Sarah Brown
Functional mushrooms are non-psychedelic fungi that have been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese and Eastern medicine for their health benefits. They are believed to have properties beyond their nutritional value, including adaptogenic properties that help the body adapt to stress, anxiety, and fatigue. The two main groups of functional mushrooms are medicinal mushrooms, which contain antioxidative and cytotoxic properties, and adaptogenic mushrooms, which contain compounds that help the body fight off chemical, biological, and physical stress. Functional mushrooms are available in pill, powder, coffee alternative, or whole food form, and are also sold as supplements. However, it is important to note that the research supporting the health benefits of functional mushrooms is limited, and more human research is needed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Functional mushrooms are types of fungi with health benefits beyond their nutritional composition. |
| Types | Medicinal mushrooms, adaptogenic mushrooms, and non-psychedelic mushrooms. |
| Common Species | Lion's mane, chaga, reishi, cordyceps, shiitake, turkey tail, and more. |
| Benefits | Brain-boosting, stress-reducing, immunity-fueling, mood-enhancing, antioxidative, cytotoxic, and more. |
| Uses | Supplements, food, or as an ingredient in conventional foods like coffee, protein powder, and hot chocolate mix. |
| Form | Dried and ground into a powder, extract, pill, powder, coffee alternative, or whole food form. |
| Precautions | Consult a medical professional before use. May cause adverse side effects like nausea and insomnia. |
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What You'll Learn
- Functional mushrooms are used for their health benefits, not nutrition
- They are often sold as supplements, but whole food sources are better
- They are non-psychedelic and non-toxic
- They have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years
- They are believed to have adaptogenic properties, helping the body adapt to stress
Functional mushrooms are used for their health benefits, not nutrition
Functional mushrooms are a group of edible fungi that are believed to provide health benefits beyond their nutritional value. They are also referred to as medicinal mushrooms or adaptogenic mushrooms.
Medicinal mushrooms contain compounds that offer specific health benefits. Many of these mushrooms have antioxidative and cytotoxic properties, meaning they can inhibit the damaging process of oxidation and kill harmful cells. Adaptogenic mushrooms, on the other hand, contain adaptogens, which are compounds that help the body adapt to and fight off stress.
Some common functional mushroom species include chaga, cordyceps, lion's mane, reishi, shiitake, and turkey tail. These mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine and by indigenous cultures worldwide for thousands of years.
While the research supporting the health benefits of functional mushrooms is limited, there is some evidence that these mushrooms can provide benefits for the brain, bones, and digestive system. For example, lion's mane is believed to positively influence brain health and improve cognitive function, while cordyceps has been found to improve exercise performance in older adults. Additionally, reishi has been used in some countries as a supplement for cancer patients, as it has been shown to improve the quality of life and immune function in people with advanced-stage cancer or type 2 diabetes.
It is important to note that functional mushrooms are typically sold as supplements, but consuming them in whole food form may provide more benefits. As with any supplement, it is recommended to consult a medical professional before use.
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They are often sold as supplements, but whole food sources are better
Functional mushrooms are non-psychedelic and non-hallucinogenic fungi that have been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese and Eastern medicine for their health-enhancing properties. They are often sold as supplements, but whole food sources are better.
Functional mushrooms are believed to have properties and health benefits beyond their nutritional value, including adaptogenic properties that help the body adapt to and fight off stress, anxiety, and fatigue. They are also said to have antioxidative and cytotoxic properties, meaning they may be able to inhibit the damaging process of oxidation and kill harmful cells. However, it's important to note that most of the research supporting these claims is done on animals, and more human research is needed.
When it comes to consuming functional mushrooms, it's worth noting that eating the whole mushroom is likely to provide more benefits than taking a supplement. This is because the prebiotic fibres found in whole mushrooms support gut health and blood sugar control, while these fibres are broken down when mushrooms are processed into pill form.
Some common functional mushroom species include chaga, reishi, shiitake, lion's mane, cordyceps, and turkey tail. These mushrooms can be cooked into delicious dishes, adding both flavour and nutrition. For example, shiitake mushrooms are prized for their meaty, umami flavour, while lion's mane mushrooms have a seafood-like aroma and flavour.
If you are considering adding functional mushroom supplements to your routine, it is recommended to consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian. Supplements can interact with foods and medications, so caution and judgment are advised when purchasing them.
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They are non-psychedelic and non-toxic
Functional mushrooms are non-psychedelic and non-toxic. They are also known as adaptogenic mushrooms or medicinal mushrooms. They are distinct from the fungi used as hallucinogens and are instead edible fungi with health benefits.
Functional mushrooms are believed to have properties beyond their nutritional value, including adaptogenic properties that help the body adapt to stress, anxiety, and fatigue. They are also believed to have antioxidative and cytotoxic properties, meaning they may be able to inhibit the damaging process of oxidation as well as kill harmful cells.
The use of functional mushrooms is deeply intertwined with indigenous wisdom and traditions, medicine, and recreation. They have been used by many indigenous cultures all over the world for more than 2,000 years and are considered a part of traditional Chinese medicine.
