The Herb Stop Blog
Top 4 Health Benefits of Mushrooms
Mushrooms are chock full of health benefits. We all know mushrooms are healthy vegetables to eat, but why exactly are they beneficial for humans?
Many mushrooms can support many health functions in the body, from helping to improve our memory, relieve anxiety symptoms, support the immune system, and more.
Today, we’re going to cover some of the top health benefits that mushrooms offer us.
Supporting the Immune System
A variety of mushrooms have immune system support benefits. Let’s take a look at just a handful of some of the many studies out there on different mushroom supplements and their immune system benefits.
Reishi Mushrooms
In one study, football players were exposed to heavy levels of intense training for a 28-day period. During this, they were giving Reishi mushroom supplements. Compared to the placebo group who were not given this supplement, the groups given the supplement had improved lymphocyte function. In the body, the lymphocyte function is known to help fight infections and disease, showing a positive correlation between Reishi mushroom supplements and a healthy immune system.
Reishi Mushroom Capsules are also helpful for supporting your immune system, especially for someone who has an overactive immune system. Since it’s a natural adaptogen, it can also help to balance physical and mental stress.
Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
Lion’s Mane mushrooms have also been studied closely for their effect on the immune system.
One study found that Lion’s Mane mushrooms may decrease inflammation released by fat tissue in the body. This study examined participants struggling with tissue inflammation associated with obesity. Their results found a possibility that Lion’s Mane mushrooms helped reduce tissue inflammation, which is thought to be a cause of metabolic diseases.
Another study looking at Lion’s Mane mushroom found that the mushrooms had a substantial amount of antioxidant compounds, making them a strong possibility for an effective healthcare food since antioxidants are essential for fighting cell damage.
In addition, Lion’s Mane mushrooms have been shown in animal studies to be more effective at preventing alcohol-induced stomach ulcers when compared to drugs that lower acid in the stomach. This study didn’t note any adverse side effects with the use of Lion’s Mane extract.
Another study found that people who had ulcerative colitis benefited from a mushroom supplement containing 14% of lion’s mane extract. Participants noted fewer negative symptoms from their ulcerative colitis and an improved quality of life after only three weeks of taking the mushroom supplement.
As a whole, Lion’s Mane mushrooms have a wide variety of immune system and digestive health benefits, which is fantastic to see!
Turkey Tail Mushrooms
One of our most loved mushroom supplements is our Turkey Tail Mushroom Capsules, which support immune defense and promote cellular support.
Turkey Tail Mushrooms contain polysaccharopeptides, which contain potent immune-boosting properties that increase monocytes. Research has shown that monocytes, which are a type of white blood cell, help boost immunity and fight off infections.
On top of this, a randomized human study found that Turkey Tail Mushrooms were 88% effective at stopping HPV, which is a common virus that can lead to multiple types of cancer.
Both studies demonstrate a strong argument for Turkey Tail Mushrooms’ immune-supporting properties!
A Comprehensive Immune System Supporting Blend
If you’re looking for a comprehensive immune system supporting blend, we recommend Mycel Immune Plus - Protocol For Life.
Mycel Immune Plus combines eight potent mushrooms, including Lion’s Mane and Reishi mushrooms, designed to support a balanced immune system response.
So if you’re struggling to choose just one mushroom, this can be a great way to start adding more mushrooms into your diet.
Promoting Healthy Mental Focus, Creativity, and Memory
Many mushrooms, like Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Hericum erinaceus), are nootropics, which are supplements with claims to improve mental and cognitive function.
Lion’s Mane is one of the most widely studied nootropics, and many studies have noted its ability to sharpen the mind.
For more information on nootropics, check out our previous piece on improving mental focus and nerve health here.
Reducing Anxiety and Depression Symptoms
Several types of mushrooms have shown promising results in studies in relieving mild anxiety, depression, and fatigue symptoms.
Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) have some particularly promising studies on reducing these symptoms. The following two studies have closely examined the reishi mushroom’s effect on anxiety and depression in people.
The first study looked at 132 people experiencing headaches, pains, aches, fatigue, and other less than desirable symptoms. After eight weeks of taking reishi mushroom supplements, the non-placebo group had less fatigue overall and reported a greater feeling of wellbeing.
The second study on reishi mushrooms looked at 48 breast cancer survivors who were experiencing fatigue. After only four weeks of taking reishi powder, the participants reported feeling less exhaustion.
The people in the second study also reported less anxiety and depression at the end of the study!
Promoting Healthy Nerve Growth
One study noted that Lion’s Mane mushrooms contain two compounds, hericenones, and erinacines, which can support and stimulate brain cell growth.
This study also showed that Lion’s Mane can stimulate the Nerve Growth Factor to stimulate nerve cell growth!
Another great choice is Mycel Immune Plus - Protocol For Life which supports a healthy immune system and contains Lion’s Mane mushrooms for those looking for an all-in-one supplement.
Looking for Help Eating More Mushrooms?
On top of mushroom supplements, eating mushrooms offer a large variety of health benefits too.
If you’re looking for help eating more mushrooms, we got you covered with our Mushroom Mix Seasoning!
Our Mushroom Mix Seasoning was specifically designed to enhance the flavor of mushrooms and mushroom dishes. It’s a scrumptious mixture of Hungarian paprika, garlic, onion, black pepper, oregano, thyme, and marjoram.
We can’t recommend this enough to give your mushroom dishes more punchiness and depth.
If you’re looking for a delicious mushroom recipe, check out Leilah’s previous post on mushroom dish recipes here.
We hope this piece on the top four health benefits of mushrooms gave you some inspiration for the many ways that mushroom supplements can support and complement your health.
Tschau mittenand,
Leilah & Natalie