Benefits of Mushrooms

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Many people avoid mushrooms because they are a bit mysterious or they haven’t been made aware of the benefits of mushrooms. They aren’t a veggie or fruit and they don’t grow from seeds. The irrational fear of mushrooms has seemed to develop subconsciously from societal triggers of mold and deadly fungi. This fear is called mycophobia and is defined as the irrational fear of fungus and mold. 

Most are unsure of how to cook mushrooms or claim they don’t like the taste or texture. However, mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can add both flavor and nutrition to any dish.

Today, we will discuss the reasons why you might want to consider eating mushrooms more often and the potential health benefits. My hope is that as you read further, you will see the benefits of mushrooms and the biohacking power mushrooms can provide.

Benefits of mushrooms

What Are The Benefits Of Eating Mushrooms?

Mushrooms are often thought of as a fruit or a vegetable, but they are actually a fungi. They grow in damp places and come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Some are edible, while others are poisonous. While all mushrooms have different benefits, there are some general health benefits that come from eating mushrooms.

Mushrooms are versatile food that can be used in many different dishes. They’re also a healthy option, as they’re low in calories and fat but high in nutrients.

The healthiest mushrooms can be both wild mushrooms or edible mushrooms. These include oyster mushrooms, porcini mushrooms, portobello mushrooms, and more that we’ll mention in this article.

Mushrooms differ from one another. Some of the best mushrooms for your health include shiitake, oyster, cremini, and white button mushrooms. These mushrooms are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can boost your health.

If you’re looking for a list of healthy mushrooms that have a plethora of health benefits such as treating cancer, controlling high blood pressure, improving immune health, and improving mental health then medicinal mushrooms.

Before we dive into the different mushroom species, let’s first explore the health benefits of these natural remedies:

Immune System Boost

Mushrooms are a great source of beta-glucans, compounds that can help boost your immune system. Beta-glucans are found in the cell walls of mushrooms and other fungi. They’re known for their ability to stimulate the production of white blood cells, which help fight infection.

Improve Heart Health

Mushrooms can help improve heart health in several ways. First, they’re a good source of dietary fiber, which helps lower cholesterol levels. Additionally, mushrooms are low in saturated fat and sodium, both of which are risk factors for heart disease. Finally, some mushrooms contain compounds that have been shown to reduce blood pressure.

Protect Brain health

In a study in Singapore, participants who ate more than two cups of mushrooms a week had a 50% lower risk of developing MCI. 

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI causes memory and language difficulties and is often a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease.

Gut Health

Keeping your gut healthy is not easy task in our modern world. The goal is to stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria. Mushrooms are a great source of prebiotics.

Research shows that mushroom polysaccharides, their most abundant carbohydrate, stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria. The microbiome in your gut is home to organisms and bacteria that play a large role in your health and mood. Mushroom polysaccharides pass through the stomach mostly unchanged by stomach acid and can reach the colon to encourage bacteria growth.

Decrease The Risk of Cancer

Mushrooms are also anti-inflammatory, thanks to their high content of antioxidants. These compounds help protect cells from damage and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.

Mushrooms are a powerful source of ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage.

Shiitake, oyster, maitake and king oyster have higher amounts of ergothioneine. 

mushrooms in the wild

Best Mushroom Varieties:

Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms are one of the most popular and nutritious types of medicinal mushrooms. They’re edible mushrooms native to East and Southeast Asia and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.

Shiitake mushrooms are a good source of vitamins B and D, as well as copper and selenium. Additionally, they contain compounds that can boost your immune system and help fight inflammation.

Shiitake mushrooms contain nearly all of the same amino acids as meat. This makes Shiitake mushrooms one of the healthiest mushrooms for vegans and those who want a meat-free diet.

Furthermore, beta-glucans found in Shiitake mushrooms may lower blood sugar levels and fight high cholesterol.

Shiittake mushrooms

Oyster Mushrooms

Oyster mushrooms are another type of medicinal mushrooms popular in East Asia. They get their name from their oyster-like shape and mild flavor. Oyster mushrooms are a good source of vitamins B and C, as well as iron and potassium. Additionally, they contain compounds that may help improve heart health and reduce inflammation.

Oyster mushrooms are an excellent source of protein, minerals, vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants like Selenium.

Oyster mushrooms may decrease the risk of diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and cancer and increase the immune system.

Oyster Mushrooms

Cremini Mushrooms

Cremini mushrooms are a type of brown mushroom that’s closely related to the white button mushroom. They have a slightly earthy flavor and are often used in soups, stews, and sauces. Cremini mushrooms are a good source of copper and selenium. Additionally, they contain compounds that can help boost your immune system and fight inflammation.

