Ingredients

WHAT ARE FUNCTIONAL MUSHROOMS

Even if you’ve never heard of functional mushrooms, you may have seen them as an ingredient in a food product. Just take a stroll down the aisle of a health food store, and you’ll find these special fungi in all sorts of things – from coffee to protein powder to hot chocolate mix. And since this market is expected to more than double in the next ten years, you’ll likely start seeing them even more frequently.

These mushrooms aren’t the same fungi used as hallucinogens. Instead, they’re a distinct group of edible fungi known for their unique health benefits and versatile in their potential uses.

Whether you’re hoping to incorporate health trends into your own personal goals or are trying to learn more about holistic health, understanding how to use these fungi may help you further your personal or professional goals.

Native to Taiwan, Antrodia has an abundance of research related to its liver protective and immunity-enhancing qualities.

Often referred to as the “king of medicinal mushrooms”, Chaga has been used extensively by Traditional Healers in North America, Europe and Asia for centuries. Chaga contains a complex array of bioactive compounds with significant antioxidant and immunity-supporting activities.

Improves vitality and endurance naturally by supporting respiration, oxygen delivery and ATP synthesis. Cordyceps supports aerobic endurance in athletes and research related to general vitality in senior populations gives this mushroom species broad appeal. Cordyceps is also known for its ability to increase circulation and enhance male sexual performance.

This tropical species is native to Brazil and is known for its high content of polysaccharide compounds. Agaricus blazei is also known for its effects on triglycerides and cholesterol management.

High levels of the antioxidant L-Ergothioneine, a naturally occurring antioxidant amino acid is found in both the mycelium and fruit bodies of King Trumpet. L-Ergothioneine is the only antioxidant that has been found to have its own cellular transport mechanism. King Trumpet also has been researched for its positive effects on cholesterol management and bone health.

Reported in many studies to stimulate the synthesis of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a protein that promotes the growth and normal function of nerve cells. NGF is important for cognitive and neurological health.

Maitake contains an array of 1,3/1,6 beta-glucan compounds that have a positive impact on immune function. Maitake has also been shown to help support healthy blood-sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance.

Revered in Traditional Medicine as the “Mushroom of Immortality”, Reishi has a variety of attributes. Reishi acts as an immune potentiator and immune modulator – helping to balance and down regulate an overactive immune system. Reishi has also been studied for its cardiovascular health benefits. Considered a “superior adaptogen”, Reishi assists in adapting to mental and physical stressors.

Shiitake is an excellent culinary mushroom species with significant therapeutic properties that include liver, cardiovascular and immune support. New research on the properties of active ingredients in Shiitake has expanded the use of this mushroom to include applications ranging from oral health products to detoxification support. The National Institute of Health has recently supported a grant to the City of Hope for an epidemiological study on the health effects of Shiitake.

One of the most researched of all medicinal mushrooms for its powerful polysaccharides. The beta glucans and other nutrients found in Turkey Tail support immune health.