Functional Mushrooms and Their Benefits
As the health industry has boomed in popularity, so has the case of synthetic extracts working their way into our supplements to mimic nature's own offerings. At Forest Finds, we believe in going back to basics and diving into nature's benefits of functional mushrooms - the ultimate natural supplement to make you feel healthy, vibrant, and at peak performance.
What are functional mushrooms?
Functional mushrooms differ from culinary mushrooms in that they provide benefits for your body that surpass their nutritional value. These mushrooms aren not the same fungi used as hallucinogens. Instead, they are a distinct group of edible fungi known for their unique health benefits and versatile in their potential uses.
Key functional mushrooms
Reishi
The reishi mushroom, also called the mushroom of immortality, is renowned for its potential to enhance the immune system, boost energy and stamina and is used in many Asian countries.
Chaga
If you seek a mushroom abundant in antioxidants1, then chaga is your answer. Its taste, reminiscent of the birch trees on which it thrives, combines earthiness with a tiny hint of bitterness. Chaga mushrooms can seamlessly complement your coffee or tea, providing a delightful blend.
Cordyceps
Don't be fooled by Hollywood - despite growing on living insect hosts and seeming like something out of a horror film, for human benefits, these mushrooms may help increase fitness levels2 and boost energy3.
Lion's Mane
Known in the culinary world for its seafood-like aroma and flavour, the lion’s mane mushroom may also help improve cognitive function4.
Turkey Tail
Long used in traditional Chinese medicine, turkey tail is packed with antioxidants and other health-boosting compounds5.
Sources
1. Cui, Y., Kim, D. S., & Park, K. C. (2005). Antioxidant effect of Inonotus obliquus. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 96(1-2), 79–85. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2004.08.037
2. Yi, X., Xi-zhen, H. & Jia-shi, Z. Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial and assessment of fermentation product of Cordyceps sinensis (Cs-4) in enhancing aerobic capacity and respiratory function of the healthy elderly volunteers. Chin. J. Integr. Med. 10, 187–192 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02836405
3. Xu Y. F. (2016). Effect of Polysaccharide from Cordyceps militaris (Ascomycetes) on Physical Fatigue Induced by Forced Swimming. International journal of medicinal mushrooms, 18(12), 1083–1092. https://doi.org/10.1615/IntJMedMushrooms.v18.i12.30
4. Mori, K., Inatomi, S., Ouchi, K., Azumi, Y., & Tuchida, T. (2009). Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytotherapy research : PTR, 23(3), 367–372. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2634
5. Bains, A., & Chawla, P. (2020). In vitro bioactivity, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory efficacy of modified solvent evaporation assisted Trametes versicolor extract. 3 Biotech, 10(9), 404. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13205-020-02397-w
