Mushroom Supplements - The New Superfood Trend

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Mushrooms have been around for centuries and are now gaining popularity as a health supplement. They're known for their immune-boosting, brain-boosting, and disease-fighting properties.

They're also known for helping with anxiety, depression, and sleep quality. But did you know mushrooms can actually boost your energy levels?

Historical Use of Mushrooms for Medicinal Purposes

Throughout the history of medicinal mushrooms, people have used them to treat a wide range of illnesses. They are known to improve immune function, protect the liver and promote healthy blood glucose levels.

Mushrooms are known to be rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and can aid in cancer prevention, cholesterol management and antimicrobial activity. In addition, they are believed to help alleviate pain and support the respiratory system.

While mushrooms are a popular addition to meals, there are also many dietary supplements that contain mushroom extracts or tinctures. These dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA, unless specific disease prevention or treatment claims are made.

There are several species of mushrooms that are considered toxic or non-edible for human consumption. These include E. tinctorium, P. atratus, P. involutus, and J. hirtus.

However, some of the most commonly used medicinal mushrooms are edible, such as turkey tail and shiitake. These mushrooms are high in polysaccharides and can have a positive effect on the immune system, protect the liver, and help reduce chronic inflammation.

Medicinal mushrooms can be consumed in a variety of ways, from dried extract to powdered form. There are many different types of mushrooms and each has its own unique benefits. It is important to find the right mushrooms for your specific needs. The best way to do this is to consult with your doctor before starting a new supplement.

The Science Behind Mushroom Supplements

Mushrooms are having a moment in the market, with their use as functional foods and supplements growing fast. They're being added to everything from coffees and teas to soups, chocolates, face creams and shower gels -- and mushroom products are becoming one of the most lucrative trends in the food industry.

But before you go out and buy mushroom powders that promise to boost immunity (turkey tail), improve concentration (lion's mane) or even help with respiratory problems, read the labels. That's because a vast majority of Mushroom Supplements sold in North America contain little to no mushrooms at all, and are instead made from mycelium (the fruiting body of the mushroom) and grain.

That's not a very good way to get your daily dose of the nutrients that mushrooms provide. And since they're not regulated the same way as prescription drugs, they're also not tested for safety or efficacy.

As a result, the science behind medicinal mushrooms is still in its early stages. However, scientists have found that some mushrooms may be effective in reducing the side effects of conventional cancer treatments. They're also thought to protect against chronic cardiometabolic conditions such as obesity and diabetes, and are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. These benefits are backed by research from both in vitro and animal studies, so more clinical trials are needed.

Extraction Methods for Mushroom Supplements

One of the most important factors to consider when buying a mushroom supplement is its extraction method. The type of extraction will impact the overall quality and bioavailability of the product.

Mushrooms contain a large number of nutrients that are locked inside the chitin cell wall and cannot be absorbed without some form of extraction. These include polysaccharides, terpenoids and proteins.

The most common method of mushroom extraction is using hot water. This is a traditional and simple extraction process, which can be done at home by steeping mushrooms in water for a long period of time.

Another option is to use alcohol. Extracts made with alcohol (also known as tinctures) are often used to isolate the non-water-soluble compounds in the mushrooms, like terpenoids.

These compounds are antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. They also have a sedative effect, which can help people relax.

When making a mushroom tincture, it’s also important to choose the right solvent. Certain types of mushrooms require hot water extraction, whereas others can be extracted with alcohol alone.

Mushrooms are a great source of antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and support immune health. However, the antioxidant activity in a mushroom extract can degrade over time if stored improperly. This is why it’s crucial to buy an extract that has been stored properly. This is the best way to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your mushroom supplements.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Mushrooms have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help combat a variety of health conditions. These include anxiety and depression, skin and wound healing, and fatigue reduction.

In addition, mushrooms can also help regulate hormone levels and support kidney health. Certain mushroom species may also increase energy and improve exercise performance in healthy older people.

Some mushroom supplements have also been found to shift the gut microbiome in a healthy way, which can be helpful for weight management. This is especially true for some of the polysaccharides in mushrooms, such as lentinan and ergothioneine.

These compounds have been linked to reducing blood pressure already within a healthy range, supporting a healthy body weight, balancing blood sugar levels, and supporting lipid metabolism. They also can decrease C-reactive protein, which is a blood marker that detects inflammation.

The anti-inflammatory effects of some mushrooms can be attributed to their ability to suppress COX-2, a key pro-inflammatory enzyme that leads to the development of chronic inflammatory diseases. In addition, they can inhibit the production of cytokines, such as TNF-a and IL-1b, that are often found to contribute to the development of these diseases.

Mushroom extracts from Agaricus blazei Murill (AbM), Hericium erinaceus (HE), and Grifola frondosa (GF) have been shown to exert antimicrobial activity against viral agents, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and parasites in vitro and in vivo. In addition, AbM and HE have been reported to have immunomodulatory effects against the COVID-19 pneumococcal superinfection that causes severe lung inflammation and is often associated with respiratory failure.

Bioactive Compounds in Mushrooms

Mushrooms contain a variety of bioactive compounds, many of which can have therapeutic benefits. These include antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and immune-modulating properties.

The mushroom industry also produces a range of by-products, including organic waste, which is potentially valuable as a bioresource for the extraction of these compounds. These can be used to make nutraceuticals, functional foods, and health products that can be beneficial for consumers.

Some of these bioactive compounds have the ability to prevent the progression of certain diseases and cancers. These include polyphenols, alkaloids, and other compounds that have shown anti-tumor activity in some studies.

For example, mushrooms have been shown to decrease the risk of breast cancer among premenopausal women. In addition, they can improve inflammatory markers in healthy individuals.

Additionally, they have been found to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes in some studies. These effects may be due to the fact that mushrooms have anti-inflammatory properties and help regulate blood pressure.

However, it is important to note that not all mushrooms are edible. Some contain a sugar that can cause intolerance in some people. It is therefore recommended that you do your research before consuming any mushrooms. Those that you do choose to eat should be cooked thoroughly before eating in order to avoid unwanted reactions. This is especially true of the mushrooms that are highly water-soluble.

Conclusion

Mushrooms have long been used for medicinal purposes in Eastern medicine, and this trend is catching on in the West as well. Many mushroom supplements are designed to target specific health concerns, such as immunity, anxiety and mood, and concentration.

However, it's important to keep in mind that some mushrooms are more beneficial than others when it comes to addressing particular health concerns. And, as with any food marketed with too-good-to-be-true claims, you'll want to check out the science behind such claims.

Medicinal mushrooms are often made from extracts that contain compounds such as beta-glucans and terpenoids. These compounds have been shown to activate immune cells, including natural killer cells and macrophages, which helps your body fight off infections. Additionally, they can aid in weight loss and reduce the risk of certain diseases like diabetes and hypertension.

These are just a few of the reasons why mushrooms have become such an important part of modern nutrition. They're now available in a variety of forms, including as dietary supplements and nutraceuticals.

The popularity of superfoods isn't without a downside, as the craze can actually make it more difficult to choose healthier alternatives that aren't so flashy or exotic-looking. That's according to a recent survey from the Institute of Food Technologists.



FAQ’s

Q :Can mushroom supplements help with brain function?

Answer: Yes, certain types of mushroom supplements, such as lion's mane, have been shown to enhance cognitive function and improve memory and concentration.

Q :Are there any side effects associated with taking mushroom supplements?

Answer: While mushroom supplements are generally considered safe, some people may experience side effects such as upset stomach, diarrhea, and allergic reactions.

Addeshion Resources

  1. https://www.eversiowellness.com/collections/mushroom-capsules

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