Mushrooms and mushroom supplements contain specific types of nutrients that can be very useful for our physiological functions. They help to improve our immune, circulatory, cardiac, and nervous systems among others. 70 grams of mushrooms provide you with nearly 15 calories, 2.2g of protein, 2.3g of carbs, and 0.2g of fat. If you wish to take advantage of mushroom supplements, you need to incorporate them into your diet every day. But how do you do it?
You can get them in the form of powders or capsules. Depending on your preference, you can choose whichever kind of supplement suits your needs best.
1. They boost your immune system
There exists a group of mushrooms known as Reishi that grow in east Asia. Reishi is a fungus that has been used for years in Asian medicine. One of the biggest uses of Reishi is to boost your immune system. It helps to ward off unwanted pathogens and germs that may have entered your body. By boosting your immune system, the white blood or immune cells become stronger and fight against pathogens.
During the winter, especially, people are more prone to catching cold and fever. If you keep taking Reishi mushrooms, you will be much less susceptible to these illnesses.
2. They have anti-cancer properties
Another great advantage of the Reishi variety of mushroom supplements is that it has anti-cancer properties. Since Reishi increases the proliferation and effectivity of white blood cells, this, in turn, helps to fight against the cancer cells in the body. However, taking only Reishi mushroom supplements isn’t enough to cure or eliminate cancer. Western medicine is now incorporating traditional treatment along with the healing properties of Reishi to study more on cancer treatment.
Even though the science behind this hasn’t been entirely known yet, this kind of mushroom has shown great potential in oncology.
3. They have anti-aging properties
Cordyceps is another kind of mushroom that gives anti-aging properties. In traditional Eastern medicine, cordyceps has also been used to drive away exhaustion and fatigue. Nowadays, scientists believe that the antioxidant properties that are contained in them help to delay the effects of aging on the skin and make it look youthful.
So instead of turning to various chemically-produced beauty products, having mushroom supplements daily can do wonders for both the skin and body. Antioxidants in the supplements are also known to fight against diseases like Alzheimer’s and various cardiac ailments.
4. They are a source of vitamin D
Just like plants, mushrooms can convert sunlight into vitamin D. Since the human body cannot do so, we need to ingest these organisms to get our daily source of vitamin D. Other than a few sources of fatty fish and dairy products, mushrooms are probably the only good source of this vitamin.
Unfortunately, many types of mushrooms that are labeled as “vitamin D enriched” cost much more than the other varieties. But if you buy the regular supplements and keep them outside in the sun for around 15 minutes, it can increase the vitamin D content by up to 25%!
6. They help to increase focus
In today’s world, it has become increasingly difficult to focus on our jobs. Lion’s mane, a certain kind of mushroom, helps to increase attention span and concentration. It gets its name from the way it looks- a shaggy cluster of mushrooms with white mane-like tufts all over. Lion’s Mane is also regularly used in food items in China, Korea, and India.
Supplements made from this particular mushroom are known to be a nootropic, that is, they increase cognitive functions. Buddhist monks often used a tonic made of Lion’s Mane to increase focus while meditating.
7. They lower cholesterol
If you suffer from cholesterol or heart problems, you can try taking Shiitake mushroom supplements. It is also used in the kitchen to add flavor to dishes. Other than this, Shiitake is known to reduce blood pressure, and cholesterol, and improve the overall health of your heart.
Another kind of mushroom, known as Chaga, can reduce the quantities of LDL cholesterol in the body. It prevents cardiovascular diseases and keeps your cardiac system healthy.
Over to you…
Mushroom supplements have found a wide variety of uses in medicine, food, and skincare. Based on your needs, you can speak to a healthcare physician or your doctor to find out which supplements to take.
Make sure you don’t suffer from any unwanted side effects and always take only the required dosage, and no more.
Also read: 6 Best Ways to Make Your Immune System Stronger and Healthier
