Medicinal Mushrooms

 

The medicinal use of mushrooms dates back thousands of years because of the varied and uniquely adaptive benefits for they have health. With functional medicine and holistic nutrition becoming increasingly popular, we’re seeing a resurgence of interest in these wonfderful superfoods.

 

Overview of Health Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms

Medicinal mushrooms have a myriad of health benefits including the following:

-Immune support

-High in antioxidants

-Anti-inflammatory

-Help to manage blood sugar

-Support brain health and cognition

-Support the nervous system

-Increase energy and stamina

Which Mushrooms Pack the Most Benefits?

Lion’s Mane: 

These mushrooms contain compounds that stimulate the growth of brain cells and protect them from damage caused by Alzheimer’s Disease. 

Studies suggest that Lion’s Mane may help relieve mild symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Lion’s Mane extract protects against the development of stomach ulcers by inhibiting the growth of H. Pylori and protecting the stomach lining from damage. 

Can help lower blood sugar and reduce diabetic nerve pain

Reishi Mushrooms:

The most commonly used medicinal mushroom, the reishi helps boost immunity and treat viral infections 

It is also known to improve sleep, reduce stress and fatigue

Cordyceps:

The Cordyceps mushroom is an incredible energy-boosting fungus because of its ability to increase ATP production. ATP is the compound that gives our cells energy. Cordyceps is often recommended when it comes to physical performance because of their ability to it improve energy, appetite, stamina, and endurance

Shiitake 

This mushroom is a symbol of longevity in Asia due to its health benefits. It is known for its immune-boosting properties, for lowering cholesterol, for its anti-cancer activity, and for its ability to fight off infection. 

Maitake:

The Maitake mushroom has also been used to promote wellness and vitality. It has many immune-boosting properties, however, its anticancer properties are what is best known for. 

Maitake mushrooms fight cancer by protecting cells from becoming cancerous, enhances the immune system’s ability to seek out and destroy cancer cells, helps cancer cells regain control of cell division and programmed cells death, and helps prevent the spreading of cancer. 

Nutritional Value of Mushrooms

Mushrooms are packed with nutritional value. They’re low in calories and are great sources of fiber and protein (especially on a plant-based diet). Mushrooms also provide many important nutrients, they are high in 

 -B vitamins 

-Selenium

-Potassium

-Copper

-Vitamin D (when exposed to the sun)

Mushrooms Are Good For the Environment Too

Mushrooms are good for you. And they’re also good for our environment. The following are some examples of how they help the planet.

–Clean up oil spills all over the world

-Absorb farm pollution

-Fight off smallpox and flu viruses

-Combat insects

-Create rich environments for farms and new forests, and

It’s Easy to Incorporate Mushrooms Into Our Diet

-great to add into soups, chillis, stews, pasta

-a great side sauteed 

-great chopped into homemade burger patties

Not a Fan of Eating Mushrooms? You Can Always Supplement

Mushroom Complex SAP by NFH  Mushroom Complex SAP is a synergistic blend of four hot water-extracted mushrooms: reishi, maitake, Coriolus Versicolor, and shiitake. Each mushroom is a source of polysaccharides, which have immune-modulating properties and help support healthy immune function.

Mushroom Complex SAP has adaptogenic properties and can help improve energy and resistance to stress. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), mushrooms can be used to dispel phlegm, stop cough, and arrest wheezing. Mushroom Complex SAP may help stimulate both the innate and humoral immune systems.

Hericium Erinaceus SAP by NFH  Hericium Erinaceus SAP is a hot water-extracted mushroom. Hericium Erinaceus (HE) is also known by its common name, lion’s mane. Hericium Erinaceus has been called “nature’s nutrient for the neurons” because of its ability to stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF). NGF plays an important role in both the central and peripheral nervous systems, and low levels have been associated with early stages of disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Hericium Erinaceus has also demonstrated a beneficial effect on gastric mucosa damage seen with ulcerations. Hericium Erinaceus has a positive impact on immune health and can support a healthy immune response.

For additional information on mushrooms or supplementation, please contact us at https://nutritiondispensary.ca/

 

Blog Written by:  Kacia Mongeau

Referrences:

Murray, Michael ND. The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods, Atria Books, 2005, New York, NY   https://foodrevolution.org

for more information or to order any of these products, click on the product links in this blog or contact us at info@nutritiondispensary.ca