Nature's Superfood: What Are Functional Mushrooms?

More than 57 percent of adults aged 20 and over use supplements on a regular basis. The most common type is a multivitamin, but people are discovering that supplements can extend far beyond providing basic vitamins and nutrients. Functional mushrooms are a perfect example of this.

What are functional mushrooms? The short version is that they are extracts of specific fungi that are taken for distinct health benefits.

This article covers the basics of functional mushrooms. Keep reading to find out about the many health advantages they afford and why you might want to add them to your diet.

What Are Functional Mushrooms?

There are more than 5 million species of fungi in the world, and some scientists believe that number could be closer to 11 million. Many mushrooms can cause illness if consumed, and many can be fatal. Others are edible and are consumed for flavor and texture.

What are functional mushrooms? They are a third type of fungi that can bring miraculous health advantages and are taken for medicinal purposes. Common species include:

• Agaricus
• Chaga
• Cordyceps
• Lion's mane
• Maitake
• Reishi
• Shiitake
• Turkey tail

Functional mushrooms usually come in the form of powders, capsules, or other extracts. Some can be brewed into teas. All of these delivery methods make it more convenient to consume the mushrooms, rather than eating them fresh.

What Are the Health Benefits of Mushrooms?

There are many distinct advantages to taking functional mushrooms. These include:

• Antioxidant properties and immune support
• Improved cognitive health
• Increased energy levels
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Stress reduction

Antioxidant Properties and Immune Support

Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body. This can help reduce the risk of many negative health conditions, including heart disease and certain types of cancers.

Many functional mushrooms contain potent amounts of antioxidants. For instance, chaga mushrooms are particularly rich in polyphenols and melanin. These can protect against cell damage.

Reishi mushrooms have triterpenes and polysaccharides, which can reduce oxidative damage. These fungi also can enhance the activity of various immune cells, such as macrophages and "natural killer" cells. These can play a major role in defending the body against pathogens.

Shiitake mushrooms are rich in ergothioneine, which can support immune function. They have antiviral effects as well, which also can promote immune health.

Improved Cognitive Health

Several different types of functional mushrooms can improve cognitive function. They do so in distinct ways.

For instance, lion's mane is particularly good at stimulating the production of nerve growth factors. This is a protein that plays a key role in the growth and maintenance of neurons, which can aid in improved memory and overall brain health.

Chaga and shiitake mushrooms can protect brain cells from oxidative stress and damage to brain cells. Cordyceps can improve vitality and reduce fatigue. This indirectly can increase cognitive function.

Increased Energy Levels

Another health benefit of functional mushrooms is their ability to boost energy levels and promote overall vitality. For instance, taking cordyceps can enhance oxygen utilization in the body.

That can reduce fatigue and increase stamina. Some studies suggest that it also enhances the efficiency of cellular energy production.

Shiitake mushrooms are a good source of essential nutrients, like B vitamins. These are useful for energy production and metabolic function.

Maitake can improve energy utilization throughout the body. Reishi mushrooms help manage stress in the body, which inadvertently increases energy levels.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Inflammation in the body is linked to many different negative health conditions. As it progresses, it can damage arteries, organs, and joints. For this reason, it is linked to chronic diseases like heart disease, blood vessel disease, diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer's, and various forms of cancer.

Functional mushrooms are a fantastic way to combat inflammation. For instance, the triterpenes and polysaccharides in reishi can reduce inflammation and regulate immune responses. This can alleviate symptoms of chronic inflammation.

Shiitake and maitake mushrooms contain compounds, such as lentinans, beta-glucan, and other bioactive compounds that can combat inflammation. Turkey-tail mushrooms have high levels of polysaccharopeptides. These boost immune cell efficiency, which can help fight chronic inflammation.

Stress Reduction

A final health benefit of functional mushrooms is that they are useful in managing stress. This, too, is accomplished in several different ways.

Reishi mushrooms, for instance, help provide emotional balance and relaxation. It also can help regulate cortisol levels, which can help the body respond to stress and its symptoms.

Cordyceps can help overcome stress by promoting higher energy levels. Lion's mane can do so by reducing cognitive stress and improving one's sense of well-being. Mushrooms like shiitake that have high levels of B vitamins provide the body with what it needs to properly deal with stress.

How to Choose the Best Functional Mushrooms?

The first step to finding the best functional mushrooms is to utilize the information above to identify your unique health needs and goals, and match them with the distinct types of mushrooms that provide associated health benefits. Once this is established, you can move forward in assessing different brands and formulations.

Look for high-quality and non-GMO products. Investigating the growing and harvesting practices to ensure the mushrooms have not been exposed to pesticides and other types of contaminants.

Choose products that have been tested by independent laboratories to ensure purity. Look for companies that have full transparency in these practices.

Finally, look for functional mushrooms that come in forms that optimize absorption but that also fit your lifestyle. For instance, tinctures and extracts tend to have higher bioavailability and faster absorption compared to powders or whole mushrooms.

Learn More About Mushrooms for Wellness

Now that you have some answers to "What are functional mushrooms?" you can make a more informed decision about whether they are right for you. A reputable supplement expert can further advise you on the best functional mushroom types based on your unique health goals.

Micro+ uses premium ingredients and leverages proprietary, advanced formulation, and production technologies to make nano-sized active ingredients for its supplements. This increases the absorption and effectiveness of mushrooms health supplements. Shop online and do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you might have about functional fungi.