Medicinal mushrooms have been a staple in Eastern medicine for centuries and are slowly gaining popularity in other branches of medicine. Consuming the right set of mushrooms can help boost immunity, maintain hormonal balance, and help the brain, among others. However, studies on the benefits of mushrooms are a relatively new area in modern medicine. Therefore, mushrooms can be treated as supplements or mini-vaccines against cancer, inflammation and stress, and not as drugs.
Lion’s mane
The Lion’s Mane mushroom has a feather-like surface that resembles a lion’s mane, hence the name. It is full of antioxidants and its consumption helps to strengthen the immune system. However, Lion’s Mane produces the bioprotein and myelin NFG (nerve growth factor), which acts as insulation for nerve fibers.
NFG and myelin are vital for brain health. An imbalance in its levels can cause neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis. The mushroom is known to improve cognition, relieve irritability and anxiety, and increase concentration.
Chaga mushrooms
Chaga Mushrooms are called antioxidant powerhouses, which makes them an effective remedy against inflammation. These mushrooms fight oxidative stress related to skin aging, slow or prevent cancer growth, and reduce the body’s production of bad cholesterol.
Shiitake
Shiitake mushrooms are known to help the heart. This is attributed to the phytonutrients that prevent plaque build-up and maintain healthy levels of blood pressure and blood circulation. They also contain compounds that reduce the production and absorption of cholesterol in the liver.
Turkey tail
The turkey tail mushroom, like other medicinal mushrooms, contains high levels of antioxidants that have anti-cancer properties. However, this mushroom contains polysaccharide-K, also known as PSK. PSK stimulates the immune system and is an approved prescription cancer drug used in Japan. The fungus also increases the survival rate of patients with certain types of cancer, improves the immune system of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and fights leukemic cells.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps are mushrooms that help improve the body’s efficiency by using oxygen and improving blood flow. It is a good supplement before going to the gym and is preferred by athletes and gym enthusiasts. The mushroom helps improve exercise, improves athletic performance, and accelerates muscle recovery after exercising. One tablespoon of Cordyceps in the pre-workout or post-workout diet ensures better results.
Reishi
Reishi, scientifically known as Ganoderma lucidum, is a well-known herb used in traditional Asian medicine to treat numerous diseases for more than 2000 years. It is among the most popular types of medicinal mushrooms mainly due to its many benefits: it can help you lose weight, boost immunity, sharpen focus, and fight cancer cells.
This mushroom is known for its soothing properties, which are attributed to the triterpene compound. Triterpene is a mood-boosting compound that alleviates depression, relieves anxiety, and promotes better sleep. The mushroom also contains polysaccharides, which together with triterpenes have antioxidant, anti-tumor growth, anti-inflammatory and anti-liver properties. Recent studies have shown that Reishi and its extracts work against kidney problems such as chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury.