Mushroom supplements are the latest craze taking over the health and wellness market. Although our ancestors have used mushrooms medicinally for thousands of years, it’s only in recent times that researchers have seriously begun to recognize their medicinal effects on the human body.
We’re not talking about culinary mushrooms that we eat or the psychedelic kind. Mushroom supplements generally refer to medicinal mushrooms, a group of fungi touted for possessing a heavy dose of healing compounds.
While all medicinal mushrooms act as immunomodulators and support general wellness, each mushroom boasts a unique collection of benefits. For instance, some may help manage stress and support a good night’s rest, while others can boost energy levels and improve focus.
Additionally, there are several types of products, like the collection of mushroom supplements by VidaCap, which includes powder, capsules, and gummies.
As you can see, there are a few factors to consider when determining which type of mushroom supplements are right for you.
What Are the Different Types of Medicinal Mushrooms?
There are several species of medicinal mushrooms, each with its own unique benefits. Since everyone is likely to have different wellness needs, you need to consider what you’re hoping to achieve from your mushroom experience to decide which species is best for you.
Here are the most popular types of medicinal mushroom species and their associated effects.
1. Reishi
A potent medicinal mushroom with adaptogenic effects, reishi helps the body manage stress and promotes a healthy sleep cycle. Often called the “mushroom of immortality,” it’s been revered for over 2,000 years for promoting health and longevity.
Today, it’s often used to alleviate stress and fatigue, boost immunity, and improve sleep. Additionally, one small double-blind, placebo-controlled study reports that reishi could reduce blood sugar by inhibiting an enzyme that produces glucose. As a result, it may be useful for type 2 diabetes. However, more research is needed on the matter.
2. Lion’s Mane
Touted for supporting memory and cognitive function, lion’s mane is commonly called the “smart mushroom.” It’s touted for improving clarity and concentration, rendering it useful for those who need help staying focused on busy and stressful days. It’s also shown promise in helping to manage anxiety and depression.
3. Cordyceps
Cordyceps is especially popular among athletes and gym-goers. Research shows that the mushroom increases the body’s adenosine triphosphate (AT) production, which is vital for transferring energy to muscles. This could improve the way the body uses oxygen, especially during exercise. As such, cordyceps are believed to support stamina and endurance. Other potential benefits of cordyceps include supporting cardiac function and respiratory health.
4. Turkey Tail
Turkey tail is an immune-boosting powerhouse of mushroom supplements. It is the source of two unique compounds, polysaccharide K (PSK) and polysaccharide peptide (PSP), which help to support a healthy and robust immune response. Turkey tail may also support gut health by acting as a prebiotic and promoting beneficial bacteria.
5. Chaga
Chaga is an excellent mushroom for modulating the immune system and decreasing inflammation. Moreover, it has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a potential alternative remedy for things like high blood pressure.
Its anti-inflammatory effects may also help reduce inflammation in the gut, thereby promoting healthy digestion.
What Are the Different Types of Mushroom Supplements?
Once you have decided what mushroom species is right for you, it’s time to choose a mushroom supplement. The best option largely depends on your needs, lifestyle, and personal preference.
Here are popular types of mushroom supplements available:
- Powder: Mushroom powder is incredibly versatile. It can be added to beverages like tea, coffee, or smoothies or sprinkled into foods like soup, salads, broths, pasta, etc. It also allows flexibility with dosage since users can easily alter the dose to suit their needs.
- Capsules: Mushroom capsules are unmatched in convenience and ease of use. They provide a hassle-free way to get your daily dose of mushroom extract. Each capsule contains a precise dosage, so you don’t need to measure the dose yourself.
- Gummies: Mushroom gummies provide a fun and delicious way to reap the benefits of medicinal mushrooms. Typically, they come in sweet or sour flavors, and like capsules, each gummy contains a premeasured dose of mushroom extract.
How to Choose a Mushroom Supplement That Is Right for You
When choosing which mushroom supplements are right for you, you need to consider your health needs and your preferred method of administration.
Different mushrooms provide different therapeutic effects, so it depends on your reason for using mushroom supplements. For instance, reishi may be best for stress relief, but lion’s mane is better for boosting clarity and concentration.
Many companies also sell mushroom blends, incorporating several mushroom species into one supplement. Therefore, you can reap the collective benefits of a few mushrooms from a single product.
Finally, decide which type of supplement suits your lifestyle and preferences. Capsules are ideal to use on the go and fit easily into any wellness routine, while powders are more fun to experiment with and gummies taste good.
Salman is a prolific environmental writer, and has authored more than 500 articles in reputed journals, magazines and websites. He is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management, sustainability and conservation all over the world.
Salman can be reached on salman@cleantechloops.com
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