Mushrooms have been used for their therapeutic benefits for thousands of years and there is historical evidence of their use on every continent, but the popularity of mushroom supplements has undergone a huge boost in recent years. Many studies have proved that medicinal mushrooms offer a plethora of pharmacological functions, from antibacterial and antiviral properties to the potential to combat types of cancer.
Are medicinal mushrooms safe to use?
For one reason or another there is a lot of fear and many myths around the use of mushrooms, but as holistic health gathers more and more of a following, mushrooms are finally being given the recognition they deserve for their almost endless benefits. No doubt in the coming years, more scientific studies will be carried out to uncover the full potential of their therapeutic properties. They are also being more commonly recognized and utilized in modern medicine, coming full circle from their popularity prior to the development of modern medicine.
The public often confuse medicinal mushrooms with so-called “magic mushrooms”, which have hallucination- and euphoria-inducing properties. However, medicinal mushrooms, also called functional mushrooms, are actually perfectly safe, with no hallucinogenic effects, and they offer a wide range of health benefits.
What are the health benefits of medicinal mushrooms?
Each type of mushroom contains different active compounds, therefore providing different health benefits. The most common health-enhancing benefits include supporting the immune system, improving cognition and brain health, boosting energy, reducing stress and promoting better sleep. Don’t you feel better just imagining all of those benefits? You could be an unstoppable machine! Certain mushroom supplements are also thought to help your body adapt to stress, absorb more nutrients and even combat free-radicals to prevent illness and signs of aging.
The most popular mushrooms that you will commonly find in mushroom supplements, either on their own or combined with each other or other ingredients, include Chaga, Turkey Tail, Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane and Reishi.
Chaga is known for its antioxidant power, boosting your immune system and even fighting cancer. Turkey Tail is most popular for its immunomodulating abilities, keeping your immune system functioning optimally. Cordyceps are most commonly used to boost energy and endurance, so they are popular among athletes, professionals with physically demanding jobs, and really anyone who wants a bit of a boost. Lion’s Mane is very well-known for its impact on cognition and brain health. Finally, Reishi, also known as the Mushroom of Immortality, is thought to be a bit of an all-round powerhouse. It supports the immune system and has cancer-fighting properties, but notably also helps reduce stress, fatigue and depression and has adaptogenic properties.
Choosing a mushroom supplement
As there are so many different types of mushrooms, it should come as no surprise to us that they can offer such a wide range of benefits. It should also come as no surprise that, in light of the wide variety of functional mushrooms, there is an even wider range of mushroom supplements available and it can feel like a minefield trying to choose the right ones.
Bear in mind that not all mushroom supplements are made equal. Like almost everything else in life, you will find mushroom supplements of varying price and, more significantly, quality, so make sure you do your research and find top quality supplements to reap the maximum benefits. We recommend buying mushroom supplements from reputable companies such as VidaCap who work with a team of experts and lab test each batch to guarantee the quality of their supplements.
You want to find a company who are open and proud of their production and extraction processes, both of which have a huge impact on the efficacy of the supplements. Supplements made from fruiting bodies are thought to have up to 15 times more active compounds than from mycelium.
With such a wide range of benefits and functions, it can be hard to pick just one supplement. You can also choose from a range of supplement formats, such as capsules, powders, teas, other beverages and even gummies. Most people use multiple mushroom supplements to enhance multiple aspects of their health and well-being so it’s best to do your research, decide which mushrooms offer the benefits most suited to your needs, and take it from there. You won’t know what you’re missing out on until you try!