Top 5 Benefits of Maitake Mushrooms

The nutrient-dense, versatile Maitake mushroom is among the world’s most beneficial adaptogenic mushrooms. The term “Maitake” means dancing mushroom in Japanese and it’s been said that the name was created after people danced upon finding the fungus in the wild because of its incredible therapeutic benefits. The same could be said about today, as the Maitake mushroom continues to reign as one of the most exalted functional mushrooms in the world for health and wellness support!

The feathered fungus is an adaptogen designed to support the body in fighting against challenges that impact mental and physical health. Adaptogenic mushrooms can also help regulate the body when it’s become unbalanced. The Maitake mushroom grows in Japan, China and some parts of North America at the bottom of Oak, Elm and Maple trees. Over the last 20 years, it’s gained immense popularity across the United States for its health and vitality support.

Maitake mushrooms are touted for the multitude of health and wellness benefits it has to offer. It can function as a natural remedy and be administered as naturally as a whole mushroom, in powdered form or as a dietary capsule supplement. Similar to other mushroom varieties, the Maitake fungus is low in fat, calories and carbohydrates. Below, we’ll analyze the health and wellness benefits of Maitake, the variety of ways to ingest it and how to add it to your health regimen.

5 Benefits of the Maitake Mushroom

There are a number of nutritional benefits that this functional Maitake mushroom can provide to support daily wellness.

The fungus is rich in amino acids, vitamin B, minerals and copper, zinc and phosphorus. They also contain a variety of alpha and beta-glucans, triterpenes and bioactive chemicals. The top five, most popular benefits of the Maitake mushroom include the following:

1. Can Improve Immune Function

The Maitake mushroom has been found to support immune function and immune-boosting properties. In fact, the Maitake fungus has been found to help the body produce more natural killer cells (NK) which are white blood cells that offer several immune system support capabilities. The beta-glucans from the fungus enters the system and essentially prod the cell surface receptors that signal to the body that it needs to fight harmful invaders. Maitake helps restore balance to the body by providing the immune system with direction and feedback.

The bioactive polysaccharides in the fungus can offer support for both cellular and humoral immunity. This is especially important and useful when the body is struggling with a cold, illness and even stress or anxiety to support a weakened immune system.

2. Known To Support Healthy Blood Sugar Levels

This fungus have been found to support healthy blood sugar levels in the body. It even has anti-diabetic properties that can support blood sugar regulation. There’s a disaccharide in the Maitake called the trehalose or “double sugar” which is a small carbohydrate that can inhibit enzyme activity which leads to a lower glucose absorption rate in the small intestine of an individual.

Research has previously been conducted on animals that suggest the Maitake fungus can reduce high blood sugar levels. The study found that extracts of the mushroom established improvements in insulin resistance in animals tested. Once the body cannot properly respond to insulin, resistance will occur. That can in turn have positive effects on rats with type 2 diabetes and act as a potential treatment for the disease.

3. May Support Weight Management

Maitake mushrooms have been found to offer support for healthy gut flora by enabling positive bacterial growth. The fungus also contains 2.7 grams of fiber per 100 grams which regulates hunger without adding calories to your diet. Cravings are often the downfall for many individuals trying to lose or manage weight. Maitake fungus makes for a great addition to low-carb diets or as a great addition to any healthy lifestyle. They are low in calories and thanks to the high fiber, when you ingest them they help you feel fuller much more quickly.

The fiber content in Maitake and its important effects on digestion makes it a fantastic potential weight loss supplement and digestive support. When you add the mushroom to your daily diet, the metabolism can work more efficiently and help manage healthy body weight.

4. Packed With Antioxidants

The Maitake mushroom is packed full of antioxidants that can directly support brain and cognitive health. In fact, research has found that antioxidants have been able to reduce oxidative stress which can inhibit health and wellness. One of the most important components of cognitive function that antioxidants can help with is memory. The brain naturally utilizes a significant amount of oxygen and requires a lot to keep it functioning optimally. This puts it at an increased risk of oxidative stress.