Cremini mushrooms

Cremini isn’t the only mushroom from the Agaricus bisporus family of fungi. There are also the White Button mushrooms and Portobello mushrooms. All three have the same nutritional value as they are the same species and are a source of Vitamin D.

White Button Mushrooms

White button mushrooms are from the same family of Fungi as the Cremini and Portobello mushrooms. mushrooms are the most common type of mushroom in the United States. They have a mild flavor and can be used in various dishes. White button mushrooms are a good source of vitamins B and C. Additionally, they contain compounds that may help improve heart health and reduce inflammation.

Maitake Mushrooms

Maitake mushrooms are a type of mushroom that’s native to East Asia. They have a distinctively earthy flavor and are often used in savory dishes. Maitake mushrooms are a good source of copper and selenium. Additionally, they contain compounds that can help boost your immune system and fight inflammation.

Maitake Mushrooms

Chaga Mushrooms

Chaga mushrooms are a type of mushroom native to Russia and North America. They’re dark brown or black in color and have a woodsy flavor. Chaga mushrooms are a good source of vitamins B and D, as well as potassium and selenium. Additionally, they contain compounds that may help improve heart health and reduce inflammation.

Chaga Mushrooms

Reishi Mushrooms

Reishi mushrooms are a type of mushroom that’s native to East Asia. They’re red in color and have a bitter flavor. Reishi mushrooms are a good source of vitamins B and D, as well as copper and selenium. Additionally, they contain compounds that can help boost your immune system and fight inflammation.

reishi mushroom

Turkey Tail Mushrooms

Turkey tail mushrooms are a type of mushroom native to North America. They’re brown or black in color and have a woodsy flavor. Turkey tail mushrooms are a good source of vitamins B and C, as well as selenium. Additionally, they contain compounds that may help improve heart health and reduce inflammation.

Turkey Tail Mushrooms

Cordyceps

Cordyceps are an Asian type of mushrooms that are brown or black in color and have a woodsy flavor. Cordyceps mushrooms are a good source of vitamins B and C, as well as potassium and selenium. Additionally, they contain compounds that can help boost your immune system and fight inflammation.

Cordyceps

Lion’s Mane Mushrooms

Lion’s mane mushrooms are native to North America. They’re white or cream-colored in color and have a slightly sweet flavor. Lion’s mane mushrooms are a good source of vitamins B and C, as well as copper and selenium. Additionally, they contain compounds that may help improve cognitive function and reduce inflammation.

Lion's Mane Mushrooms

Enoki Mushrooms

Enoki mushrooms are one of the healthiest mushrooms that grow in East Asia. They’re small and white in color and have a delicate flavor. Enoki mushrooms are a good source of vitamins A and B, iron, potassium, and Vitamin C, as well as copper and selenium. They also contain compounds that may help boost the immune system and fight inflammation.

The benefits of eating Enoki mushrooms may include reinforcing the immune system, improving digestive health, and preventing diabetes. Researchers have also found that enoki mushrooms may help kill cancer cells.

Porcini Mushrooms

Porcini mushrooms are a type of mushroom that’s native to Europe. They’re brown or reddish-brown in color and have a nutty flavor. Porcini mushrooms are a good source of vitamins B and C, as well as potassium and selenium. Additionally, they contain compounds that can help improve heart health and reduce inflammation.

Porcini mushrooms are low in fat – no cholesterol, trans fat, or saturated fat. They’re rich in antioxidants, protein, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.

The Downside of Mushrooms

One of the main disadvantages of mushrooms is that they go bad very quickly. Unlike other vegetables, mushrooms cannot be stored for long periods of time without spoiling. As a result, they must be used within a few days of being purchased. Additionally, mushrooms are often quite expensive, making them less affordable than other food options.

The good thing is there are many groups out there that dry these mushrooms to give as a bit longer shelf life. When put in supplement form we can often achieve the same benefits without having to grow, cook and eat them within a restricted time horizon.

Best Mushroom Brands

Onnit Shroom Tech
Om Mushrooms
Fresh Caps
Real Mushrooms
Mud Water

The Magic of Medicinal Mushrooms

While most all mushrooms offer some health benefits, certain types are especially beneficial. Keep your eye out for varieties such as Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Turkey Tail, Porcini, Crimini, and Chaga, Oysters, Shittaki, and Chanterelle’s.

If you’re looking to add more mushrooms to your diet, many of these are hard to find in their raw from. Consider trying one of the brands above so that you always have a fresh supply on hand.

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