With hundreds of different species, it is a parasitic fungi that preys on insects. Traditional healers have recommended the fungus as a powerful tonic because it improves energy, appetite, stamina and endurance [4]. The most well known species of cordyceps is Cordyceps sinensis; the most expensive mushroom in the world costing over $20,000 per kilogram, sold almost exclusively in Asia. It is a rare combination of a caterpillar and a mushroom and found at high altitudes in the Himilayan Plateau.
For many years, the Chinese weren’t able to cultivate this mushroom, fueling an increasing demand on a small supply. Now, with this particular fungus, it is very important to be aware of what you are consuming because wild Cordyceps sinensis rarely make it to the North American market, yet companies are still advertising Cordyceps sinensis on their products. If a cordyceps product is grown in North America, it is almost certainly myceliated grain. High amount of grain means low amount of mycelium, and decreased beta-glucans, which are the beneficial polysaccharides found in the cell wall.
Luckily, there is one type of Cordyceps species that can be cultivated commercially to produce a mushroom (fruiting body), and that is Cordyceps militaris. If you would like to dive deeper into the realm of this fungi, we have an extensive article on cordyceps supplements to help you keep informed.
Chaga: The Mushroom that’s not a Mushroom
Species name: Inonotus Obliquus
Main Health Benefit: Boosts digestion and clears skin
Chaga is one of the most powerful antioxidants in the world, and supports immune function, liver health, brain health and increases longevity [5]*.
Medicinal and Historical Uses
Chaga or Inonotus obliquus, which is commonly referred to as a mushroom is actually a highly prized sclerotium or woody canker that grows in the colder regions of the Northern Hemisphere on birch trees. First medicinal uses seem to have come out of Russia around the 16th century when used as a tea to treat stomach ailments*. After 1966, Chaga gained more exposure after its healing powers were written about in Alexander Solzhenitsyn’s book, Cancer Ward. As Chaga grows primarily on birch trees and much of the sclerotium itself is actually wood fiber and not mycelium, many medicinal compounds from birch like betulin and betulinic acid end up in the sclerotium. The outer black layer on the canker contains high amounts of melanin which can be beneficial for our skin*.
Until recently Chaga could not be cultivated but now in Finland they are inoculating birch trees with this fungus. Lab cultivated Chaga does not develop in to sclerotium and as it does not grow on birch but on grain, it does not contain the important medicinal compounds that come from birch.
Turkey Tail: The Mushroom of Multiple Colors
Species name: Trametes Versicolor
Main Health Benefit: Boosts immune system function
Turkey tail improves immune function by stimulating cytokine production, increasing natural killer cells and other antitumor fighting cells*.
Medicinal and Historical Uses
Turkey Tail mushroom, or Trametes Versicolor, is one of the most well researched medicinal mushrooms. It grows on dead logs worldwide, and receives its name because its rings of brown and tan look like the tail feathers of a turkey. In TCM (traditional Chinese Medicine) turkey tail has been used for treating lung disease, and in Japan, the drug PSK, which is derived from turkey tail has been used to strengthen the immune system when given with standard cancer treatment. China also has a similar drug called PSP. Turkey tail contains one of the highest amounts of beta-glucans for all mushrooms, which will help keep our immune systems healthy when used over an extended period of time.
Understanding the Market of Functional Mushrooms
As people are waking up to the powerful healing properties found in medicinal mushrooms, so are the companies that are growing them, producing a product, and selling it to the masses. Medicinal mushrooms are rising up into the mainstream health community for their incredible ability to heal and support the human body.
These extremely intelligent organisms have been utilized in Asia for thousands of years for their support in immunity and longevity. However, in recent years the Western market in which these mushrooms are marketed and sold has few control standards, resulting in a high chance that the “mushroom” products being sold contain little to no mushrooms at all, and are mostly starch, from rice or other grains, ground up into a powder. This should come as an alarming fact about which most consumers are unaware. Let us explain to you more in detail why this fact should raise a concern.
What is Mycelium?
Mycelium is the root system of the mushroom, it is the precursor to the fruiting body we simply know as a mushroom. Mycelium and mushrooms are not synonymous. The key active compounds found in mushrooms that research has linked to health benefits are: beta-D-glucans, triterpenoids and ergosterol.
Beta-D-glucans have been identified as primary sources of functional activity; they are a naturally occurring structural component of the cell walls of mushrooms that can activate or potentiate both innate and adaptive immunity.
Triterpenoids play a complementary role with beta-glucans in immune system activation; primary activities include: liver protection, antioxidant activity, reduced histamine response and reduced inflammation.
Furthermore, a substance called ergosterol is present in all fungi which has recently been discovered to have antitumor and antioxidant properties. Ergosterol in fungi is similar to cholesterol in humans.
As myriad of mushroom benefits for health spark global interest, Green Compass prides itself on always using mushrooms (fruiting body and the mycelium) in our productsa— no starch from rice or grains—to ensure the highest quality with the most benefits for your Optimal WELLth.
Green Compass is committed to providing you with real wisdom, so that you can become empowered to start adding these super organisms into your diet right away! It is SO important to understand exactly what you’re consuming. We truly believe that the quality of products determines the quality of health, and we will continue to strive towards greatness and transparency in our process by offering you products that are made with genuine mushrooms, and Soul Meets Body, LLC is proud to offer these products for your health and wellness. **Immune Bloom & Mind Bloom
*Disclaimer: The statements made in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information in this article is intended for educational purposes. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by licensed medical physicians. Please consult your doctor or health practitioner for any medical advice.