What Are Functional Mushrooms?

What is a Functional Mushroom?

Functional mushrooms are defined as mushrooms with medicinal and nutritional properties. Some have medicinal compounds, while others contain adaptogens that boost your body’s inherent adaptive abilities.  Functional mushrooms are considered separate from recreational mushrooms, which have become popular in recent years.

 

Why Eat Functional Mushrooms?

Functional mushrooms are commonly found in many health stores and are sought out for their wide range of beneficial properties. Like any “vegetable” (technically, they are fungi), they contain organic compounds, vitamins, and earth minerals that are good for the body and provide health advantages.

 

Immunity Health

Medicinal mushrooms often contain antioxidants to help purge toxins from your body, anti-inflammatories to boost your immune system, and cytotoxins, which fight harmful cells in your body. They also contain vitamins and minerals that replenish your “micronutrients,” like Vitamins D and B, Choline, Copper, Iron, Potassium, and Selenium. Of course, each variety of mushrooms has different nutrient contents and concentrations.

 

Increased Performance

Some mushrooms contain compounds and nutrients that are known to help boost your alertness, mental acuity, and/or physical performance. Functional mushrooms are becoming a popular addition to workout supplements and workplace coffee or tea to help you get through your day with more energy and focus.

 

Adaptogenic Stress Response

Adaptogenic functional mushrooms are a special category of mycelium fungi that contains adaptogens. Adaptogens are organic compounds that help your body manage stress, anxiety, fatigue, and environmental factors. They target specific chemical reactions in the body to help you process stress in a healthy and balanced way. For example, they can lower your cortisol levels and help you experience less tension and fatigue. Some boost your nervous system, and others help regulate your dopamine levels to keep you in balance.

 

Top Functional Mushrooms to Explore

You can find several popular functional mushrooms available online in our shop or even grow in boxes at home. These include:

 

Reishi

Reishi is the “Mushroom of Immortality”. It regulates the immune system and is often given to cancer patients. Research reports that Reishi mushrooms improve immune function for people with Type 2 Diabetes, and they can improve the quality of life for people with late-stage cancer.

 

Chaga

Chaga mushrooms grow on trees. They are known to be anti-inflammatory and help to lower both blood sugar and cholesterol. Studies have found that they improve healthy adults’ immune function and the antioxidant status of people with chronic Hepatitis C. Some reports suggest they have anti-cancer properties, but further research is needed. Chaga is often blended into coffee or tea.

 

Lion’s Mane

Lion’s Mane has been researched for its ability to improve cognitive function and nerve regeneration. It is also tasty with seafood-like flavor and texture qualities. Research has reported that Lion’s Mane can improve the cognitive function of older adults and may improve the sleep quality of those with sleep disorders.

 

Shiitake

The delicious culinary Shiitake mushrooms are also functional mushrooms. They have a variety of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Research has found that Shiitake mushrooms improve several immune function markers in healthy adults and can improve cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol.

 

Turkey Tail

Turkey Tail mushrooms are vibrantly colored and easy to spot – like the tail of a turkey. They have strong antioxidants and may help to activate immune cells. Research has found that they improve your gut microbiota composition and the immune function of people with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy.  

Trying Functional Mushrooms

If you’re curious about functional mushrooms and want to try them for yourself, you can find a great variety at the Carolina Hemp Cabinet. We are delighted to share a wide variety of medicinal mushrooms in dried and snack food forms. Contact us to learn more.

 

Image Credit: Viktor Sergeevich, Shutterstock