Medicinal
Mushroom Magic
Why people are going mad for mushrooms (not the psychedelic kind).
February 1, 2019Why people are going mad for mushrooms (not the psychedelic kind).
February 1, 2019These handy supplements have been known about for thousands of years in some Indigenous cultures and can be used to treat a whole variety of ailments. Now, they are creeping onto health food shelves and into smoothies around the world.
Here are 5 shroom-y sidekicks with some awesome nutritional properties you should know about:
Chaga
Chaga is an absolute powerhouse and has been used to treat all sorts of ailments since the 17th century in Russia. It can boost production of lymphocytes, which are white blood cells used to regulate the immune response. It is also packed full of antioxidants which help to combat oxidative stress (aka the effects of aging) and work to prevent or slow cancer growth. It is also great for combating inflammation.
Turn to Chaga mushrooms when you need an overall health miracle.
Cordyceps
For those athletes out there, this is the fungi friend you’ve been looking for. Cordyceps are mainly know for their extraordinary effect on our energy levels and fatigue. Their ability to do so is linked to beta-glucans which help the body utilize oxygen more efficiently and have been shown to improve athletic performance and speed up muscle recovery. They can also boost the levels of ATP (an organic chemical that provides energy) in the body—the main energy supply required for all cellular processes.
Think of Cordyceps as energy boosters.
Lions Mane
Named for its cascading white mane, it is widely known as a natural mental supplement. Packed with antioxidants and immune system boosters, Lions Mane also fosters the production of bioprotein nerve growth factor (NFG) and myelin (which insulates nerve fibers). These components are crucial to brain health; lions mane has been shown to improve cognition, memory and help with anxiety and irritability, with no side effects!
Lions Mane for your brain.
Turkey Tail
Contains a compound called polysaccharide-K (PSK) which is a best-selling anticancer drug. Turkey Tail has been shown to improve certain cancer survival rates, fight leukemia cells and improve immune system (especially for those receiving chemo therapy), making it a powerful healing tool.
Turn to Turkey Tail when times get tough.
Reishi
The proclaimed ‘Queen of the Mushroom’ Reishi are mainly known for their ability to help you sleep better and stress less. This mushroom has a profound effect on anxiety and depression. This is due to calming and mood-lifting compounds (thanks specifically to one called triterpene) that aid in hormone balancing.
The Reishi mushroom also boosts the immune system and has compound that reduces dermal oxidation (meaning fewer wrinkles and less skin damage). Finally, it is sited as a wonder cure for allergies, so keep that in mind for spring!
Reishi are for relaxing and regenerating.
