Laura Smith
Mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various illnesses. They are also a popular ingredient in cooking, adding a rich, savoury flavour to dishes. In recent years, mushrooms have become increasingly popular as a health supplement, with many people taking them to improve their health and well-being. There are many different types of mushrooms, each with unique properties and benefits. This article will explore some of the most popular and beneficial mushrooms, examining their effects on the body and their potential for improving health and treating illness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Varieties | Chaga, Lion's Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps, King Trumpet, Turkey Tail |
| Health Benefits | Better sleep, more energy, improved focus, improved immunity, reduced inflammation, improved digestion, improved metabolism |
| Traditional Medicine | Used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic practices for thousands of years |
| Nutritional Benefits | Vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, low in calories and fat |
| Cancer Treatment | There is no evidence that mushrooms can prevent or cure cancer |
| Adaptogens | Improve focus, boost energy, help with mood issues |
| Taste | Earthy, acidic, strong |
| Certifications | Organic, vegan, gluten-free |
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What You'll Learn
Best mushrooms for coffee
Mushroom coffee is a wellness-focused alternative to traditional coffee that combines the rich, familiar taste of coffee with the potential health benefits of functional mushrooms. These functional mushrooms offer benefits beyond basic nutrition, such as improved mental and physical performance, better immunity, and more restful sleep.
Some of the most commonly used mushrooms in mushroom coffee blends include lion's mane, chaga, reishi, cordyceps, and turkey tail. Lion's mane is known for its potential benefits for improved memory, focus, and immunity. Chaga is another popular choice, as it is believed to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Reishi mushrooms are often used for their immune and cognitive support benefits, while cordyceps are known for their potential metabolic and fat-burning effects.
When choosing a mushroom coffee blend, it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences. For example, some blends focus on improving focus and mental clarity, while others emphasize immunity and stress relief. Additionally, the taste and flavour profile of mushroom coffee can vary between brands, with some offering a rich coffee flavour that masks any mushroom earthiness, while others have a more muted coffee flavour or an herbal tea-like taste.
- Four Sigmatic: This brand offers a variety of flavours and roasts, as well as different mushroom blends for specific needs. Their products are affordable, organically grown, and use the fruiting bodies of mushrooms instead of mycelium.
- Atlas Coffee Club: This subscription-based service offers a mushroom coffee superblend that is easy to prepare and provides a standard coffee experience with potential health benefits. Their blend includes functional mushrooms like lion's mane, reishi, and cordyceps, along with additional ingredients like cassia cinnamon, probiotics, and vitamins.
- North Spore: Founded by mushroom grower Matt Mcinnis, this company offers an easy-drinking cup of coffee with about 500 grams of mushroom extract per serving. Their focus is on creating a coffee that coffee drinkers will enjoy, while also providing the benefits of mushroom fruiting bodies.
- Om Mushroom Superfood Master Blend: A versatile option that can be added to coffee, smoothies, or savoury dishes. It offers a blend of 10 mushrooms, including reishi, chaga, and cordyceps, at a reasonable price.
- Laird Superfood: This brand, co-founded by surfer Laird Hamilton, offers a medium roast Functional Mushroom Focus coffee with a hint of smoke and a gentle tingling sensation.
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Medicinal mushrooms
Mushrooms are being studied to determine how they affect the immune system and if they can stop or slow the growth of tumours or kill cancer cells. Polysaccharides (beta-glucans) in turkey tail mushrooms, for example, are thought to strengthen the immune system to fight cancer. Polysaccharide K (PSK), found in turkey tail mushrooms, is an approved mushroom product used to treat cancer in Japan. PSK has been studied in patients with gastric cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer. It has been used as adjuvant therapy in cancer patients since the mid-1970s and has been found to repair immune cell damage caused by chemotherapy.
Lion's Mane, or Hericium erinaceus, is a species of mushroom used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the spleen and its association with digestion, energy, and water regulation. TCM also uses Lion's Mane as a tonic for stress-related disorders and lack of energy. The Japanese use Lion's Mane tea to increase concentration during meditation.
Reishi, or Ganoderma lingzhi, has a 2000-year-old written record in medicinal texts. Chinese Taoist monks wrote of using it to promote calmness and enhance their meditative practices. Chinese royalty used Reishi to promote longevity and boost qi.
Maitake, or Grifola frondosa, is commonly referred to as Hen of the Woods or the Dancing Mushroom. Maitake is known for its earthy flavour and thrives in the deciduous forests of North America and Japan. Traditional Chinese Medicine has used this mushroom for its support of the spleen and benefiting qi. Maitake contains polysaccharides such as beta-glucans, which have been linked to healthy cell growth and turnover.
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Mushrooms for cancer treatment
Mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat illnesses. They are also used in Japan and China to treat lung diseases and are sometimes given alongside cancer treatment. However, it is important to note that there is no evidence that mushrooms can cure or prevent cancer.
Research is being conducted to determine if mushrooms can help the immune system. The idea is that some of the chemical compounds in mushrooms might strengthen the immune system, which could then help fight cancer cells. One study found that maitake D-fraction, when given to patients receiving chemotherapy for various cancers, increased response rates from 12% to 28% and reduced chemotherapy side effects. Another study found that maitake D-fraction had a direct antitumor effect and induced apoptosis in breast cancer cell lines.
Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum or lingzhi, have been traditionally administered throughout Asia for centuries as a cancer treatment. A 2016 Cochrane review found that when G. lucidum was given with standard treatment (chemotherapy and radiotherapy), there was a small benefit. G. lucidum seemed to be well-tolerated and led to an increase in the activity of immune cells. However, the authors of the review stated that the trials had limitations, and more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of reishi mushrooms in cancer treatment.
