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Top 6 Mushroom Supplements: What to Know Before You Buy

Health Benefits of The Top 6 Mushrooms Supplements Article written by Antioxi

Mushrooms are fascinating! Not only do they pop up everywhere in nature, but their health benefits are truly remarkable. Let’s dive into the world of six powerhouse mushrooms and discover why they’ve earned a spot in your wellness routine.

Index

  • Different Medicinal Components
  • Reishi
  • Cordyceps
  • Maitake
  • Lion’s Mane
  • Turkey Tail
  • Chaga
  • How to Spot A Fake Mushroom Supplement
  • Understanding Medicinal Components

    Just like herbs, mushrooms confer their medicinal properties through their special active compounds. 

    Mushroom Key Benefits Key Compound Fun Fact / Tip
    Reishi
    • Boosts immune health
    • reduces inflammation
    • improves sleep
    Triterpenes, Beta D Glucan Once reserved for royalty in ancient China
    Cordyceps
    • Enhances endurance
    • supports lung/liver health
    Beta D Glucans, Cordycepin, Adenosine Athletes use it for performance enhancement
    Maitake
    • Supports cardiovascular health
    • cholesterol management
    Beta Glucans Try adding to stir-fries for a health boost
    Lion's Mane
    • Enhances cognitive function
    • reduces anxiety & depression
    Beta Glucans, Hericenones, Erinacines Promotes brain health and regeneration
    Turkey Tail
    • boosts immune health
    • supports cancer treatment
    Beta Glucans Used in traditional medicine for centuries in Asia
    Chaga
    • supports gut health
    • reduces inflammation
    Beta Glucans Grows on birch trees and looks like burnt charcoal

    Beta Glucans

    Beta Glucans are a source of soluble fibre. Soluble fibre has been found to help contribute to cardiovascular health, specifically lowering high cholesterol and improving blood sugar management. This compound has also been cited to help with skin conditions such as eczema, wounds, and bedsores. More importantly, beta glucans have also been shown to help fight off bacterial infections. [10]

    Hericenones & Erinacines

    These compounds are isolated from Lion’s Mane. They have many benefits regarding brain health and function, but both are known to stimulate brain cell regeneration. These have also been cited to help lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases that can negatively affect mood, cognition, and memory. [11]

    Cordycepin

    As the name implies, cordycepin is found in cordyceps and is known for various nutraceutical and therapeutic potential. Studies suggest this compound has anti-diabetic, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-ageing properties. [12]

    Triterpenes

    Triterpenes have been found to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and pro-immunity properties. Triterpenes have also been found to help in the management of diabetes, particularly regarding complications such as insulin resistance and impaired wound healing. [13]

    Peptides

    Peptides can be described as smaller versions of proteins. They are commonly included in many cosmetic products and supplements because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing properties. Beyond aesthetics, peptides have been found to have potential when it comes to blood pressure management, antimicrobial effects, blood clot prevention, and strengthening the immunity. [14]

    Reishi - "Ancient Immunity Booster"

    Why You’ll Love It: Known as the “Mushroom of Immortality,” Reishi has been cherished for centuries. Imagine a calmer, more balanced life with better sleep and enhanced immunity. [1, 2]

    A drawing of Hands holding a Reishi Mushroom

    • Benefits: Boosts immune health, reduces inflammation, supports liver function, and improves sleep.
    • Key Compounds: Triterpenes, Beta D Glucan
    • Fun Fact: Reishi mushrooms were so valued in ancient China that they were reserved for royalty!

    Find out more about the health benefits of Reishi here.

    Cordyceps - "Natural Energy Booster"

    Why You’ll Love It: If you’re looking to increase your stamina and fight fatigue, Cordyceps might be your new best friend. Athletes swear by its performance-enhancing properties. [3, 4]
    Cordyceps Mushroom Fruiting Body
    • Benefits: Enhances endurance, supports lung and liver health.
    • Key Compounds: Beta D Glucans, Cordycepin, Adenosine
    • Personal Story: “I started taking Cordyceps before my workouts, and the difference is incredible. I feel more energetic and less tired!” – Jane, Marathon Runner

      Find out more about the health benefits of Cordyceps here.

      Maitake - "Your Heart's Best Friend"

      Why You’ll Love It: Maitake means “dancing mushroom” in Japanese, named for the joy it brings to those who find it. It's a heart-health hero and a delicious addition to meals. [5]

      Maitake Mushroom Fruiting Body
      • Benefits: Supports cardiovascular health and cholesterol management.
      • Key Compounds: Beta Glucans
      • Recipe Tip: Try adding Maitake to your next stir-fry for a health boost!

        Find out more about the health benefits of Maitake here.

        Lion’s Mane - "Brain Power Unleashed"

        Why You’ll Love It: Lion’s Mane is your go-to for mental clarity and focus. Students and professionals alike use it to boost brainpower.[6]

        Lion's Mane Mushroom Fruiting Body
        • Benefits: Supports cognitive function, reduces anxiety and depression.
        • Key Compounds: Hericenones, Erinacines
        • Interactive Idea: Challenge yourself to a brain game after taking Lion’s Mane – notice any improvements?

          Find out more about the health benefits of Lion's Mane here.

          Turkey Tail - "Immune System Guardian"

          Why You’ll Love It: Turkey Tail is a colorful mushroom with potent immune-boosting properties. It’s like giving your immune system a superhero cape. [7]

          Turkey Tail Mushroom Fruiting Body

          • Benefits: Enhances immune health, supports cancer treatment.
          • Key Compounds: Beta Glucans
          • Did You Know?: Turkey Tail has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly in Asia.

