What are Super Mushrooms?
July 5, 2023
“Superfoods” are all the rage, but did you know mushrooms can be super too? Several types of mushrooms are used for their therapeutic abilities and adaptogenic effects, let’s have a look at a few different “Super Mushrooms” and their benefits!
Chaga
Although the research on Chaga mushroom is limited to mostly animal and test tube studies, the mushroom has been used for centuries as a traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as diabetes and heart disease. A benefit of Chaga mushrooms is that they are high in antioxidants, which may help with lowering inflammation - one study found that Chaga supplementation reduced oxidative stress in patients with Crohn’s disease, suggesting the mushrooms potent antioxidant effects can be used to reduce oxidative damage.
Lions Mane
This funky mushroom which looks like a lions mane has been found to help with reducing feelings of anxiety - hericenones and erinacines found in Lions mane mushrooms may stimulate nerve growth factor synthesis, which can contribute to antidepressant and anti-anxiety activity. One study also found that Lions Mane supplementation can improve cognitive function and prevent deterioration - this is what we call a brainy mushroom!
Cordyceps
Cordyceps are especially interesting due to their beneficial effects on exercise performance. One study found that cordyceps may improve the way your body uses oxygen by increasing maximal oxygen consumption, time to exhaustion and ventilatory threshold - sounds like it would be worth adding this mushroom to your pre-workout meal!
Shiitake
Shiitake mushrooms are practically a natural multivitamin; packed with B vitamins, vitamin D and E, as well as minerals such as copper, selenium, manganese, and zinc. They also contain compounds that may help lower cholesterol, such as eritadenine, sterols and beta glucans. One study also found that consuming shiitake mushrooms contributed to a decrease in inflammatory markers, which demonstrates the mushrooms powerful anti-inflammatory effects.
Reishi
Reishi is thought to be an immunity booster due to its ability to improve the function of lymphocytes, which can help fight infections - plus its high antioxidant content can help protect cells against damage! Additionally, another study found that supplementing with powdered Reishi mushrooms could help reduce fatigue and may have a role in the treatment of depression.
Maitake
Maitake is a nutrient rich mushroom which contains antioxidants, beta-glucans, vitamins B, C and A, copper, potassium, and fibre. Studies on the beneficial effects of Maitake in humans are lacking, but it is thought that Maitake can be used to help reduce blood sugar levels and blood pressure. Either way, Maitake could be a great addition to anyone's diet to help boost the nutritional value of a meal.
