Mushroom supplements contain a multitude of benefits that effectively support the human body’s immune system. The nutritional benefits can help with circulatory, nervous and digestive system management. As a holistic supplement, the bioactive combination in mushroom supplements makes them the perfect addition to a daily self-care and wellness regimen.
There are a variety of functional mushroom supplement types available in powdered or capsulated form. With so many different species of mushroom supplements available, it can be challenging to determine which is best for your care routine and will meet your unique needs.
To reduce confusion and help you fast-track your mushroom supplement selection, this article will reflect on the benefits of mushroom supplements, the various species and how to incorporate them into your daily wellness routine.
Advantages of Mushroom Supplements
Functional Mushrooms can be crafted and curated in a variety of forms to be taken conveniently and discreetly daily. Fortunately, mushroom supplements have become increasingly available across North America. They make for nutritious additions to a healthy diet and come in four types- powders, capsules, broths or drink mixes.
Here are the advantages of mushroom supplements:
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Here are the advantages of mushroom supplements:
- Available as a single species of blend
- Available as a functional mushroom blend with additional ingredients
- Smooth texture
- No measuring requirements
- High source of protein
- Ideal for on-the-go and travel
- Can be added to drinks and dishes such as coffees, soups, sauces and smoothies
- Offered in single-serving packets
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. 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 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 Powder 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 Powder Drink Mixes
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.
Benefits of Mushroom Supplement Blends
Blends of mushroom supplements can be the perfect way to start adding functional mushrooms into your diet and lifestyle. Functional mushrooms have a number of health and wellness benefits that can support your mental and physical health daily. Here are just some of the potential health benefits of functional mushrooms:
1. Immune Support
Most functional mushroom types have been found to offer immune support. Functional mushrooms have beta-glucans and prebiotics which are two highly powerful and effective immune-supporting admixtures. Beta-glucans activate the immune system by enhancing the macrophages which are white blood cell that detects harmful bacteria.
As prebiotics, functional mushrooms support gut health and maintain good immunity. For single-species powder or as a blend, some mushrooms like Turkey Tail support the body’s immune system to maintain appropriate levels of response.
2. Cognitive Support
Studies have found that medicinal mushrooms are jammed packed with cognitive support compounds to boost brain function and mental health. Some functional mushrooms can reduce neuroinflammation. Neuro-inflammation triggers the immune system and occurs when an inflammatory response develops within brain cells.
Functional mushrooms can also act as antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress and support brain wellness. The Lion’s Mane, Reishi Mushroom and Chaga Mushrooms are three of the most popular mushroom supplements that support brain health and management.
3. Energy Support
Suffering and struggling with low energy can really impact a person’s mental and physical well-being. The Cordyceps mushroom is known for being very stimulating for energy and libido. It can help the body use oxygen more appropriately and effectively and stimulate blood flow. The reishi mushroom has also been found to reduce chronic fatigue and promote good energy levels while regulating the body’s testosterone levels.
4. Weight Loss and Management
Some functional mushrooms can effectively help reduce stress-eating and help with weight loss and weight management. Lion’s mane and Reishi mushrooms can help reduce body weight and fat gain as well as reduce inflammation.
Mushrooms contain an abundance of beta-glucan fibres which help the stomach feel more full and reduce appetite. It’s also a great source of protein and reduces hunger for hours.
5. Stress and Sleep Support
Functional mushroom supplements can be highly safe and effective for sleep and stress support. Some individuals even use it as an alternative to sleep aids and sedatives for bed. Some functional mushrooms can help increase energy, longevity and boost immune function. Stress hormones when ill managed can build up and contribute to mental and physical health diseases.
6. Fitness and Recovery
Certain functional mushrooms have been found to increase oxygen uptake and lower heart rate. Cordyceps can lower heart rate allowing athletes to train more intensely for a longer duration of time without becoming tired.
The increase in oxygen can also stimulate blood flow to the organs while exercising. Cordyceps is an energizing adaptogen that fights fatigue, reduces inflammation and stops muscle aches and pain which can expedite recovery.
Benefits of Single-Species Mushroom Supplement Benefits
If you’re unsure about trying a mushroom supplement blend, you can always choose a single-species mushroom supplement. Some single-species mushroom supplements are specifically for certain health benefits. For example, the Lion’s Mane supports memory, concentration and mood. The Reishi is another single-species supplement that is primarily used for immune support and to neutralize free radicals.