          Find out more about the health benefits of Turkey Tail here.

          Chaga - "The Gut Healer"

          Why You’ll Love It: Chaga is packed with antioxidants and is great for gut health. It’s like giving your digestive system a warm hug.[8]

          Chaga Mushroom Fruiting Body
          • Benefits: Supports gut health, reduces inflammation.
          • Key Compounds: Beta D Glucans
          • Fun Fact: Chaga grows on birch trees in cold climates and looks like burnt charcoal.

          Find out more about the health benefits of Chaga here.

          Dosage Recommendation

          Adding functional mushrooms to your diet is easier than you might think. Here are some simple ways to incorporate this superfood into your daily routine:

          • Baseline Dose: Start with 2 capsules or 1 gram per day for general wellness. This helps you experience the foundational benefits of the mushrooms.
          • Enhanced Dose: For more pronounced effects, please get in touch with us. Our team can help you determine the best approach for your needs

          Choosing the Right Mushroom Supplement

          With so many mushroom supplements on the market, it's important to choose a high-quality product. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:

          ✅ Look for Pure Ingredients: Ensure the supplement contains pure mushroom extract without fillers or additives.

          ✅ Check for Certification: Choose products that are certified organic and free from pesticides or harmful chemicals.

          ✅ Reputable Brands: Opt for supplements from reputable brands that adhere to high manufacturing standards and undergo third-party testing.

          Find out more on what to look at when purchasing mushroom supplements here.

          References: 

          1. Singh R, Dhingra GS, Shri R. Evaluation of Antianxiety Potential of Four Ganoderma (Agaricomycetes) Species from India in Mice. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2016;18(11):991-998. doi: 10.1615/IntJMedMushrooms.v18.i11.40. PMID: 28008811.
          2. Dudhgaonkar S, Thyagarajan A, Sliva D. Suppression of the inflammatory response by triterpenes isolated from the mushroom Ganoderma lucidum. Int Immunopharmacol. 2009 Oct;9(11):1272-80. doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2009.07.011. Epub 2009 Aug 3. PMID: 19651243.
          3. Ashraf SA, Elkhalifa AEO, Siddiqui AJ, et al. Cordycepin for Health and Wellbeing: A Potent Bioactive Metabolite of an Entomopathogenic Cordyceps Medicinal Fungus and Its Nutraceutical and Therapeutic Potential. Molecules. 2020;25(12):2735. Published 2020 Jun 12. doi:10.3390/molecules25122735
          4. Guo JY, Han CC, Liu YM. A Contemporary Treatment Approach to Both Diabetes and Depression by Cordyceps sinensis, Rich in Vanadium. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2010;7(3):387-389. doi:10.1093/ecam/nep201
          5. Preuss HG, Echard B, Bagchi D, Perricone NV. Maitake mushroom extracts ameliorate progressive hypertension and other chronic metabolic perturbations in aging female rats. Int J Med Sci. 2010;7(4):169-180. Published 2010 Jun 7. doi:10.7150/ijms.7.169
          6. Lai PL, Naidu M, Sabaratnam V, Wong KH, David RP, Kuppusamy UR, Abdullah N, Malek SN. Neurotrophic properties of the Lion's mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2013;15(6):539-54. doi: 10.1615/intjmedmushr.v15.i6.30. PMID: 24266378.
          7. Stamets P. Trametes versicolor (Turkey Tail Mushrooms) and the Treatment of Breast Cancer. Glob Adv Health Med. 2012;1(5):20. doi:10.7453/gahmj.2012.1.5.007
          8. Wang J, Wang C, Li S, Li W, Yuan G, Pan Y, Chen H. Anti-diabetic effects of Inonotus obliquus polysaccharides in streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic mice and potential mechanism via PI3K-Akt signal pathway. Biomed Pharmacother. 2017 Nov;95:1669-1677. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.09.104. Epub 2017 Oct 6. PMID: 28954386.
          9. Lovegrove A, Edwards CH, De Noni I, et al. Role of polysaccharides in food, digestion, and health. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2017;57(2):237-253. doi:10.1080/10408398.2014.939263
          10. Sima P, Vannucci L, Vetvicka V. β-glucans and cholesterol (Review). Int J Mol Med. 2018;41(4):1799-1808. doi:10.3892/ijmm.2018.3411
          11. Li IC, Chang HH, Lin CH, et al. Prevention of Early Alzheimer's Disease by Erinacine A-Enriched Hericium erinaceus Mycelia Pilot Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study. Front Aging Neurosci. 2020;12:155. Published 2020 Jun 3. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2020.00155
          12. Ji DB, Ye J, Li CL, Wang YH, Zhao J, Cai SQ. Antiaging effect of Cordyceps sinensis extract. Phytother Res. 2009 Jan;23(1):116-22. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2576. PMID: 18803231.
          13. Nazaruk J, Borzym-Kluczyk M. The role of triterpenes in the management of diabetes mellitus and its complications. Phytochem Rev. 2015;14(4):675-690. doi: 10.1007/s11101-014-9369-x. Epub 2014 Jun 24. PMID: 26213526; PMCID: PMC4513225.
          14. Pripp AH. Effect of peptides derived from food proteins on blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Food Nutr Res. 2008;52:10.3402/fnr.v52i0.1641. doi:10.3402/fnr.v52i0.1641

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