Functional Mushrooms 101: Uses, Benefits, and Categories

What are Functional Mushroooms? 

Have you heard...that we're in the middle of what trend researchers are calling the, 'shroom-boom'? While functional mushrooms are finally gaining their well deserved notoriety, functional mushrooms have been in the traditional and holistic health scene for thousands of years. Today, scientific research has confirmed many of the benefits of these mushrooms, which has made way for its rise in popularity. In this article, we will explore five of the most popular functional mushrooms: Cordyceps, Chaga, Reishi, Turkey Tail, and Lion's Mane. So you can reap the benefits your mind and body deserve. 

Categories of Functional Mushrooms

This is your quick reminder that functional mushrooms are non-psychoactive, and only contain bio-active compounds that benefit your system and don't cause any hallucinations or alteration of mind. 


There are four categories of benefits that functional mushrooms fall into: (Spoiler alert! Mushrooms can have multiple benefits which can lead them falling into multiple categories) 


1. Energy and performance:mushrooms like Cordyceps are known for their ability to boost energy and athletic performance.

2. Immune support: mushrooms like Chaga and Turkey Tail are rich in polysaccharides, which may help to support immune function and reduce inflammation.

3. Brain health and cognitive function: mushrooms like Lion's Mane & Cordyceps may support brain health and cognitive function by promoting the growth of new brain cells and improving communication between neurons.

4. Calming & relaxing mushrooms like Reishi are known for their adaptogenic properties, which help the body adapt to stress and promote overall balance and wellness.

Mushrooms for energy & performance

Cordyceps Mushroom: 

Cordyceps mushrooms have been traditionally used in Chinese medicine for their energy-boosting properties. In recent years, scientific studies have confirmed that Cordyceps can indeed improve energy and athletic performance. This functional mushroom contains a compound called cordycepin, which is believed to increase the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the molecule that provides energy to our cells. Cordyceps also contains beta-glucans, which may help to improve oxygen uptake and utilization, allowing the body to produce energy more efficiently. Additionally, Cordyceps has been shown to have anti-fatigue properties, reducing perceived exertion and delaying the onset of fatigue during exercise. As a result, Cordyceps is often used by athletes and fitness enthusiasts to improve their endurance, stamina, and overall performance. Whether you're an athlete looking to enhance your performance or simply looking for a natural energy boost, Cordyceps mushrooms may be a beneficial addition to your routine.


Lion's Mane:

Lion's Mane mushrooms are known for their ability to support brain health and cognitive function. However, they may also improve energy and physical performance by increasing the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein that promotes the growth and survival of nerve cells.

Mushrooms for Immune Support


Turkey tail: 

Turkey tail mushrooms are a type of functional mushroom that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for their immune-boosting properties. Recent studies have shown that turkey tail mushrooms contain a variety of bioactive compounds, such as polysaccharides and beta-glucans, which can help to modulate the immune system and improve overall immune function. In particular, these compounds have been shown to stimulate the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, which play a key role in fighting off infections and cancer cells. Turkey tail mushrooms may also help to reduce inflammation, which can support immune function by reducing the body's response to stress and promoting tissue repair. Overall, incorporating turkey tail mushrooms into your diet or supplement routine may help to support a healthy immune system and reduce the risk of infections and chronic disease.


Chaga: Chaga mushrooms are known for their potent immunomodulatory properties, which means that they can help to regulate and improve the function of the immune system. Chaga contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including beta-glucans and polysaccharides, which can help to stimulate the activity of immune cells such as macrophages and natural killer cells. These cells play a crucial role in the body's defense against infections and disease. Additionally, chaga mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect the body against oxidative stress and reduce inflammation, further supporting immune function. Studies have also suggested that chaga may have anticancer properties, potentially helping to prevent and treat certain types of cancer by stimulating the immune system's natural ability to identify and destroy abnormal cells. Overall, incorporating chaga mushrooms into your diet or supplement routine may help to support a healthy immune system and protect against a variety of diseases and illnesses.

Mushrooms for Brain Health & Cognitive Function

Cordyceps mushrooms: 

Cordyceps have been shown to offer a range of benefits for brain health and cognitive function. They contain a variety of bioactive compounds, including cordycepin, polysaccharides, and adenosine, which can help to improve blood flow and oxygenation to the brain. These effects may help to protect against age-related cognitive decline, improve memory, and enhance overall cognitive function. Additionally, cordyceps mushrooms have been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help to protect against oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain, both of which are associated with cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, cordyceps mushrooms have been shown to have adaptogenic properties, helping the body to better cope with stress and anxiety, which can further support cognitive function. Overall, incorporating cordyceps mushrooms into your diet or supplement routine may help to support brain health and cognitive function, making them a valuable addition to any health and wellness regimen.


Lions Mane: 

Lion's mane mushrooms have been traditionally used in Chinese medicine for their cognitive enhancing properties. Recent studies have shown that lion's mane mushrooms contain compounds such as erinacines and hericenones, which can stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF) in the brain. NGF is a protein that plays a critical role in the growth and survival of neurons in the brain. By promoting the growth of new neurons and supporting the function of existing ones, lion's mane mushrooms may help to improve cognitive function, memory, and overall brain health. Additionally, lion's mane mushrooms have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help to protect against oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain, both of which are associated with cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases. Overall, incorporating lion's mane mushrooms into your diet or supplement routine may help to support brain health and cognitive function, making them a valuable addition to any health and wellness regimen.


Mushrooms for Anxiety Relief

Reishi:

Reishi mushrooms have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine for their calming and stress-reducing properties. Recent studies have shown that reishi mushrooms contain bioactive compounds such as triterpenes and polysaccharides that may help to reduce anxiety and improve mood. These compounds can modulate the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine, which are involved in regulating mood and emotions. Additionally, reishi mushrooms have been found to have adaptogenic properties, helping the body to better cope with stress and anxiety by regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and reducing levels of stress hormones like cortisol. Finally, reishi mushrooms have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help to protect against oxidative stress and inflammation caused by chronic stress. Overall, incorporating reishi mushrooms into your diet or supplement routine may help to support anxiety relief and promote overall mental wellness.


Cordyceps:

Cordyceps mushrooms have been found to have adaptogenic properties, which means they can help the body to better cope with stress and anxiety. Adaptogens are natural substances that help the body to maintain balance and regulate the stress response. Cordyceps contain bioactive compounds that can help to regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is the body's stress response system. By regulating the HPA axis, cordyceps mushrooms can help to reduce levels of stress hormones like cortisol, which can contribute to anxiety and other stress-related conditions. Additionally, cordyceps mushrooms have been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help to protect against oxidative stress and inflammation caused by chronic stress. By promoting overall health and wellness, cordyceps mushrooms may help to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calmness. While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which cordyceps mushrooms help with anxiety, their adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory properties make them a promising natural remedy for managing stress and anxiety.






Conclusion

Functional mushrooms like Cordyceps, Chaga, Reishi, Turkey Tail, and Lion's Mane have been used for centuries to support health and well-being. Scientific research has confirmed many of their benefits, and they are now widely available in supplement form. Whether you're looking to boost your immune function, improve your energy and performance, support your brain health, or promote overall balance and wellness, there is a functional mushroom that may be right for you. Luckily, we offer a Cordyceps mushroom gummy that is delicious and such an easy way to get a dose of Cordyceps on-the-go. See the offer below and if this is your first purchase with us you can use the code 'HELLO15' for 15% off your order of Cordyceps. Your welcome (:

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