Functional mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and are now gaining popularity in the Western world for their potential health benefits. As scientists and nutritionists are looking into the potential benefits of these mushrooms, we are learning more about the surprising ways that functional mushrooms could improve your well-being:
- Boosting immunity: Some types of functional mushrooms, such as shiitake and maitake, contain compounds that may help to boost the immune system. A study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that a daily supplement of maitake mushrooms improved immune function in women.
- Reducing stress and anxiety: Lions mane mushroom has been shown to have anti-anxiety effects and may help to reduce stress. In a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, lions mane mushroom extract was found to lower corticosterone (a stress hormone) levels in mice*.
- Improving brain function: Cordyceps mushrooms have been shown to improve brain function and increase mental clarity. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that cordyceps improved memory and learning abilities in mice*.
- Lowering blood sugar levels: Reishi mushrooms have been shown to have blood sugar-lowering effects and may be beneficial for people with diabetes. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that reishi mushroom extract improved insulin sensitivity and reduced blood sugar levels in mice*.
- Reducing inflammation: Chaga mushrooms have anti-inflammatory properties and may be helpful for people with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that chaga mushroom extract reduced inflammation in mice with colitis (a type of inflammatory bowel disease).
- Boosting energy and endurance: Cordyceps mushrooms have been shown to improve physical performance and increase energy. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that cordyceps improved exercise performance in healthy adults.
- Enhancing heart health: Some types of functional mushrooms, such as maitake and shiitake, contain compounds that may help to lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health. A study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that a daily supplement of maitake mushrooms reduced cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol.
- Promoting weight loss: Reishi mushrooms have been shown to have weight loss-promoting effects and may be helpful for people trying to lose weight. A study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that a daily supplement of reishi mushrooms reduced body weight and body fat in obese mice.
- Improving sleep: Lions mane mushroom has been shown to have sleep-promoting effects and may be helpful for people with insomnia. A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that reishi mushroom extract improved sleep quality in mice.
Overall, functional mushrooms appear to have a wide range of potential health benefits and are worth considering adding to your overall wellness routine.
*Keep in mind that studies done with animals and on cells outside the body do not always translate into comparable results in humans.
