{"id":41501,"date":"2022-08-22T17:47:56","date_gmt":"2022-08-22T04:47:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/nz.therastore.co\/?p=41501"},"modified":"2022-08-23T11:26:37","modified_gmt":"2022-08-22T22:26:37","slug":"mushroom-magic-which-shroom-is-right-for-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nz.therastore.co\/learn\/blog\/nutrition\/mushroom-magic-which-shroom-is-right-for-you\/","title":{"rendered":"Mushroom magic – which ‘shroom is right for you?"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Welcome to the wonderful world of functional mushrooms!\u00a0 If you are familiar with your humble edibles, such as white button or Swiss brown, then it\u2019s time to make room for some exotic-sounding newcomers you never knew were missing from your life!\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Functional Mushrooms?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Mushrooms, known and loved for their unique taste and as a nutritive food for eons, have also played a vital role in the healing traditions of many cultures for thousands of years.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Evidence exists that suggests ancient, early humans \u2014 the Neanderthal \u2014 who were alive some 50,000+ years ago ate various mushrooms. Fungi was also found in a pouch on the remains of \u2018Otzi the Iceman\u2019 who lived over 5,000 years ago.\u00a0 Within the writings of Hippocrates, some 2,400 years ago, and the Chinese alchemist Tao Hongjing around 1,500 years ago, suggest that mushrooms were being used for health purposes.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

More recently mushrooms have re-entered popular awareness due to emerging research on the health and performance potential they offer, as well as attention given from life- and bio-hackers around the world.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are many varieties of mushrooms available. Here, we\u2019ll review a few of the most popular functional mushrooms used as supplements and which ones might be best for you.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Lion\u2019s Mane <\/span><\/b>\u2013<\/span><\/b> think \u2018brain\u2019!<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n

Lion\u2019s Mane (<\/span>Hericium erinaceus<\/span><\/i>) is a mushroom native to North America, Europe and Asia that has the distinctive look of a lion\u2019s mane stuck to the side of a tree.\u00a0 It has a strong history of use in the traditional medical systems of China, Korea and Japan. More recently, it is increasingly sought after in recognition of its support for brain, cognition and neurological health.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Uniquely, it has been demonstrated to support the brain\u2019s production of \u2018Nerve Growth Factor\u2019 (NGF) [1], a special protein found in the brain that is essential to learning.\u00a0 NGF functions to help nerves and brains cells grow and repair [2-7].\u00a0 Studies support the role of Lion\u2019s Mane in cognitive function [8] \u2013 the ability to think and focus \u2013 as well as supporting physical performance [9].\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Typically, brain and nerve cells don\u2019t repair very well, and so, if you\u2019ve damaged yours through trauma, toxins or even \u2018high living\u2019, Lion\u2019s Mane might be right for you.\u00a0 Like many functional mushrooms, it supports the body\u2019s antioxidant pathways and how the body processes free radicals [10,11]. Plus, Lion\u2019s Mane also supports the metabolic aspects of that \u2018high living\u2019 lifestyle through healthy liver [12-14], blood lipids [15-17], and immune system function [18].\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cordyceps for performance<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n

Cordyceps (<\/span>Cordyceps sinensis<\/span><\/i>) originate in the mountainous regions of the Tibetan plateau of the Himalayas, and are much prized in the traditional Chinese and Tibetan health systems for health preservation and invigoration.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In the wild, Cordyceps is an endo-parasitic fungus that feeds on the body of its host, the Ghost Moth larvae. From here, the mushroom (or fruiting body) \u2018buds\u2019 forming the rare and extremely expensive functional mushroom.\u00a0 Fortunately, Cordyceps is now more commonly cultivated (no caterpillars were harmed in the making of this product!) allowing for greater accessibility, lower cost and ethical access to this wonderful mushroom.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cordyceps has powerful performance tonic properties, making it popular with anyone seeking greater endurance, stamina and energy reserves.\u00a0 Popular with performance athletes, it also makes its mark supporting fatigue resistance in the elderly [19], and the health and vitality of everyone in between.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Reishi \u2013 the general health tonic\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Reishi (<\/span>Ganoderma sp.)<\/span><\/i> is considered one of the most supportive of all the nourishing and tonifying substances used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In China, Reishi mushrooms are known as Lingzhi, and are a potent symbol of spiritual strength, success and longevity \u2013 even being dubbed the \u2018essence of immortality\u2019 [20]!\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This may be why many experts consider Reishi to be the \u2018general purpose\u2019 mushroom for supporting all round good-health. It has great affinity for the immune system, but also helps support healthy brain and sleep, supporting the stress response and energy production, as well as providing antioxidant support [21-25].\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Many animal and cell-based studies support Reishi\u2019s antioxidant potential to help the body keep oxidative stress that ages our cells in healthy balance. Human studies have also demonstrated this action, and provide evidence of cardiovascular, metabolic and liver support [26,27].\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Chaga for immune health\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n

Chaga mushrooms (<\/span>Inonutus obliquus<\/span><\/i>) grow on trees in colder regions across Northern Europe, preferring trees, particularly birch, as their host. They form a dark charcoal-black coloured mass on trees, often referred to as a \u2018conk\u2019.\u00a0 This mushroom has been well used in Northern European folk health systems and, on account of its bitter taste, was frequently brewed as a tea.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Chaga, like many functional mushrooms, is rich in a particular type of soluble fibre polysaccharide called Beta Glucan. These compounds have been well studied in support of immune health and wellness.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Whilst there haven\u2019t been any studies of the effect of Chaga on people\u2019s health just yet, there is promising cellular and animal study data available. In-vitro (test tube) studies demonstrate Chaga mushrooms may help support the body\u2019s natural clearance of microbes, support optimal cytokine balance and maintain the body\u2019s free radical defence system against a range of stressors such as UV radiation, heavy metals and oxidised fatty acids [28-30]. Animal studies also suggest that Chaga may play a role in the support of healthy liver function and cholesterol levels.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Making mushrooms part of your daily routine<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Fortunately, the body of research is growing on the health-supporting properties of functional mushrooms. When we consider the general absence of negative effects from these foods when traditionally used, and the positive case evidence stretching back millennia, it makes good sense to add mushrooms into your diet or supplement regime.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So how can you use mushrooms?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
    \n
  1. In cooking<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. In smoothies (mushroom powders or liquid extracts)<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. As a herbal \u2018elixir\u2019 or tonic<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. As part of a coffee or tea blend<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. As capsule based supplements<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    How do I personally use mushrooms?<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n