Shiitake mushrooms, native to East Asia, are also valued in some cultures as an anti-cancer agent. Shiitake extract called lentinan is a beta glucan, a type of complex sugar compound. Beta glucan may stimulate the immune system and trigger certain cells and proteins in the body to attack cancer cells. In laboratory studies, it appears to slow the growth of some cancer cells.
Phellinus linteus, known as song gen in Chinese medicine, has been studied in the laboratory for its potential anti-cancer effects. This research has shown that this type of mushroom extract may slow the growth of breast cancer cells and have anti-cancer effects on skin, lung, and prostate cancer cells. However, it is important to note that substances that can kill cells in laboratory conditions may not translate into effective treatments for humans.
While there is ongoing research into the potential benefits of mushrooms in cancer treatment, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before using any mushroom products for medicinal purposes.
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Mushrooms for immune health
Mushrooms have been used as medicine for thousands of years, dating back to at least 3000 BCE. They are known to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular-protective, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and anticancer properties. They are adept at immune modulation and can affect various cells in the body, including hematopoietic stem cells, lymphocytes, macrophages, T cells, dendritic cells, and natural killer cells.
One of the key ways mushrooms impact the immune system is through their ability to stimulate cytokine production. Cytokines are small, soluble proteins that act as mediators in the immune response, and certain cytokine patterns are associated with beneficial immune responses to cancer, such as the TH1 cytokine pattern. Mushrooms can also positively influence gut microbiota, improving protection against pathogens, and enhancing innate and adaptive immune responses.
When it comes to specific mushroom varieties, several stand out for their immune-boosting properties. Here are some of the best mushrooms for immune health:
- Lion's Mane: This feathery mushroom is known for its ability to foster the production of the bioprotein nerve growth factor (NFG) and myelin, which are crucial for brain health. It also has antioxidant properties and strengthens the immune system.
- Chaga: Chaga mushrooms are an antioxidant powerhouse, making them excellent for fighting free radicals and inflammation. They contain anti-oxidant polyphenols, betulin, and betulinic acid, which are associated with anti-cancer effects.
- Turkey Tail: Turkey tail mushrooms are known for their immune-boosting properties. They contain polysaccharides, which are bioactive ingredients that may strengthen the immune system and improve immune response in patients undergoing chemotherapy.
- Cordyceps: While not technically a mushroom, cordyceps is a rare caterpillar fungus that grows in high-altitude regions. It is known for its stimulating effects on energy and libido. It improves blood flow and enhances athletic performance while speeding up post-workout muscle recovery. It also increases the activity of natural killer immune cells and improves immune regulation.
- Reishi: Reishi mushrooms are popular for their calming properties, thanks to the compound triterpene. They are often used to aid in managing stress and promoting relaxation.
- Shiitake: Shiitake mushrooms are valued for both their culinary and medicinal properties. They are known to help keep cholesterol levels low and are rich in fiber, supporting a healthy microbiome.
While mushrooms offer a range of potential health benefits, it is important to note that they should not be considered a cure-all. The field of mushroom studies is still relatively new to Western medicine, and more research is needed to fully understand their effects on the human body. Additionally, not all mushrooms are safe for consumption, and it is important to consult a mycologist or qualified mushroom forager to identify edible and medicinal varieties.
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Mushrooms for brain health
Mushrooms are a superfood for brain health, offering a range of benefits from improved focus and memory to nerve regeneration. The following mushrooms are known to have positive effects on brain health:
Lion's Mane
Lion's Mane is a large, white, shaggy mushroom that resembles a lion's mane as it grows. It is also known as Hericium erinaceus, hou tou gu, or yamabushitake. It has been used in Asian countries such as China, India, Japan, and Korea for its culinary and medicinal properties. Lion's Mane is well-known for its ability to boost nerve cell growth and maintain healthy nerve cells, making it a potential treatment for neurodegeneration and related symptoms of Alzheimer's, Dementia, and Parkinson's. It also has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties, and may help with depression and anxiety, and improved immune system function. It is often referred to as "The Smart Mushroom" due to its support of brain health and nervous system health.
Reishi
Reishi (Ganoderma Lucidum) is a medicinal mushroom that has been shown to improve cognitive function. This is likely due to its polysaccharide content, which enhances neurogenesis, or the development of new neurons in the brain.
Chaga
Chaga has been shown in studies to decrease oxidative stress, boost serotonin, and reduce inflammation in the brain. It has been tested as a solution to amnesia with positive results and may help restore glutathione levels, one of the body's most powerful antioxidants. Chaga is a great dietary addition to support learning, memory, and increased attention span.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps is a popular remedy in Chinese medicine that acts as an antioxidant, scavenging free radicals from cells and boosting cellular health in the brain.
While mushrooms offer a range of potential health benefits, it is important to note that the research on mushroom supplements is still ongoing, and more clinical trials are needed to fully understand their effects. Always consult a medical professional before adding supplements to your diet.
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Frequently asked questions
Some of the best mushrooms for health and wellness include lion's mane, reishi, chaga, cordyceps, and turkey tail. Lion's mane is said to improve focus and concentration, while reishi is an adaptogen that can help with stress reduction and improved sleep. Chaga, cordyceps, and turkey tail are also considered functional mushrooms with various health benefits.
Dirtea's lion's mane powder is a popular supplement that can be added to coffee. It is said to improve focus and cognitive function. For mushroom tinctures, the elixir drops by Balance are a good option, containing UK-grown reishi mushroom, distilled spring water, and organic alcohol.
Balance Coffee offers a blend of medium-roasted coffees from Mexico and Uganda, with organic lion's mane powder, which provides an energy boost and improves focus. OM Mushroom Superfood Coffee Blend is another option, with a bold and earthy taste and a blend of whole mushrooms and beta-glucans for immune support.
