Food Medicine – The Power of the Functional Mushrooms
Functional mushrooms, or also known as medical mushrooms, are the ones that apart from the good nutritional value, are beneficial for your health. They are comprised of many powerful compounds that can help boost your health and energy. Moreover, they can also alleviate the symptoms of many illnesses or help in the healing process.
If you eat the ones that are edible, you will stock yourself with proteins and fiber. However, what is even better is what they can do for your health.
As they are becoming available through many products that are found on the market, you are just a step away from enjoying their benefits. Moreover, they are very convenient for home growing, with mushroom grow box or in your own home garden.
“Copyright: Pixabay/author: Cocoparasiene/ I License: CC0 Public Domain”
The Benefits of the Functional Mushrooms
Before we look at them separately, here are some of the properties they have in common.
1. Adaptogenic – these fungi are known as the mushrooms of immortality. Adaptogens are substances that lower the biological stress, promote and restore the psychological and physical functioning. Meaning, they’re the longevity tonic for all the organs.
2. Anti-inflammatory – the ability to lower inflammation is beneficial for improving immunity and successfully fighting against inflammations and diseases.
3. Antioxidant – compounds that inhibit oxidations, moreover, they fight the free radicals that are responsible for damaging the cells.
4. Anti-aging – taking into consideration al of tree properties mentioned above, functional mushrooms are also known as youth agents. They help in maintaining the youthful appearance and good condition.
5. Anti-bacterial – a natural antibiotic that can fight many of the common bacteria that attack the human organism.
6. Anti-tumor and anti-cancer – containing a lot of different polysaccharides, they help the reduction of toxins. The successful regulation of the lymphocyte T and B cells prevents the spreading of the tumor and cancer cells in the body.
Types of Functional Mushrooms
Lately we are witnessing the growing popularity and acceptance of the functional mushrooms in mainstream use. Fortunately, these mushrooms are a great natural way of boosting your health and powerful remedy for illnesses. Apart from all of the beneficial effects mentioned above, separately they all possess additional properties.
Let’s take a closer look at their majesty.
1. Lion’s Mane
Lion’s mane is popular for its ability to stimulate the nerve growth factor, meaning, stimulating the development of the nerve cells. Therefore, it’s known to greatly enhance cognitive abilities and improving memory.
The ability to regenerate the nerve cells is beneficial in treating:
Alzheimer’s disease
Dementia
Parkinson’s
Intellectual disabilities
2. Turkey Tale
This great mushroom contains polysaccharides and peptides that stimulate great immunity and strengthen the cells. It is used as a powerful immunomodulatory in curing severe diseases like cancer and tumor.
Common uses:
Curing of HPV infections and cervical dysplasia in women (CIN1, CIN2)
Alleviating the symptoms of radiotherapy and chemotherapy
Detoxification
Autoimmune diseases
“Copyright: Pixabay/author: Tassilo111 / I License: CC0 Public Domain”
3. Reishi
The Reishi mushroom is known as the great elixir of life. In China, it’s popular as the mushroom that restores the vital energy “Chi”. The ability to regenerate the cells and boost energy levels made royals greedy and was once reserved only for their use.
Today, many people seek help from this small miracle of nature. Here are the benefits you can enjoy by taking Reishi:
Stimulates the immune system
Helps in fast recovery of the body after an operation or physical exhaustion
Provides thorough detoxification (after prolonged use of stimulants, drugs, narcotics, or medications)
Helps with respiratory-system problems
Allergies
Diabetes
4. Cordyceps
The Cordyceps fungus is mostly known to enhance the psychical abilities in people. Therefore, it’s commonly used by athletes. It’s a great cardiovascular tonic and libido booster.
Common uses:
Improving main body functions: circulatory, respiratory, digestive, endocrine system
Helps in fast recovery and energy restoration
Improves sexual and reproductive health
Increases potency in men
Boosts libido in women
