Health Benefits of Mushrooms
Shiitake
Lentinula Edodes
Nutrients: Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B6, Riboflavin, Manganese, Phosphorus, Selenium, Copper, Zinc, Potassium, magnesium, Vitamin D, and Iron
-
Supports Cardiovascular Health
They contain potent phytonutrients that help keep cells from sticking to blood vessel walls and forming plaque buildup, which maintains healthy blood pressure and improves circulation.
-
Support & Boost Immune System & Contain Antimicrobial Properties
Scientists found significant improved function of immune cells and reductions in proteins that cause inflammation, based on a comparison of blood tests in a study conducted in 2011.
-
Boost Energy and Brain Function
Shiitake mushrooms are a great source of B vitamins, which help support adrenal function and turn nutrients from food into usable energy.
-
Promote Healthy Hair, Skin, and Nails
When selenium is taken with vitamins A and E, it can help reduce the severity of acne and the scarring that can occur afterward.
-
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
L-ergothioneine is a powerful antioxidant containing roughly 13 mg per 3 oz serving. Shiitakes have 40x the amount of ergothioneine than wheat germ. They contain many chemical compounds that protect your DNA from oxidative damage, including Lentinan, which heals chromosome damage caused by anticancer treatments.
-
May Lower Cholesterol Levels
Oyster Mushrooms contain significant levels of lovastatin, the cholesterol-lowering molecule.
-
High in Antioxidants
Oyster mushrooms contain ergothioneine, a unique antioxidant that lowers systemic inflammation and is exclusively produced by fungi. A 3 oz. serving contains 13 milligrams of ergothioneine, and cooking the mushrooms will not reduce this level.
-
Antibacterial Effects
A study published in the 'Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry' found that the active compound, benzaldehyde, reduces bacterial levels and may form on the mushroom as a reaction to stress.
-
May Block Cancer Growth
One of the most impressive oyster mushroom benefits is its powerful effect on cancer cells. This is due to their high content of antioxidants as well as their anti-inflammatory properties. This mushroom may be able to help inhibit the growth of certain types of cancer, making oysters mushrooms potential cancer-fighting foods.
Oyster
Pleurotus ostreatus
Nutrition: High in Protein, vitamin C, Potassium, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Phosphorus, Copper, Thiamine, Folate, Iron, Manganese, Vitamin B6
Chaga
Inonotus obliquus
-
Improves endurance and increases energy
Has high amounts of antioxidants, even more than the highest rated berries! This helps boost the immune system, may help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, fight inflammation, and may help regulate blood sugar levels.
-
Chaga mushrooms contain many antioxidants and compounds that may reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the so-called bad cholesterol.
High cholesterol is a significant risk factor for heart disease, so chaga mushrooms could be useful to protect against cardiovascular disease.
-
Chaga is rich in antioxidants.
These are chemicals that help prevent cell damage caused by free radicals or oxidants. Oxidative stress occurs when the body cannot produce enough antioxidants to prevent this damage. Damage from oxidative stress can contribute to the development of many health conditions, including cancer. Some studies have explored the possibility that chaga mushrooms may prevent cancer and slow its growth.
-
Has been shown to stimulate brain cell growth
Studies have found that lion’s mane mushrooms contain two special compounds that can stimulate the growth of brain cells: hericenones and erinacines.
​
-
Lion’s mane mushroom and its extracts have been shown to reduce symptoms of memory loss
In mice, as well as prevent neuronal damage caused by amyloid-beta plaques, which accumulate in the brain during Alzheimer’s disease.
​
-
May be helpful for depression, anxiety, and PTSD
Other animal studies have found that lion’s mane extract can also help regenerate brain cells and improve the functioning of the hippocampus, a region of the brain responsible for processing memories, emotional responses, anxiety and trauma.
-
Increases nerve growth factor and may help with neuropathy and other central nervous system ailments
Lion's Mane
Hericium erinaceus
Reishi
Ganoderma lucidum
-
Reishi is known as a superfood called "king of the mushrooms" and has been used for longevity and vitality.
-
They can boost the immune system, may help to alleviate fatigue, may help to lower blood pressure & relieve seasonal allergies
-
May contain cholesterol-lowering compounds which can help to decrease blood sugars in diabetics
​
-
Research in cancer patients has shown that some of the molecules found in the mushroom can increase the activity of a type of white blood cell called natural killer cells
-
Turkey tail is full of phenoids and flavinoids, which are antioxidant groups that have documented benefits for reducing inflammation, boosting immune function, and providing protection against cancer, heart disease, and neurodegenerative diseases.
-
May provide immune support due to its polysaccharide content, which boosts white blood cell count & aids the body in fighting infections.
-
Can improve gut health, and may even fight obesity. Turkey tail mushroom is an excellent source of prebiotics. One study found that the protein-bound beta glucan (PBG) in turkey tail may have an anti-obesity effect. Human studies are still needed to confirm this, but it may be able to help prevent weight gain, in part by improving the gut microbiome.
Turkey Tail
Trametes versicolor
Chestnut Mushroom
Pholiota adiposa
-
Packed with nutrients, including essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and protein. May have antimicrobial and tumor-fighting properties as well.
-
Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative compounds, which may help to fight swelling and combat illness or signs of aging, as well as boost your immune system health.
-
Thought to increase the body's production of ATP, which is essential for delivering energy to the muscles. This may help improve the way your body uses oxygen, especially during exercise.
-
Traditional medicine has use cordyceps to aid in reducing fatigue and boost strength and sex drive.
-
Cordyceps may benefit heart health by helping prevent arrhythmias and lowering levels of triglycerides (fat in blood) and “bad” LDL cholesterol.
-
Research has shown that when human cells are exposed to cordyceps, special proteins that increase inflammation in the body become suppressed.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps militaris
