Paul Stamets is widely acclaimed for having set off the modern mushroom boom with his 2008 TED talk on how mushrooms could save the world. He founded Fungi Perfecti and remains an accomplished public speaker today.

Studies demonstrate the beneficial properties of certain fungi such as turkey tail and chaga mushrooms to inhibit harmful viruses and bacteria that could otherwise inflict harm upon human beings. Additionally, these species contain ample vitamin D as well as essential minerals.

1. Antiviral

Paul Stamets asserts in his TED Talk, Six ways mushrooms can save the world, that mushrooms are nature’s miniature pharmaceutical factories. As proof, mycologist Stamets points to penicillin antibiotic as proof. In addition, Stamets holds several mushroom patents and research projects related to mushroom science.

At one point he found evidence of resistance against XDR-TB and smallpox infection by the shelf fungus known as Agarikon from Pacific Northwest old-growth forests, Project BioShield; U.S. government biodefense program.

Stamets may be delighted that his mycelial network has expanded beyond the confines of a laboratory, yet is concerned by humanity’s ignorance about fungi’s power. According to Stamets, mushrooms belong more to our planet than us – they’ve survived natural disasters while we haven’t, making them an invaluable resource that must be protected.

2. Anti-inflammatory

Mushrooms are an excellent low-calorie source of protein and contain many essential vitamins and minerals, including immune-enhancing beta glucans which strengthen resistance against pathogens.

Mushrooms also play a vital role in increasing muscle endurance, particularly cordyceps. Once popular among Tibetan herders to increase strength and stamina, cordyceps is now widely consumed by athletes as a supplement to combat fatigue. According to research findings, it increases oxygen in the blood stream while simultaneously releasing adenosine that helps the body combat exhaustion.

Lion’s mane is another effective anti-inflammatory, having been shown to protect against H. pylori infections and lower stomach ulcer risk. Furthermore, this mushroom helps prevent rheumatoid arthritis while simultaneously lowering cholesterol. You’ll find it included in many Fungi Perfecti tea blends like Liver, Heart, Breathe & Energy for optimal performance.

3. Immune System Support

Mushrooms contain beta-glucans and polysaccharides that stimulate and modulate the immune system, making mushrooms effective at combatting infections and strengthening it since ancient times. A strong and balanced immune system is key for overall health; just like an effective tactical team, the immune system only functions optimally when healthy, balanced, and ready for action.

Mushrooms have been shown to stimulate production of intracellular immune response mediators known as cytokines. Furthermore, mushrooms have also been proven to support and enhance key immune cells such as natural killer cells, macrophages and dendritic cells. The Herban Shaman Mushroom Immune Support blend includes Turkey Tail Reishi Chaga Shiitake Lion’s Mane Poria Cocos; all known for facilitating immunomodulatory activity – making this vegan friendly formula with no animal products included!

4. Weight Management

Mushrooms are an excellent low-energy-density source of fiber, protein and essential vitamins and minerals. In addition, mushrooms contain beta-glucans and chitin which promote satiety – all characteristics which may help contribute to successful weight management.

Some mushroom proponents have financial interests at stake in their campaigns, like Paul Stamets of Fungi Perfecti who gained much exposure through an appearance on “Shark Tank,” yet still stresses product sampling as their top marketing strategy.

Abbe Findley of Los Angeles-based herbalist focuses on both cognitive and immune-enhancing benefits associated with Lion’s mane mushrooms as well as immune-enhancing properties of Reishi mushrooms. She advises experimenting with tea, powder, capsule and tincture forms of mushroom consumption to find out what works best for you and try small quantities at first to see which work better than others.

5. Cognitive Support

Star Trek producers took an interest in Paul Stamets’ research on mushrooms, and named one of their characters after him. Additionally, his involvement in finding extracts of rare mushrooms which protect against smallpox is well documented.

Lion’s Mane Fungus (Hericium erinaceus) may help boost production of nerve growth factor (NGF), an essential molecule for brain health. A 2019 study discovered that supplementation of Lion’s Mane with this compound enhanced cognitive performance in healthy adults.

Joe Rogan, host of The Joe Rogan Experience podcast and an advocate of nootropics, recommends taking Lion’s Mane as an effective nootropic to enhance mental clarity and focus. Furthermore, research indicates it supports nerve health while relieving neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Lion’s mane has shown potential in repairing myelin sheaths as well as slowing disease progression through rodent studies.

