Mushrooms are considered as defense mechanisms boosters. They are nutritional powerhouses with amazing health benefits including the following:

Boost immune system: They provide valuable proteins, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, antioxidants and antibiotics.

Helps fight Cancer: Mushroom has been discovered to be valuable in suppressing cancer. The polysaccharides within them are effective anti-tumor agents. Beta-glucan within mushrooms contains NK cells which are anti-tumor white blood cells. Linoleic acid in mushroom assists in controlling the cancer cell formation.

Lowers cholesterol levels: Mushroom offers lean protein without any cholesterol and fat. It is an excellent way to obtain dietary fiber and enzymes that help reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) in the body.

Helps prevent and cope with diabetes: Mushrooms make a great food choice for diabetics. They have no fats, no cholesterol, surprisingly low carbohydrates, higher proteins, minerals, vitamins, and fiber. They also consist of natural insulin and enzymes that help breaking down sugar or even starch in foods.

Support brain health, cognition, and the nervous system

Increase energy and stamina

Increase metabolism: The high quantity of vitamins, particularly B vitamins, within mushrooms might help the body turn food directly into fuel more effectively.

Assisting with weight loss: it’s low on carbohydrates, fats, and calorie, and high on protein that gets diminished by the fat content within our body, therefore assisting in usage of body fat.

Maintains good skin health: The high water content of mushroom is ideal for the skin. It maintains the skin cool as well as moist, therefore decreasing probabilities of rashes or spotting. The vitamin D which it includes also helps in enhancing skin health.

Here’s a brief guide to our favorite mushrooms:

1. Shiitake: Heart-friendly

These meaty and flavorful mushrooms are particularly good for the heart. They contain a substance called eritadenine, which encourages body tissues to absorb cholesterol and lower the amount circulating in the blood. Shiitakes also have antiviral and anticancer effects. They also contain phytonutrients, which aid in preventing plaque buildup and maintain healthy blood pressure and circulation. Shiitake can help with:

• lowering cholesterol
• heart health
• blood pressure and circulation

2. Cordyceps: Energy boosting

Cordyceps are an incredible energy boosting mushroom. It is known for improving athletic performance and speed up post-workout muscle recovery. In TCM, Cordyceps is also used for lung related issues like asthma or even seasonal allergies. Cordyceps can help with:

• energy
• athletic performance
• muscle recovery

3. Maitake: Hen of the woods

Maitake is known to help regulate immune system by stimulating its lymphocytes such as natural killer cells and t-helper cells. This delicious Japanese mushroom has anticancer, antiviral, and immune-system enhancing effects and may also help control both high blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Maitake can help with:

• antiviral
• blood pressure
• blood sugar

4. Reishi: The Mushroom of Immortality

Reishi can enhance immune function and inhibit the growth of some malignant tumors. It also shows significant anti-inflammatory effects, reduces allergy, and protects the liver. What makes this mushroom special is its calming properties triterpene. It helps reduce anxiety, stress, improve sleep, and sharpen focus. Reishi can help with:

• sleep
• anxiety and depression
• focus
• anti-inflammatory

5. Lion’s Mane: Brain boost Mushroom

Feeling brain fog? Try lion’s mane. Lion’s mane fosters the production of the bioprotein nerve growth factor (NFG) and myelin which are crucial to brain health. It has also been shown to stimulate nerve growth, improve cognition, memory, concentration, and reduce anxiety. Lion’s Mane is also rich in beta-glucans, which are responsible for antitumor growth, immuno-modulating antioxidants and neuro-protective chemicals. Lion’s mane can help with:

• cognition
• memory
• concentration

6. Turkey Tail: Help fight cancer

Most of the medicinal mushrooms on our list exhibit anticancer properties. But turkey tail takes it one step further. Turkey tail contains a compound called polysaccharide-K (PSK) that stimulates the immune system. PSK is so effective that it’s an approved anticancer prescription drug in Japan. Turkey tail can help with:

• immune support
• cancer prevention
• antioxidants

7. Chaga: Free radical-fighting

Chaga mushrooms are an antioxidant powerhouse, making them excellent choice for fighting free radicals and inflammation. It combats oxidative stress (which is linked to skin aging), may prevent or slow the growth of cancer, and has been found to lower the “bad” cholesterol LDL. Chaga can help with:

• aging
• inflammation
• lowering LDL

The takeaway

Adding a spoonful of mushroom powder to your favorite recipes is a great way to reap their amazing health benefits. It’s best to keep the dosage just at that — a spoonful, or 1 to 2 tablespoons per day.

Always talk to your doctor beforehand to confirm if adding medicinal mushrooms to your diet is safe, especially if you’re using certain medications or are pregnant. And do a little research about the mushroom before taking it.