Some common functional mushroom species include chaga, reishi, shiitake, lion's mane, cordyceps, and turkey tail. These mushrooms are often sold in the form of supplements, such as pills and powders, or as an ingredient in conventional foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.
While the research supporting the health benefits of functional mushrooms is limited and largely based on animal studies, there is some evidence that these mushrooms can have positive effects on the body, including improved cognitive function, enhanced immunity, and better blood sugar control.
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They have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years
Functional mushrooms are types of fungi that are believed to offer health benefits beyond their nutritional value. They are often divided into two groups: medicinal mushrooms and adaptogenic mushrooms.
Medicinal mushrooms contain compounds that offer specific health benefits. Many of these mushrooms have antioxidative and cytotoxic properties, meaning they can inhibit the damaging process of oxidation and kill harmful cells. Adaptogenic mushrooms, on the other hand, contain adaptogens—compounds that help the body adapt to and fight off chemical, biological, and physical stress.
Functional mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for thousands of years. They have contributed significantly to the holistic approach to health and well-being in TCM. For example, chaga was traditionally used to support healthy digestive function, while shiitake mushrooms, also known as Xiang Gu or Dong Gu, are said to benefit the Lung, Spleen, and Stomach energetics and replenish Qi and Blood. They are also high in vitamin D and contain all eight essential amino acids and linoleic acid, making them excellent for digestive health.
Reishi, also known as Ling Zhi or ‘spirit plant’ in Chinese medicine, is believed to be the mushroom of immortality. It was extremely rare in the wild and was believed to have grown only in the home of the immortals. It is said to nourish Jing (essence), Qi (vitality), and Shen (spirit), tonify the immune system, and calm the spirit. It also supports Heart, Kidney, Lung, and Liver energetic function and was used by meditating monks to focus and clarify the mind.
Cordyceps, known as Dong Chong Xia Cao or ‘summer grass, winter worm’ in Chinese Medicine, is considered a powerful Kidney (adrenal) and Lung tonic. It is a rare combination of caterpillar and mushroom, with the most famous and expensive species being cordyceps sinensis, found high in the Himalayan Plateau.
Turkey tail, lion's mane, maitake, reishi, and chaga mushrooms are often blended together in Chinese medicine to create a Yang Mushrooms Tonic that nourishes the Lung, Spleen, and Kidney Qi to support healthy digestive function and immunity. These mushrooms contain powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties and are often recommended in Asia to provide support during cancer treatments and chronic health conditions.
While functional mushrooms have been used in TCM for centuries, the research supporting their health benefits is often lacking and may not apply to people without certain health conditions.
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They are believed to have adaptogenic properties, helping the body adapt to stress
Functional mushrooms are a distinct group of edible fungi known for their unique health benefits. They are believed to have adaptogenic properties, helping the body adapt to stress. Adaptogens are nontoxic substances, especially plant extracts, that are thought to increase the body's ability to resist stress and promote normal physiological function. They are also known to improve the body's stress response systems.
Functional mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine and by indigenous cultures worldwide. The two main groups of functional mushrooms are medicinal mushrooms and adaptogenic mushrooms. While medicinal mushrooms contain compounds that offer specific health benefits, adaptogenic mushrooms contain adaptogens, which help the body adapt to and fight off chemical, biological, and physical stress.
Reishi, also known as the mushroom of immortality, is a well-known adaptogenic mushroom. It has been used in Korea, China, and Japan and is known for its immunomodulatory effects. Research has shown that reishi supplementation can improve the quality of life in people with advanced-stage colorectal cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Another study found that reishi extract improved immune function in people with type 2 diabetes.
Lion's Mane is another popular functional mushroom known for its ability to positively influence brain health. It has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine and studied for its potential medical benefits, including immune system modulation and antioxidant properties. Research has shown that Lion's Mane supplementation can improve cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment and sleep quality in people with sleep disorders.
While functional mushrooms have been touted for their health benefits, it is important to note that most of the research supporting these claims is done on animals, and more human research is needed. Additionally, the form in which functional mushrooms are consumed matters, as eating the whole mushroom is likely to provide more benefits than taking a supplement.
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Frequently asked questions
Functional mushrooms are non-psychedelic mushrooms that have been used for thousands of years in traditional eastern medicine for their health-enhancing properties. They are also known as adaptogenic mushrooms.
The exact benefits depend on the species of mushroom used. However, functional mushrooms are often categorized into two groups: medicinal mushrooms and adaptogenic mushrooms. Medicinal mushrooms contain compounds that provide specific health benefits, such as antioxidative and cytotoxic properties. Adaptogenic mushrooms contain adaptogens – compounds that help bodies adapt to and fight off chemical, biological, and physical stress.
Common functional mushroom species include chaga, cordyceps, lion’s mane, reishi, shiitake, and turkey tail.
Functional mushrooms can be consumed in pill, powder, coffee alternative, or whole food form. They can also be cooked with, for example, sautéed with olive oil and onions.
