Fungi are interesting forms of life. They have evolved in a way that seems closer to humans than to plants.t This could be the reason why our bodies use the same components as mushrooms to build their defense mechanisms. Mushrooms have been used since ancient times to heal the body and increase its immunity, and now, they are treated as superfoods. This is because their components are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, putting them on top of the superfoods list. You’re probably familiar with the main benefits you get from regular supermarket mushrooms, but have you ever tried medicinal mushrooms? If your answer is no, get ready to know all about them. This simple guide explains what medicinal mushrooms are and how they benefit the body with their nutritional value.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Lion’s mane is a type of mushroom given that name for its appearance’s resemblance to the mane of a lion. In particular, this mushroom is rich in compound beta-glucans that promote antitumor growth, neuroprotective chemicals production, and the increase of immuno-modulating antioxidants. This explains why it’s considered a delicious dish in most Asian countries. Lion’s mane is packed with brain benefits that provide a natural defense against cognitive conditions and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. This shows how much this fungus boosts brain functions and enhances cognitive performance. It actually protects against oxidative stress, which is closely linked to neurodegenerative disorders’ pathogenesis. Some compounds in lion’s mane mushroom, such as hericenones and erinacines, induce nerve growth factor synthesis in the nerve cells, making this mushroom great for nerve development thanks to its neurotrophic factors.
Chaga Mushroom
As one of the most popular medicinal mushrooms, Chaga gained its popularity due to its amazing benefits to the immune system and its abundance of antioxidants. Health enthusiasts and Australian-based qualified researchers from https://www.thebircherbar.com.au/ reveal that one cup of Chaga tea can give you as many antioxidants as 30 lbs of fresh carrots. This mushroom is consumed as a type of tea because you’ll need either hot water or alcohol to break down its consistency and turn it into something your stomach can digest. Other than that, this mushroom can reduce long-term inflammation, which can lead to heart disease or arthritis if left undiagnosed. It can also lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and some studies prove that Chaga aids in the prevention of cancer growth.
Reishi Mushroom
Reishi mushrooms are even more famous than Chaga mushrooms, even though they both provide immunity benefits. Reishi is known to boost immunity as well as provide anti-carcinogens, fight stress, and balance hormones. It is known to enhance sleep patterns and promote overall calmness, which is why Taoist monks in China used it before their meditative practices. It has also been used by Chinese royalty who believed in its longevity benefits and treated the mushroom as a superior herb. Modern research has also looked into this mushroom to discover its fatigue-reducing properties and abilities to lessen anxiety. The studies showed that the reishi mushroom helps the body increase the white blood cell levels, therefore, helping it fight disease and infection.
Cordyceps Mushroom
Cordyceps mushrooms are the power drink of mushrooms. Initially, they are parasitic fungi, but they have been used for a long time to boost energy levels, increase immunity, and improve lung capacity. The credit for its energy-boosting effects goes to its ability to increase ATP production, which is a molecule or a compound that powers the cells in our body and provides them with strength and stamina. Therefore, the best way to make most cordyceps mushrooms is to include them in a meal or beverage before your workouts. They are proven to enhance athletic performance and boost your stamina, which your body needs to perform at its peak. Additionally, some studies suggest that it can prevent the growth of tumors and cancers; this is no surprise considering the tremendous amounts of antioxidants in this mushroom that even help slow signs of aging.
Medicinal mushrooms have been used in body healing practices for a very long time now, yet we have only recently begun reaping the benefits. Some of these mushrooms can treat a very broad range of diseases, making them the number one superfood in the market. The great thing is that studies are constantly revealing new information about these fungi every day, which means we have yet to know all the health benefits.