The individual benefits of each single-species supplement can vary based on the type of fungi at hand. The mushrooms tend to work differently when in a blend and can provide further benefits. If you’re new to functional mushrooms, trying them as a single supplement species may be in your best interest.
|
Mushroom Species |
Immune Support |
Cognitive Support |
Energy Boost/ Support |
Weight Loss and Management |
Stress and Sleep Support |
Fitness Recovery |
|
Agarcius Blazi |
✅ |
|||||
|
Chaga |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
|||
|
Cordyceps |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
|
|
King Trumpet |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
||
|
Lion’s Mane |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
|||
|
Maitake |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
||
|
Reishi |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
||
|
Shiitake |
✅ |
✅ |
||||
|
Turkey Tail |
✅ |
✅ |
How To Choose The Best Mushroom Supplement
Before adding any single-species or blend mushroom supplement to your diet, be sure to consult with your physician or doctor. This will help determine which type is best for you and how to add the supplement into your daily routine. When choosing the best mushroom supplement for your health and wellness, you should always be buying from a trusted, reliable and reputable vendor.
Here are some things to consider when buying mushroom supplements 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
How To Add Single-Species or Blend Mushroom Supplements Into Your Routine
When it comes time to add functional mushrooms to your daily routine, it’s important to find an easy, straightforward way to take the supplements daily and at your convenience. The mushrooms are designed to be a daily addition to your health and wellness regimen to support your mental and physical well-being. There are a number of ways to add your fungi supplement of choice to your diet.
Here are some convenient, stress-free and easy ways to include functional mushrooms into your daily routine.
1. Add Mushroom Supplement To Coffee
Adding mushroom powders or drink mixes to your daily coffee can be the perfect way to absorb the benefits of the functional mushroom of your choice. In addition, the calming effects of mushrooms can offset the downsides of coffee including shakes and jitters, off-kilter digestion and acidity.
It’s an easy and convenient way to add functional mushrooms to your health routine and diet. Try adding ¼ or ½ tsp of your mushroom supplement to your morning coffee today!
2. Add Mushroom Supplement To Yogurt
Adding mushroom supplements to your daily yogurt is another great way to ingest the supplement. Whether you make your own yogurt or pick it out from a pack of 4, yogurt is filled with a ton of nurturing nutrients and so are functional mushrooms! The conjunction of both could provide you with immunity and gut support and boost your energy. Add around ¼ of mushroom to your yogurt.
3. Add Mushroom Supplement To Smoothies
If you prefer smoothies for breakfast or lunch, that’s the perfect beverage to have with your functional mushroom supplement. Add the adaptogenic mushroom to your smoothie of choice to help nourish the mind, body and soul. Use either the Cordyceps mushroom, Chaga or a combination of both for a vitality boost.
4. Add Mushroom Supplement To Tea
If you prefer coffee to tea, that’s another great drink to add the adaptogenic mushroom to as well. Herbal teas are naturally high in nutrients and health benefits and it’s easier to tailor them to suit your needs. Try adding the reishi mushroom to your tea to relieve stress and unwind.
5. Add Mushroom Supplement To Your Baking
Some functional mushrooms can taste quite bitter, mild or earthy and be unappealing to eat on their own. It can help to add the mushroom supplement to a dessert and baking dish. Try making a big batch and including the supplement to freeze and have each day throughout the week.
6. Add Mushroom Supplement To Dish
Mushrooms are great especially when added to your favourite dinner or lunch meal! If you choose to, add the functional mushroom to your savoury dish, especially curries or soups or stews.
References
-
Putka, S. (2021). Mushroom Powder Benefits: The Science Behind The Wild Wellness Claims. Available at: https://www.inverse.com/mind-body/mushroom-powder-benefits-factcheck.
2. Sansouci, J. (2020). The Secret Immune- Boosting Power of Mushrooms. Available at: https://www.the-well.com/editorial/how-mushrooms-boost-immunity.
3. Sabaratnam V, Kah-Hui W, Naidu M, Rosie David P. Neuronal health – can culinary and medicinal mushrooms help?. J Tradit Complement Med. 2013;3(1):62-68. doi:10.4103/2225-4110.106549
4. Carr, T. (2019). Mushroom magic: why the latest health fad might be on to something. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/jan/16/mud-wtr-mushroom-water-coffee-health-benefits.
5. Spore Life Sciences. (2021). Five Ways Functional Mushrooms Support Healthy Weight Loss. Available at: https://sporelifesciences.com/blog/five-ways-functional-mushrooms-support-healthy-weight-loss/.
6. Smith, A. (2020). Adaptogenic Mushrooms for Stress Support. Available at: https://ommushrooms.com/blogs/blog/adaptogenic-mushrooms-for-stress-support.
7. Ipsen E, BS, CHN, CNTP, MNT. (2021). Three Mushrooms You Should Take to Climb and Recover Better. Available at: https://www.climbing.com/skills/three-mushrooms-you-should-take-to-climb-and-recover-better/.
