Laura Smith
Mushrooms are a fungus that have been consumed by humans for centuries, often for their perceived health benefits. They are a versatile ingredient that can be added to various dishes to enhance flavour and nutrition. In recent years, mushrooms have gained popularity as a health supplement, with companies marketing mushroom-based products that promise various health benefits, including increased energy and improved physical performance. While the health benefits of mushrooms are still being studied, and some marketing claims should be taken with a pinch of salt, research suggests that mushrooms may indeed provide a range of health benefits, from boosting energy and reducing fatigue to lowering the risk of cancer and improving mental health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Energy-boosting mushrooms | Chaga, Reishi, Cordyceps, Lion's Mane, Turkey Tail |
| Adaptogenic mushrooms | Chaga, Reishi, Lion's Mane, Turkey Tail |
| Anti-cancer mushrooms | Turkey Tail, Shiitake, Reishi, Chaga |
| Anti-fatigue mushrooms | Chaga, Lion's Mane, Cordyceps |
| Anti-ageing mushrooms | Chaga |
| Immune-boosting mushrooms | Turkey Tail, Reishi, Chaga |
| Neuroprotective mushrooms | Lion's Mane |
| Vitamin D-rich mushrooms | White button, Portabella, Cremini, Maitake |
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What You'll Learn
- Chaga mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and beta-glucans, reducing fatigue and enhancing mental clarity
- Reishi mushrooms support mental and physical energy and can be easily paired with coffee and chocolate
- Lion's Mane improves focus and brain function, helping to reduce brain fog
- Cordyceps are a natural, caffeine-free energy source, providing a bioavailable compound called cordycepin
- Turkey tail mushrooms contain polysaccharide-K, stimulating the immune system and improving survival rates for people with leukemia
Chaga mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and beta-glucans, reducing fatigue and enhancing mental clarity
Medicinal mushrooms have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine for their adaptogenic properties and health benefits. They have gained popularity in recent years as a natural energy source, with people incorporating them into their daily routines through alternative coffee drinks and health store supplements.
Chaga mushrooms, in particular, are known for their energy-boosting and immune-supportive properties. Chaga is rich in antioxidants, which help to reduce oxidative stress and prevent cell damage caused by free radicals. This, in turn, may contribute to lowering the risk of cancer and slowing its growth. Chaga is also known to lower "bad" cholesterol, which is a significant risk factor for heart disease, making it useful in protecting against cardiovascular disease.
Chaga mushrooms are also a source of beta-glucans, which are naturally occurring carbohydrates that stimulate the immune system. Animal studies have shown that Chaga can decrease fatigue and increase energy levels. For example, one study found that Chaga extended the swimming time of mice by increasing liver and muscle glycogen content while decreasing blood lactic acid and serum urea nitrogen levels.
Chaga mushrooms can be consumed in various forms, including as a powder, extract, or herbal tea. They are also available as capsuled supplements, and some people add Chaga powder to their morning smoothies or make frothy, warming Chaga chai lattes. However, it is important to consult a doctor before incorporating Chaga mushrooms into your diet, as they can interact with certain medications and may cause side effects or allergic reactions in some individuals.
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Reishi mushrooms support mental and physical energy and can be easily paired with coffee and chocolate
Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum and lingzhi, are a fungus that grows in various hot and humid locations in Asia. They have been revered for 2000 years in Asia as the "Mushroom of Longevity". Reishi mushrooms are known for their potential health benefits, including boosting the immune system and fighting cancer. They are also believed to have anti-aging properties and can support mental and physical energy.
While the taste of mushrooms may not be appealing to everyone, companies like Four Sigmatic have pioneered the mushroom coffee movement, making it easier to incorporate mushrooms into your daily routine. Their Calm Cacao product line offers a relaxing chocolate Reishi mushroom blend that provides a delicious way to consume mushrooms. This hot cocoa is crafted with unrefined organic cacao, infused with functional mushrooms, and is completely dairy-free. With just 6 mg of caffeine per serving, it's a great way to unwind and de-stress while still enjoying a sweet treat.
Teeccino is another company that has created a Reishi Eleuthero Mushroom Coffee. This blend combines the health-promoting properties of Reishi mushrooms with the adaptogen benefits of Siberian eleuthero and the rich coffee-like flavor of roasted chicory and ramón seeds. By including both the "fruiting bodies" and the "mycelium" of mushrooms, Teeccino aims to optimise the wellness benefits of their product.
Reishi mushrooms are also available in powder form, which can be added to coffee or other beverages. These powders claim to provide energy and enhance physical stamina. While the effectiveness of these products may vary, some people find them to be a beneficial addition to their health and wellness routines. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before consuming Reishi mushrooms, as they can have potential side effects and may be unsafe for certain individuals.
