Longevity can be defined as living for an extended period, in good health. Achieve this is certainly desirable.

Mushrooms such as cordyceps and reishi can help strengthen immune system functions, promote nerve growth, alleviate symptoms of anxiety and even improve reaction times for enhanced athletic performance.

Lion’s Mane

Lion’s Mane mushrooms have recently gained immense attention due to studies exploring their many health and longevity benefits. Packed with compounds that support brain and nerve health – including hericenones and erinacines which may protect the brain against its natural mild cognitive decline associated with age while encouraging new neuron growth – these “smart mushrooms” may offer significant protection from cognitive decline as we age as well as encouraging cell division of neurons and nerves.

Lion’s Mane mushrooms are an effective natural anti-inflammatory that also help boost immune health by maintaining balance within the digestive tract. Consumed as either an organic soup base, stew base, curry base or as a nutritional supplement; like other functional mushrooms it has been demonstrated to decrease inflammation while simultaneously improving immune function – in one recent study it was even used successfully as part of an IBD treatment protocol and reduced symptoms associated with colitis in IBD sufferers!

While it can be tempting to collect wild lion’s mane mushrooms quickly, this must be done carefully in order to achieve maximum quality. Avoiding bruised fruit bodies that will hasten their decomposition further is key for ensuring peak quality and to ensuring longevity of consumption; look for unbruised, undiscolored mushrooms for optimal quality results. Ideally they should be picked fresh – signs that they have passed their prime include an unpleasant odor or significant discoloration.

As a nutritional supplement, Lion’s Mane may be taken in pill form or capsules and tablets. There are various strengths available and it is wise to consult your healthcare provider or registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN) prior to adding Lion’s Mane into your diet. It should be noted that supplements are not regulated as tightly by FDA as pharmaceutical drugs; some products may contain fillers or ingredients which could potentially be harmful.

Psychonutritionist Shawn Talbott recommends taking 1 gram daily of Lion’s Mane supplementation; however, for optimal results it’s wise to consult your healthcare provider first before beginning any new supplement regimen. Furthermore, those allergic to mushrooms should wait until approved by their healthcare provider before adding Lion’s Mane into their routine, and those taking medications must consult with them as well.

Chaga

Mushrooms have long added an intriguing element to food and folklore, and now one species of slow-growing fungi – Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is beginning to make a comeback in our food supply and folklore. Found mainly in cooler climates clinging to birch trees, Chaga’s (Inonotus obliquus) strange-looking charcoal-colored growth with burnt-wood-like exterior is rapidly regaining its former status – yet it packs essential nutrients into its core!

Mushrooms have been used as an integral component of natural wellness solutions since antiviral, antioxidant and immune-enhancing properties are well known. Furthermore, mushrooms have also been known to help balance blood sugar levels, reduce cholesterol and inflammation levels as well as contain powerful compounds like polysaccharides, betulinic acid, lanosterol and plant sterols which provide additional benefits.

Chaga’s ability to protect against oxidative stress and aid the body’s detoxification processes have long made it an integral part of traditional healing practices in Eastern Europe and Asia, particularly. Additionally, its stimulating glycogen synthesis – an energy source essential to cells within our bodies and muscles – makes it an outstanding way of improving physical performance, endurance and recovery.

Studies have demonstrated the benefits of chaga’s beta-D-glucans on activating and strengthening immunity to infections, improving resistance. Furthermore, its polysaccharides may promote digestive health by maintaining a balanced gut microbiota balance – including gastroprotective effects that help alleviate symptoms associated with gastritis or ulcers.

Chaga is an essential ingredient in Dr Watson’s Longevity Mushroom Complex, an exclusive formula consisting of Cordyceps, Chaga and Maitake formulated to boost immunity, increase energy levels and enhance physical performance – the perfect formula to promote healthful living and physical performance. This innovative combination offers all-round health support.

Mushrooms have long been revered as superfoods due to their abundant nutrition and health benefits across the globe, from improving digestion and increasing longevity, all the way through to protecting immunity against age-related conditions and protecting cellular health. Now that modern science has unearthed ancient wisdom surrounding mushrooms as superfoods, we are discovering just how beneficial they can be – including everything from immunity-boosting benefits and anti-ageing properties! Add mushrooms to your daily routine!

Reishi

Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) are an adaptogen with multiple health benefits, from improving mental wellbeing to strengthening immunity and anti-ageing properties. Reishi also provides anti-aging benefits as it contains polysaccharides and triterpenoids which have an anti-inflammatory effect and support the liver while improving circulation – as well as being available as supplements in both powdered form or extract form to add flavor enhancement to tea, smoothies or food dishes.

Reishi mushrooms offer both anti-tumor properties and fatigue relief. Reishi stimulates white blood cells which target abnormal cells such as cancerous ones; laboratory experiments have demonstrated their ability to slow tumor growth.

Reishi mushrooms have long been used in Eastern medicine, yet only recently have they been scientifically researched. Studies have demonstrated their efficacy at decreasing oxidative stress and extending lifespan both in animals and humans alike. Furthermore, Reishi can reduce effects of aging such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Studies have shown that Reishi mushrooms can aid the liver by decreasing toxins and increasing healthy fatty acids, as well as aiding with free radical release and supporting liver cell regeneration.

Reishi can also help fight fatigue and increase energy levels; one study demonstrated this by showing its mushroom extract reduced fatigue levels while increasing quality of life in patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome.

Mushrooms have recently become increasingly popular with pet parents and veterinarians, due to the myriad of benefits they can provide to dogs and cats alike. Reishi mushroom extract has been used to treat infections as well as fight cancer (when used alongside standard cancer treatments). Furthermore, their anti-inflammation properties help prolong lives by decreasing risks caused by oxidative stress or inflammation, thus prolonging lifespan and potentially decreasing medical bills associated with chronic health conditions like obesity or arthritis.

Maitake

Maitake mushrooms (Hen of the Woods or Signorina mushroom) are one of the world’s most beneficial functional mushrooms, offering powerful antioxidant benefits to humans and livestock alike. With spoon-like caps resembling those seen on chicken feathers, Maitake have long been prized in China and Japan for their medicinal qualities; more recently in America however they’ve begun garnering attention due to scientific investigation, with promising early results emerging.

Maitake is an adaptogen that can help the body respond more effectively to physical challenges. It’s thought to benefit immune function, blood sugar regulation and liver detoxification – among many other things! Plus it contains vitamins B & C as well as potassium, copper fiber & amino acids; an excellent source of glucosamine precursors including chondroitin sulfates & d-glucosamine for joint health; it’s packed with polyphenols including beta glucans as well!

Japanese research conducted in 2010 demonstrated the efficacy of maitake extract on increasing ovulation and balancing hormone levels for women living with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Results were comparable to the common treatment option clomiphene citrate for this condition. Although more research needs to be conducted, maitake may provide an effective natural remedy for infertility issues associated with PCOS as well as its related hormonal problems.

Researchers are becoming more and more intrigued with the potential health benefits of adding functional mushrooms into daily diets, with specific mushrooms like maitake receiving special scrutiny as they are researched for their effects on supporting gut microbiome health and contain water-soluble compounds that support bacteria in your digestive tract to keep a balanced gut ecosystem, essential to overall wellness.

One of the easiest and quickest ways to experience these powerful mushrooms is in a tincture form, easily added into your daily routine. Tinctures provide access to this medicinal potency through oral mucosal absorption.