Mushrooms seem to be popping up everywhere from farmers markets and restaurants, to ready-to-drink teas and coffees, ready-to-drink beverages and supplements, ready-to-drink teas and coffees and ready-to-drink dietary supplements. Mushrooms are becoming a major trend in the nutraceuticals market with mushroom companies experiencing significant growth as legacy companies experience boom periods while broad brands expand into medicinal species offerings. Fungi have even made an appearance in popular culture such as HBO drama series The Last of Us which was based off video game characters, to movies like Super Mario Bros which made over $1.2 billion worldwide!

While immunity was once the cornerstone of mushroom consumption, more consumers are now turning to mushrooms for mood and stress support, cognitive enhancement, detoxification, as well as for various conditions like depression, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disease and cancer. According to a survey presented at AHPA 2023’s Botanical Congress, 28% of respondents noted general health concerns as the reason they used mushroom supplements; another 27% took them for brain/cognition support and 25% for immunity support.

One reason mushrooms have become such a beloved treat is due to their natural anti-inflammatory qualities. Containing beta glucans and other compounds, they work by neutralizing free radicals in the body which cause cell damage leading to diseases like cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s. Furthermore, mushrooms contain an abundance of antioxidants which act as the body’s defense mechanism against oxidative stress.

Cordyceps fungus, for instance, is an ancient Chinese remedy known to increase energy and stamina. Athletes commonly use it to improve endurance and post-workout recovery after intense exercise sessions as it helps maintain blood glucose levels during intense activity while increasing oxygenation levels – all which help them perform at their best!

Other mushrooms such as chaga and turkey tail have increasingly become popular anti-cancer supplements. Researchers are studying their ability to stimulate natural killer (NK) cells that attack cancerous cells and prevent tumors from spreading; specifically turkey tail has PSK which has been demonstrated to prevent cancer cell proliferation during laboratory tests.

Lion’s mane and reishi mushrooms have recently attracted much interest for their healing properties, particularly as natural nootropics. Both types are rich in ergothioneine and ergosterol compounds known to support brain and nervous system health; furthermore they contain polysaccharides which reduce cholesterol while improving cardiovascular health; in addition, reishi contains HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors which act like natural statin medications – it is important that before adding new supplements into your regimen that you consult your Functional Medicine practitioner so they can provide safe recommendations tailored specifically towards your personal needs.