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Lion's Mane improves focus and brain function, helping to reduce brain fog
Lion's Mane mushrooms, scientifically known as Hericium erinaceus, are large, white mushrooms with icicle-like spikes that resemble a lion's mane. They are commonly used in Asian countries such as Korea, Japan, India, and China, both as food and medicine. They can be consumed raw, dried, or cooked, and are also available as supplements in powder, liquid, and capsule forms.
Lion's Mane mushrooms have been found to contain substances that may contribute to nerve growth and the stimulation of brain cells. They contain two special compounds, hericenones and erinacines, which promote the growth, survival, and function of nerve cells in the brain and elsewhere in the body. These compounds can easily cross the blood-brain barrier and have been shown to exert anti-neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective properties.
The potential brain-boosting benefits of Lion's Mane mushrooms include improved mental clarity, focus, and cognitive performance. A 2018 study found that Lion's Mane enhances nerve growth factor (NGF), which boosts the brain's potential and improves mental clarity. Additionally, a 2023 study showed that healthy adults who took a Lion's Mane supplement for 28 days experienced improved mental performance speed.
Lion's Mane mushrooms have also been studied for their potential in treating cognitive decline and brain injuries. Animal studies suggest that Lion's Mane may help protect against Alzheimer's disease by reducing symptoms of memory loss and preventing neuronal damage caused by amyloid-beta plaques. Furthermore, Lion's Mane extract has been found to speed up recovery from brain or spinal cord injuries by stimulating the growth and repair of nerve cells.
While the research on Lion's Mane mushrooms is promising, it is important to note that most studies have been conducted on animals or small groups of humans. More extensive human studies are needed to validate the effectiveness of Lion's Mane in improving brain function and reducing brain fog.
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Cordyceps are a natural, caffeine-free energy source, providing a bioavailable compound called cordycepin
Mushrooms are touted as a magic health elixir with several purported health benefits. One of the most renowned medicinal mushrooms is cordyceps, a fungus that grows on certain caterpillars in the high mountain regions of China. It is also known as caterpillar fungus or caterpillar mushroom.
Cordyceps is a natural, caffeine-free energy source that provides a bioavailable compound called cordycepin. It is said to improve energy, endurance, stamina, and sleeping patterns. In traditional Tibetan medicine, cordyceps has been used to reverse the effects of oxygen deprivation caused by working at high altitudes.
Cordyceps may increase the body's production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which delivers energy to the muscles and improves the body's utilisation of oxygen, especially during exercise. A 2024 study found that participants who took cordyceps before a high-intensity interval exercise session experienced less muscle damage and faster cell repair, resulting in quicker recovery. Another study in 2020 found that cordyceps extract increased grip strength in mice, which was attributed to increased ATP production.
Cordycepin, a bioactive metabolite of the cordyceps fungus, has been studied for its potential health and therapeutic benefits. Research suggests that cordycepin may suppress the migration and invasion of human liver cancer cells and improve tolerance to high-intensity exercise.
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Turkey tail mushrooms contain polysaccharide-K, stimulating the immune system and improving survival rates for people with leukemia
Mushrooms are edible fungi that contain compounds known to benefit health. Turkey tail mushrooms, also known as Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor, are multicolored fungi that have been used worldwide for centuries to treat various conditions. They are commonly known as turkey tails due to their striking colors.
Turkey tail mushrooms contain polysaccharide-K (PSK), a compound that has been shown to stimulate the immune system and improve survival rates for people with certain types of cancer. PSK is a type of polysaccharopeptide (PSP), which is a protein-bound polysaccharide or carbohydrate. In Japan, PSK is an approved adjuvant cancer treatment, but it has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States.
A 2015 review of 11 clinical trials found that PSK from turkey tail mushrooms helped lung cancer patients who underwent radiation treatment live longer. Additionally, a 2023 review of past research found that PSK may help reduce the side effects of oral chemotherapy for colorectal cancer and improve survival rates for people with gastrointestinal cancer. Turkey tail mushrooms also appear to feed gut bacteria and are a source of fiber, which may be beneficial for people with intestinal symptoms and enhanced immune systems.
While the benefits of turkey tail mushrooms are promising, it is important to note that they should not be consumed in the wild as they may be contaminated with pollutants or bacteria. Always consult a doctor before taking any supplements, as they can have side effects or interactions with other medications. More research is needed to confirm the benefits of turkey tail mushrooms, especially in human trials.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, some mushrooms are known to give you energy. These include Chaga, Lion's Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps, and Turkey Tail.
Chaga mushrooms are known for their energy-boosting and immune-supportive properties. They are rich in antioxidants and beta-glucans, which stimulate the immune system and reduce oxidative stress.
Lion's Mane mushrooms are known to help with focus and energy. Research on mice has shown that this mushroom has anti-fatigue effects, and a separate study on young adults found that a single dose improved performance on psychological tests.
Cordyceps mushrooms are known to be stimulating for both energy and libido. They provide the body with a bioavailable compound known as cordycepin, which is almost molecularly identical to adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the currency of our cellular energy.