Antioxidants can even help curb cell death and prevent memory loss in the brain. Oxidation naturally occurs as a natural way for the body to process and natural exposure to external toxins. That oxidation can continue to damage and age body tissues when not checked. Antioxidants from the Maitake may help neutralize free radicals and support the body’s response to inflammation and oxidative stress.

5. May Possess Anti-Cancer Compounds

The dancing mushroom has been found to stimulate immune cell activity in laboratory studies conducted on mice. The stimulation of immune function has also been tested on a small group of cancer patients. These small uncontrolled studies conducted on humans show that the Maitake mushroom extracts can slow the development of tumors and stimulate immune cell growth. The mushroom has the potential to fight cancer cell growth and reproduction. It can even increase the number of cell development working to fight against tumors.

Anti-cancer properties in the Maitake make it one of the most popular functional mushrooms in the world. However, it’s important to note that more research is needed on its anti-cancer compounds via controlled clinical trials.

How To Find High-Quality, Clean Maitake Mushroom Supplements

Maitake mushrooms are actually one of the few adaptogenic mushrooms that taste delicious and are added to a variety of meals. The mild, woodsy flavor of the fungus has been considered similar in taste to eggplant. The fungus can be consumed daily via supplement or raw daily for health and wellness as well as nutritional purposes. Adding the Maitake mushroom to your daily wellness routine is a great way to optimize your health. However, it’s critical to know how to find high-quality, clean and affordable Maitake mushroom supplements to ensure easy and convenient ingestion.

Brain Brands offers a wide variety of high-quality, clean, safe and pure adaptogenic mushroom supplements to support daily health and wellness regimens. If you’re looking to add Maitake mushroom to your routine, you can add the raw mushroom to your stir-fry, pasta, soup or even salads.

Supplements of the fungus are considered a more convenient, affordable and easy alternative way to consume the mushroom. If you choose to take it as a supplement, look for an extract of the Maitake often referred to as Maitake D-Fraction.

Here are some additional components to consider when buying Maitake mushroom products and what you can trust when you buy from Brain Brands :

• USDA certified organic
• USA-grown in Carlsbad, CA
• Third-party tested
• Current Good Manufacturing Practice-regulated
• Non-GMO Project Verified
• Certified Kosher
• Gluten-free
• No sugar added
• Vegan-friendly
• Keto-friendly
• Paleo-friendly

Mushroom Supplement Types

When selecting the type of mushroom supplement you want, try to be as open-minded as possible!

From powders to capsules, drink mixes and single-serve options, you have quite the variety to choose from, and also a wide range of mushrooms to choose from. There’s chaga, lion’s mane, reishi, turkey tail and more.

Each can easily be incorporated into your daily health and wellness regimen and is highly effective when taken over time. Here are some of the mushroom supplement options available:

Mushroom Powder Supplement

Mushroom powder supplements are perfect for convenience on the go and for individuals that are new to supplements. You can easily blend a teaspoon of the powder supplement into your beverage of choice whether it be coffee, smoothies or soup. If you have a frother in your kitchen, you can mix the supplement quite easily into the drink. Powdered mushroom supplement species can dramatically range in flavor type from mild to deeply earthy and bitter. If you are not comfortable with the taste of mushrooms, supplements are definitely the way to go.

Mushroom Capsules

The mushroom powder capsule is also convenient and perfect for travel. If you’re already taking an abundance of supplements daily, the powder capsules can make for easy addition. Usually, you can just easily take a capsule daily with water or a beverage of your choice.

Mushroom Coffee

If you’re a habitual coffee, smoothie or tea drinker, mushroom powder drink mixes can be the perfect solution for you. Mushroom powder drink mix is easier to remember with your morning beverage sometimes more than a capsule or supplement. Some powder drink mixes are even flavored to taste great with your favorite drink.