Mushrooms can be thought of as mini-pharmaceutical factories, producing compounds with powerful functional properties that have anti-tumor, immunomodulatory and antineoplastic activity. Many varieties have been observed producing such compounds.

Pleurotus giganteus aqueous extract enhances macrophage cytotoxicity, with polysaccharides from this mushroom inducing extracellular-signal-regulated kinases (ERK) phosphorylation as well as mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activation and stimulating neurite outgrowth in N2a cells.

Adaptogenic Mushrooms

Mushrooms with adaptogenic properties have become an increasingly popular addition to tea, coffee, nutrition bars and stress-reducers. Mushroom blends containing adaptogenic mushrooms are used as functional ingredients that address various health concerns including improving mood, combatting fatigue, supporting immunity and reducing inflammation.

Many species of adaptogenic mushrooms have been shown to provide human bodies with multiple potential benefits, including decreasing stress levels, increasing energy and supporting memory function and concentration. Shiitake, Reishi Cordyceps and Lion’s Mane mushrooms are some of the more popular adaptogenic mushrooms and can be taken either in powder form, tea bags or tincture form for consumption.

Ashwagandha, Rhodiola and Holy Basil have all been shown to help improve symptoms of mental fatigue while simultaneously mitigating its negative impact. Although these herbs can be useful, their true value lies in addressing root causes rather than simply covering over them with symptoms.

Instead of turning to adaptogenic mushrooms and herbs as a panacea for stress-related symptoms, it’s wise to begin by eating healthily and creating an evening wind down routine that includes meditation, relaxing herbal teas and limiting blue-light exposure during the two hours before sleep. This should be implemented regardless of any adaptogenic products being taken or not.

While there’s no single approach to taking mushrooms, powdered and encapsulated forms may make taking mushrooms easy and convenient for most individuals. You can mix powdered mushrooms into hot cup of water, smoothies, or add them directly into protein powder products for daily supplementation. Mushroom extracts and tinctures offer even greater potency when looking to gain maximum benefit from these incredible fungi.

Mushroom elixirs such as GT’s Living Foods ALIVE Ancient Mushroom Elixir contain high concentrations of each adaptogenic mushroom to ease mental and physical stress while increasing equilibrium and vitality. Each bottle of this potent formula provides 1800 milligrams of mushroom magic! These potency supplements can be taken any time of day with ease by mixing into any beverage of choice.

Anti-Inflammatory Mushrooms

Mushrooms are natural anti-inflammatories that help balance the immune response. Mushrooms work by inhibiting production of pro-inflammatory cytokines while increasing anti-inflammatory ones like interferon gamma (IFN-g). Studies have also revealed mushrooms’ effectiveness at inducing apoptosis in cancer cells and aiding tumor destruction; in addition to possibly helping reduce cardiovascular disease risk by lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Not only do mushroom extracts provide immune support, they may also contain compounds that improve organ functions. Hericium erinaceus mushrooms have been shown to reduce symptoms of depression while simultaneously improving cognitive performance; additionally, this species has also been shown to lower inflammation and oxidative stress levels.

Other medicinal mushrooms have been discovered to support macrophages and T cells, helping your immune system protect itself from infections such as colds and flu. Beta-glucans found naturally occurring polysaccharides found in turkey tail and shiitake fungi have also been discovered to activate an innate immune response by activating white blood cells, increasing macrophage effectiveness at phagocytosis (destroying bacteria or viruses) by upping its effectiveness, providing even further immune protection against infection.

Mushrooms contain several bioactive metabolites with anti-inflammatory effects. Cordymin, an anti-inflammatory peptide extracted from cordyceps sinensis that has been isolated and tested, was shown to decrease polymorphonuclear cell infiltration as well as radiation-induced C3 protein production, TNF-a and IL-1b production in rats after cerebral radiation therapy IR exposure; its action also provides neuroprotective benefits and enhanced behavioral performance for these rats.

