The term functional mushrooms refers to mushrooms that are edible and offer health benefits. Many functional mushrooms have adaptogenic properties and aid in regulating stress hormones, mood and energy. Functional mushrooms are known to help promote overall wellbeing due to their nutritional compositions. Examples of functional mushrooms include reishi mushroom, shiitake mushroom, and chaga mushroom.
Health Benefits
Functional mushrooms, such as chaga mushroom, contain antioxidants and active compounds that may help improve brain health. They also help reduce inflammation, fight oxidative stess, and boost the immune system. Here are 10 functional mushrooms:
-Maitake mushroom, also known as "Hen of the wood", is an adaptogenic mushroom that may help combat stress and emotional imbalances. It contains molecules, antioxidants and vitamins that may support heart health, brain health and boost immunity
-Shiitake mushroom, also known as Lentinula edodes, is a mushroom that contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and even polysaccarides that boost the immune system by supporting the body's natural defense mechanisms.
-Lion's mane mushroom, also known as Hericium erinaceus, is a mushroom that really looks like a 'lion's mane'. It is a great source of different vitamins and antioxidants that help boost the immune system and stimulate the repair of nerve cells.
-Chaga mushroom or Inonotus obliquus is very high in antioxidants that help prevent cell and DNA damage by fighting oxidative stress. Chaga mushroom may also help regulate cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
-Cordyceps or Ophiocordyceps sinensis is a fungus used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to help boost energy and focus. It may help improve energy and focus while fighting cell damage that may contribute to memory loss.
-Turkey tail or Trametes versicolor is a mushroom found all around the world. It is packed with antioxidants that help boost the immune system and support brain function.
-White button mushroom or Agaricus bisporus contains antioxidants and bioactive compounds that may help kill cancer cells. These molecules may also support immune health.
-Black fungus mushroom or Auricularia polytricha, native to East Asia, contains molecules that may support brain and immune health.
-Royal sun mushroom or Agaricus subrufescens is a mushroom native to Brazil used for diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Royal sun mushroom contains an abundance of polysaccarides, amino acids, vitamins that may help strengthen the immune system and promote overall wellbeing.
-Reishi mushroom or Ganoderma lingzhi, is a mushroom native to Europe and parts of Asia. It is also known as "the mushroom of immortality" and has been used in Traditional Medicine Chinese for centuries to help reduce stress while boosting the immune system
How can you incorporate them into your diet?
Many functional mushrooms, especially the bitter ones, are taken as supplements in the form of powders and capsules. We offer delicious, vegan, functional mushroom gummies that have a natural raspberry flavor. Our Functional Mushrooms Gummies are the easiest and most delicious way to incorporate functional mushrooms into your diet. Functional Mushroom Gummies contain of the 10 mushrooms mentioned above.