Which mushrooms are best for your medicine cabinet and why
The future of health and well-being is proving to be fungal.
"Medicinal mushrooms” is a term often used to describe any fungi that are used with the intent to prevent and treat symptoms and disease. Our ancestors knew of their expansive benefits. Now science is sharing results of the studies to back it.
Mushrooms are superfoods, proving to be extremely beneficial for building a natural resistant to disease, viruses, and environmental toxins. They also contains powerful adaptogenic substances that help the body "course-correct" to stress factors brought on by external environmental influences or internal imbalance.
They're some potent Nature-dwelling powerhouses, to sum it up. And we've compiled an overview of some of the most common medicinal mushrooms for greater ease in determining what shroomy magic is most beneficial for you...
Lion's Mane
Protection against dementia
Relieves symptoms of depression and anxiety
Decreases recovery time for nervous system injuries
Protects against ulcers in the digestive tract
Reduces the risk for heart disease
Helps manage diabetes symptoms
Chaga
Lowers "bad" (LDL) cholesterol levels
Combats free radicals, preventing cancer cell take-over
Supports healthy blood sugar levels
Decreases inflammation in the body (both acute and chronic)
Collectively slows the aging process
Contains 200+ phytonutrients
Cordyceps
Helps manage Type 2 Diabetes
Improves circulation and overall heart health
Supports efficient kidney function
Benefits athletic performance
Combat muscle fatigue
Libido booster (heyyo!!)
Inhibits the growth of many types of human cancer cells, including lung, color, liver, and skin cancers
Maitake
Fights tissue accumulation related to tumors
Contains quality levels of Vitamin D2
Supports immune system health
Decreases risk for atherosclerosis, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease due to high levels of antioxidant/decreased oxidation in the blood system
Protects against diabetes
Promotes cellular health
"The mushroom has dual activity against virus and bacteria. Very few medicines do that." -Paul Stamets
Reishi
Increases white blood cell count, decreasing risk for cancer and infections
Decreases inflammation
Enhances immune systems function
Reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression
Increases "good" (HDL) cholesterol
Stabilizes blood sugar levels
Prevents damage to cells with enhanced antioxidant counts
Shiitake
Naturally fights off bacteria
Reduces level of fat in plasma
Includes vital vitamins, minerals, and enzymes
Restore chromosomes damaged caused by cancer treatments
Enhances cardiovascular health
Offers antimicrobial properties
Many "leading" health care advocates are beginning to understand the wellness-enhancing potential that medicinal mushrooms offer to a wide range of people that seek to improve their overall immunity in the ever-changing world around us.
Here's to improving our resilience. And the magical mycelium-packed mushrooms that help make that even more possible.
By Sam Jump
