From the Journal
Functional Mushrooms for Wellness
What comes to mind when you hear the word “mushrooms”? Perhaps the fairytale-esque red mushroom with white polka dots on the forest floor, or your favorite cozy autumn dish with chanterelles.
by Alexandra Dusenberry, MS, RDN, Lead Registered Dietitian
What comes to mind when you hear the word “mushrooms”? Perhaps you think of the fairytale-esque red mushroom with white polka dots on the forest floor, or your favorite cozy autumn dish with chanterelles. Maybe it brings to mind the curiosity that is on the rise regarding the micro-dosing of mushrooms or “shrooms” for medicinal purposes. (As the dietitian at Cal‑a‑Vie, I get a question about my thoughts on these types of mushrooms a couple times per week! A topic for another time to say the least). Apart from the category of culinary or psychedelic mushrooms, there is a world of nutritionally beneficial mushrooms referred to as functional mushrooms. These types of mushrooms are typically consumed in supplemental form, and can provide benefits from immune support, to stress reduction, to brain and memory protection when taken consistently over time. Read below to learn more about the amazing properties of functional mushrooms.
The World of Fungus Among Us
Three components to mushrooms:
Fruiting body: What we see above ground, the visible "fruit"
Mycelium: the majority of the organism is underground. Consists of a mass of branching single strands call hyphae. Has a mutualistic relationship with plants- can form sheths around plant roots to extend rootsystems to absorb water and nutrients more effectively
Spores: the "seeds" of the mushroom
Reishi
Known as the "mushroom of immortality"
Supports occasional stress (adaptogenic) and restful sleep
Best taken as part of your nightly wind-down routine
Non-sedative, consume daily to notice benefits over time
Contains antioxidants, B-glucans, and polysaccharides to support the immune system
B-glucans are carbohydrate compounds that provide cardiovascular protection, lower lipid levels (cholesterol), and can improve blood pressure while working as immunomodulators
Lion's Mane
Contains beneficial compounds that can cross the Blood Brain Barrier
Helps to produce more Nerve Growth Factor, which generates more neurons in the brain
Studies indicate potential memory protection and improvement of mild cognitive impairment Best used as part of a morning routine- no caffeine, but it boosts productivity, focus, and creativity
You can sauté this functional mushroom for a delicious snack or entrée
Chaga
Antioxidants: dark color pigments have antioxidant properties that protect the body against dangerous free radicals
Triterpenes (Betulin & Betulinic acid): antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory SOD (Superoxide dismutase): an enzyme that helps protect the body break down damaging superoxide radicals. This helps keep cells from being damaged or dying, key in longevity
Polysaccharides: specifically beta-glucans, which are immunomodulating (think cruise control for the immune system); balancing, ability to up or down regulate immune activity
Cordyceps
Used for athletic performance to support stamina/endurance
In the 1993 Olympics, daily cordyceps consumption led the Chinese women's running team to break 3 world records
Great for use as a pre-workout!
Cordycepin & Adenosine: support the body’s production of ATP, aka the body’s energy-carrying molecules used by our cells
Cordycepic Acid: anti-free radical, liver supportive, anti-inflammatory
Turkey Tail
Source of prebiotic fiber to feed beneficial gut bacteria
Contains polysaccharides that promote immune health and longevity by feeding the gut bacteria, we support 70-80% of first line of immune defenses PSK- studied for anti-cancer benefits (Currently is an approved anti-cancer drug in Japan)
PSP- bolsters the immune system
Incorporate mushrooms into your routine:
Mushroom Revival Daily 10 Gummies:
Low sugar, all-natural gummies- Daily 10 is your mushroom “multivitamin”, Focus (Lion’s Mane), Energy (Cordyceps), & Calm (Reishi) supply targeted benefits
Mushroom Revival Daily 10 Capsules:
Full-Spectrum blend of 10 mushrooms to support immune health, energy, stress, cardiovascular health, and detoxification - Reishi, Chaga, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Turkey Tail, Maitake, Shiitake, Tremella, Meshima, Poria Cocos