Lentinan is another mushroom compound which can effectively combat inflammation. Studies have demonstrated its efficacy against Azoxymethane/Dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis and colon cancer by increasing normal colonic epithelial cell proliferation, inhibiting Wnt/-catenin pathway activation, microbiota dysbiosis and Wnt/-catenin dysregulation in mice. Furthermore, Lentinan has also been proven to prevent mastitis in cows by increasing IFN-g secretion while inhibiting expression of TNF-a/b. Additionally Several mushroom polysaccides have also proven their efficacy against immune cell inflammation processes.

Weight Loss Mushrooms

mushroom powders and capsules can help you reach your healthy eating goals, including mushroom powders and capsules. Not all mushrooms offer equal levels of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, however some of the more popular functional weight loss mushrooms such as Reishi, Chaga and Lion’s Mane are well known to support balanced immune systems, improve cognitive function and decrease stress levels – which in turn may influence appetite or lead to emotional eating patterns. In addition, these mushrooms also aid with metabolism regulation by supporting blood sugar regulation.

Reishi mushrooms have been linked with improved insulin function and lower ghrelin hormones that contribute to hunger, supporting weight loss. Their antioxidant properties may also boost energy and exercise performance by improving oxygen flow for enhanced fat burning during physical activity, while the presence of ganoderic acids and beta glucans found in Reishi, Chaga and Lion’s mane mushrooms helps balance blood sugar levels that support metabolic health.

Mushroom supplements can also boost gut microbiota, supporting healthy digestion and helping flush toxins out of your system. Since your digestive tract is responsible for eliminating waste products from your body, keeping it in good shape is paramount when trying to lose weight.

Mushrooms can be an invaluable addition to your health regimen if you’re trying to break away from a diet heavy with meat and processed food, like the standard American diet. As filling, low-cal options, they’re easy to add into a variety of dishes for instantaneous flavor without compromising your health. With high water and fiber contents that help promote weight loss, and prebiotics to promote gut and immune health throughout your weight loss journey.

Mushrooms for Mental Health

Mushrooms have gained much attention for their potential to reduce cancer risks and delay premature death; however, mushrooms also possess the power to boost our mental wellbeing. Recent research examined the diets of over 24,000 individuals and discovered that those who regularly consumed mushrooms had lower rates of depression than those who didn’t consume mushrooms on a regular basis. Researchers hypothesize that mushrooms could help relieve anxiety and stress due to their content of ergothioneine, an antioxidant which protects cells and tissues against damage. Furthermore, mushrooms provide natural sources of potassium which has been known to lower anxiety and stress levels. Other studies have demonstrated the ability of certain mushroom varieties like Hericium erinaceus (also known as Lion’s Mane) to enhance neurotrophic factor expression and therefore help stimulate nerve growth and prevent neuropsychiatric conditions like depression.

Psilocybin found in magic mushrooms is known to cause hallucinations and alter perception, which has been shown to help relieve depression in some people who have struggled with this disorder for an extended period. However, as its effects vary widely and could potentially be dangerous it’s crucial that all use of magic mushrooms be done under medical guidance from trained health professionals.

Another study indicates that psilocybin found in mushrooms may help combat anxiety and depression in those suffering from these conditions. A group of participants received a controlled dose of this compound; results of the research demonstrated its potential in helping reduce anxiety levels while increasing feelings of connection and closeness among them.

If you’re considering magic mushrooms as a potential way of improving your mental health, it is best done under the supervision of an experienced therapist who knows this field. There are various directories online which can assist with finding such experts; additionally, magic mushroom use could exacerbate symptoms associated with any preexisting psychiatric conditions.

Organic black tea made with chaga, cocoa and chicory root is the ultimate detoxifying hot chocolate drink! Enjoy its energy boosting, immunity enhancing benefits as it regulates your blood sugar levels while simultaneously providing anti-inflammatory benefits of chaga.