Mushrooms such as cordyceps, chaga, reishi and turkey tail contain complex nutrients that support immunity, boost energy levels, provide restful sleep and cognitive performance enhancement and promote gut health. This blend includes both organic mushroom mycelium and fruiting bodies for maximum effect.

Research indicates that eating mushrooms may reduce all-cause mortality risk by 7-15% among 13,156 Chinese older adults, likely due to ergothioneine, which is known to promote healthy longevity in mice.

1. Supports Immune System Function

Mushrooms have been used for millennia as part of traditional Asian medicine. Considered an adaptogen, mushrooms can help your body maintain balance and resiliency. Mushrooms can also act as powerful anti-inflammatory foods while providing many disease-fighting nutrients.

Mushroom benefits range from antioxidant and anti-aging effects, immunity enhancement, gut nourishment and brain protection. As natural chelators they reduce heavy metal exposure in both the environment and human diet. In particular they can be effective against neuroinflammation which occurs as part of chronic neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.

One of the key benefits of mushrooms is helping your body fight cancer. Mushrooms contain beta-glucans, immuno-modulating soluble fibers which may prevent tumor growth and cell proliferation*. Furthermore, mushrooms offer potency immune-supportive compounds like polysaccharides, triterpenes, metabolites, L-ergothioneine, and vitamin D for enhanced protection from cancer cells.

Studies show that Reishi can boost the function of white blood cells, making your immune system stronger against infections. Furthermore, natural killer cells, another type of white blood cell that kills tumors and abnormal cells* appear to increase.

Studies indicate that turkey tail mushrooms can bolster the immune systems of breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment, significantly improving their ability to fight off viral and bacterial infections, which in turn may help slow cancer’s spread and increase survival rates [7].

Chinese researchers conducted a study which demonstrated that people who consume more mushrooms live longer. Researchers discovered that those who regularly consumed at least one serving had 16% lower mortality rates compared to those who never consumed mushrooms due to its high levels of ergothioneine, an amino acid which protects DNA and reduces shortening of telomeres.

2. Boosts Memory

Mushrooms have long been recognized for their nutritional benefits and culinary versatility, but more recently have also gained attention as an effective brain food. Studies have demonstrated how mushrooms can strengthen memory retention, enhance cognitive performance and protect against neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s.

Hericium erinaceus (lion’s mane), according to researchers at Queensland Brain Institute, can significantly enhance brain health. They found that these mushrooms encouraged nerve cell growth during preclinical trials while simultaneously improving memory performance and increasing memory storage space.

Other mushrooms may also help support brain health, including cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis) and reishi (Ganoderma lucidum). Studies have found that reishi mushrooms help prevent beta-amyloid plaque buildup linked to Alzheimer’s disease (1).

Cordyceps mushrooms have long been recognized for their ability to improve mental clarity and focus. They contain cordycepin, which has been shown to increase brain blood circulation while decreasing fatigue (1).

Reishi mushrooms may help prevent age-related neurodegeneration and have been proven to reduce oxidative stress in humans.(2)

Other steps you can take to promote brain health and enhance memory are getting enough restful sleep, managing your stress levels and engaging in regular physical activity. Prioritising a diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids may also prove useful; and engaging in puzzles or games to keep the brain active will keep its strength strong against cognitive decline.

3. Supports Gut Health

Focusing on gut microbiota has become an increasing trend in health and wellness industries due to growing research on its connection to overall health. Mushrooms have been proven to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria as well as inhibit pathogens by providing high levels of both soluble and insoluble fibers (chitin, cellulose, b- and a-glucans, mannans, xylans and galactans) that feed gut bacteria for fermentation into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), positively impacting immunity and metabolic homeostasis.

Mushrooms such as lion’s mane and turkey tail have been shown to support the growth of probiotic bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium that help maintain gut health by reducing inflammation in the digestive tract and supporting overall gut health. Furthermore, mushroom benefits have also been associated with lower risks of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among older adults.

Hericenones and erinacines found in mushrooms contain phenolic compounds which promote nerve growth factor synthesis in neurons, thus aiding frailty prevention, leading to decline in multiple body systems and mental functions. A study published in Biology suggests that increasing hericenone-rich mushrooms consumption could protect against age-related cognitive decline such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Mushroom-derived dietary fibres such as gypenosides, ergosterol, lentinan and beta-glucans have long been recognized to promote gut microbiota growth. When consumed by gut bacteria, these DFs ferment into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). When fermented into SCFAs by gut bacteria, their consumption impacts glucose metabolism, lipid regulation and mucosal barrier health positively.

4. Reduces Risk of Cancer

Reishi and turkey tail longevity mushrooms have been demonstrated to stimulate white blood cells that fight cancerous cells, as well as contain beta-glucans, complex sugars that may slow tumor growth. While research into longevity mushrooms remains promising, more studies must be completed in order to ascertain if these compounds indeed reduce cancer risks or help treat it once it occurs.

Mushrooms are low in calories and sodium content, packed full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals – especially potassium and selenium – as well as antioxidants which promote cell health. Mushrooms may help increase immunity while potentially decreasing risk for chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes; according to Penn State researchers’ studies on this matter. Researchers even discovered that those who regularly consumed mushrooms had lower rates of premature mortality than those who didn’t eat mushrooms regularly.

Researchers examined data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys which tracked diets of more than 15,000 people over 30 years. Their researchers discovered that higher mushroom consumption was associated with reduced mortality risk regardless of other dietary variables.

Studies found that those who consumed more mushrooms had a 35% decreased chance of dying from all causes compared to those who ate less frequently, the researchers hypothesized this may be related to mushrooms being rich in phytochemicals such as polyphenols and ergothioneine, both which have been associated with decreased rates of inflammation, improved immune function, and lower levels of harmful proteins in the body.

5. Supports Chronic Fatigue

Mushrooms are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help combat fatigue and boost immunity. Furthermore, mushrooms contain heart-healthy compounds that may prevent plaque buildup on arterial walls; some of the most powerful longevity varieties include maitake, reishi and cordyceps varieties.

These ancient healing fungi are potent immune boosters, packed with beta-glucans – building blocks of healthy cells – as well as energy boosters and fatigue fighters. Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) also contain ganoderic acid, which stimulates your body’s production of ATP – the energy source for your cells – stimulating production naturally within your own body and studies suggesting improved exercise performance among healthy individuals as well as decreased colds/flu symptoms.

Maitake mushrooms (Oshietea tremula) are widely recognized for their anti-inflammatory properties. Their protein components help protect the liver, increase metabolism and regulate blood pressure. Furthermore, Maitakes provide ample potassium – helping lower high blood pressure as well as decrease risks such as stroke, high cholesterol and diabetes.

Lion’s mane mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) can provide another natural remedy for chronic fatigue. It contains an enzyme known as Ergothioneine Glutathionine (EGT), which has been proven to offer protection from heart disease, cancer and neurodegenerative disease.

Mushrooms like chaga, turkey tail and lion’s mane contain essential vitamins and minerals like B12, zinc and vitamin D which provide essential nourishment for immune function, fatigue reduction and brain health. By adding functional mushrooms like these into your diet you can experience increased energy, improved health benefits and motivation to stay motivated throughout winter. DIRTEA’s Lion’s Mane Mushroom capsules, tinctures or tea can help combat fatigue naturally while reclaiming lost energy naturally – as recommended by Liz! DIRTEA also features Reishi, Lion’s Mane and cordyceps – essential ingredients for an empowered midlife experience! Liz-approved supplement!