6. Antioxidant

Mushrooms are an incredible source of nutrition, from soup and stir fry dishes to teatime treats. Chitin and beta-glucans present in mushrooms provide satiety while supporting weight management efforts and digestive wellbeing.

Mushrooms contain antioxidant compounds such as triterpenes and polysaccharides that have powerful anti-aging benefits, helping stabilize free radicals that damage proteins and DNA. Chaga mushrooms in particular boast an ORAC rating of up to 1104 units per gram!

Inonotus obliquus, which resembles a warty or charred-looking lump on birch trees, is highly prized among mushroom hunters for its adrenal gland-supporting and energy-enhancing properties. Additionally, athletes often utilize this mushroom to increase endurance during performance sports events. Host Defense sells many mushroom teas and supplements featuring this mushroom variety.

7. Immune System Support

Mushrooms are an abundant source of fiber, protein, antioxidants, B vitamins and essential minerals–not to mention immune boosting power! Research indicates that Reishi, Turkey Tail and Cordyceps mushroom extracts stimulate production of cytokines (intracellular immune response mediators) which neutralize harmful substances in the body. Maitake, Chaga and Lion’s Mane mushrooms further bolster immunity by stimulating natural killer cells within your immune system.

Mushroom tea can be an effective immune-enhancing tonic due to its rich mixture of polysaccharides, peptides and proteins that provide powerful immunity-enhancing benefits. We recommend trying the Herban Shaman Mushroom Immune Support tea from Herban Shaman which contains reishi, chaga, turkey tail, lion’s mane maitake poria cocos. These ingredients promote balanced immune function with no overly aggressive tactical teams! The tea was developed by cardiologist Steven Gundry whose also created Gundry MD M Vitality immune support tonic!

8. Anti-tumor

Mushrooms possess many immune-enhancing benefits, including being immunostimulants, macrophage activation stimuli and natural killer cell cytotoxicity inhibitors. Furthermore, mushrooms also possess antiviral and hepatoprotective properties.

Reishi mushroom has long been utilized in Chinese medicine for its ability to treat cancer and stress. Studies show that it increases immune response while inhibiting tumor growth.

Lion’s Mane mushrooms can be found growing on birch trees in boreal forests. Believed to increase mental endurance and potentially assist brain health by stimulating nerve growth factor production.

Reishi has been proven to facilitate macrophage activation and decrease oxidative stress levels within the body. Its hepatoprotective properties help limit damage caused by human papillomavirus – which may lead to cervical cancer – and Hepatitis C virus infections; additionally it exhibits antioxidant activity which may reduce cellular inflammation.

9. Immune System Support

Studies are increasingly showing the benefits of mushrooms as powerful immune system boosters. Fungi like mushrooms contain beta-glucans which stimulate and modulate immune cells while simultaneously decreasing inflammation levels and supporting white blood cell function. Furthermore, certain strains such as Lion’s mane may promote cognitive health by stimulating nerve growth factor production in brain tissue.

Mushrooms are an excellent low-calorie source of fiber, protein and essential vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin D, Selenium, Potassium and Phosphorus. In addition, mushrooms contain powerful antioxidants which may help prevent chronic diseases and slow aging. The Herban Shaman Mushroom Immune Support blend combines the healing benefits of Turkey Tail, Reishi, Chaga Shiitake Cordyceps Agaricus Blazei Poria cocos mushrooms to provide comprehensive nutritional and immune support.

10. Energy

Mushrooms may have recently gained prominence in Western health and wellness circles, but mushrooms have long been revered by cultures around the world for their numerous health benefits. Renowned mycologist Paul Stamets states that functional fungi provide everything from immune support to energy enhancement benefits.

Reishi, known as the “queen healer,” can provide numerous health benefits including relieving stress and fatigue while increasing deep delta-wave sleep cycles. Or try mushroom teas containing less-than-beautiful varieties like chaga which resemble more the warty skin of birch trees than soothing beverages.

Fungi Perfecti’s Wunderground blend combines reishi with coffee and cacao to provide a focus and stamina boost, or try mushroom-infused matcha from Seattle-based Choice Organics as an attractive low-cal alternative. Make sure that when buying, choose companies who prioritize sustainable practices as well as people-first business practices.