The Magic of Mushrooms

Medicinal mushrooms have long been a mainstay in traditional Chinese medicine as well as being used in many other countries for their health benefits. There are quite a few varieties of mushrooms used medicinally, and you may have heard of several. In case you loved this information and you want to receive more info regarding Supplier of shiitake mushroom extract powder for cosmetic Ingredients please visit the web-site. Lion’s Mane and Reishi mushrooms get a lot of attention. We’ll discuss those here but also cover a couple of other lesser known types that may be worth looking into to improve your health. One thing to note regarding mushrooms, however, is that if you have an allergy to mold, you will likely also be sensitive to mushrooms. If this is you, you may want to look into treating that allergy before adding medicinal mushrooms to your health regimen. Cordyceps mushrooms might not be the most famous of the medicinal mushrooms, but they are proving to be superstars in their own right. Not only do they have powerful anti-inflammatory properties, but they also are high in antioxidants which means they may help treat or prevent high blood pressure.

A compound within this type of mushroom, cordycepin, is molecularly similar to adenosine, a hormone produced by our bodies. Both adenosine and cordycepin relax blood vessels which leads to improved circulation resulting in reduced blood pressure. Studies show that those same blood vessel relaxing properties benefit the respiratory tract in a similar manner. According to a 2017 Chinese study, when taking cordyceps extract daily, airway constriction has been shown to be reduced in individuals with chronic moderate to severe breathing conditions. Another noteworthy benefit of cordyceps is its ability to help with athletic performance. A 2016 University of North Carolina study showed that consumption of cordyceps mushrooms extract can increase VO2 max (maximum oxygen intake). This helps an athlete’s body to produce more energy which translates into a longer performance time (such as a longer run) and a stronger performance, too (such as running faster). Reishi mushrooms are perhaps most famously known for the benefits to the immune system. Reishi mushrooms do not stimulate the immune system but, rather, they help regulate it by encouraging it to dial up or down as needed.

This is a great example of what is known as an adaptogen-it modulates the immune system either up or down based on the circumstances. This particular type of mushroom contains a polysaccharide that stimulates immune cells to do their job. By stimulating immune cells (not the entire system) the immune system produces more t-helper cells and killer cells, lymphocytes, and macrophages (white blood cells that destroy pathogens in the blood). All of these great benefits regulate the immune system to keep it in tip-top shape to fight off any threats to your health. So, in the case of an individual with a weakened immune system, this mushroom will help kick it into gear to reduce instance of illness or severity and duration of illness. In the case of an overactive immune system, such as one with many allergies and inflammatory conditions throughout the body, reishi mushrooms have been shown to calm the immune system. This mushroom gets its name from its shaggy appearance that cascades downward much like a mane on, you guessed it, a lion.

Lions are often used to depict a position of power and this mushroom certainly has a good supply of that! They are often used in the kitchen in countries like China, India, and Japan, but they also have a rich history of medicinal uses, as well. They are a particular standout for their positive impact on brain health. It’s no secret that the brain’s ability to grow and form new connections declines with age. This can lead to cognitive dysfunction in folks as they approach their golden years. But lion’s mane mushrooms contain two compounds that have been shown to stimulate the growth of new brain cells: hericenones and erinacines. This is really exciting because it means that degenerative brain diseases that cause memory loss and other age-related forms of brain dysfunction can potentially be prevented by this truly magical mushroom. On a lesser scale, this mushroom can boost mental functioning in people at any stage of life. Let’s be honest. You probably haven’t been associating this particular mushroom with health benefits.