Benefits of Functional Mushrooms

A quick guide of benefits, by variety

2-3 minute read

Functional mushrooms typically have many benefits. For easy reference, some are listed in brief.

Statements on this website are not intend to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease and should not be interpreted as medical advice to you or others. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration).

The benefits below are drawn from a variety of research studies. Medical professionals and researchers agree that further research is required before conclusive findings can be made.


Lion’s Mane

(Hericium erinaceus)

Mood stabilising 1, 2, 3

Improved memory 4, 5

Mental clarity and focus 6, 7

Potentially beneficial in brain disease 8


Cordyceps 

May improve exercise performance 20, 21, 22

Anti-aging properties 23, 24, 25

Possible anti-tumor effects 26, 27, 28

Managing Type 2 diabetes 29, 30 , 31

Potential cardio-vascular benefits 32, 33, 34, 35

Anti-inflammatory benefits 36, 37, 38


Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)

Source of anti-oxidants 54, 55

Immune boosting 56

Potential immune function improvement for certain cancer patients 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63

Possible improvement of some cancer treatment efficacy 64

Improved gut health potential 65, 66

Reishi

(Ganoderma lucidum) 

Enhance immune function 9, 10

Anti-cancer properties 11, 12

Fatigue and depression aid 13, 14

Heart health 15, 16, 17

Blood sugar control 18, 19


Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)

Immune booster & anti-inflammatory 39, 40, 41, 42

Cancer fighting properties 43, 44, 45, 46

Helps mange blood sugar 47, 48, 49, 50, 51

Lowers cholesterol 52, 53


Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)

Cardiovascular benefits 67, 68, 69, 70

Immune boosting 71, 72, 73

Possible anti-cancer compounds 74, 75, 76

Likely anti-viral and anti-bacterial 77, 78


Safety: Functional mushrooms are considered to be safe. However, if you have a mushroom allergy or auto-immune problems then you should seek advice from a medical practitioner. 

Not all mushroom extracts are equal: Always look for high quality products which include Beta-glucan polysaccharides of 20-30% and mycelium-rich compounds. Beware high levels of fillers, starches and grains. While not harmful, they are less beneficial.

Dosage: Generally, the recommended dosage is a minimum of 1g per day. A qualified practitioner will be able to advise on dosage for your circumstances. Everyday use is suggested as benefits are shown to correlate with regular consumption.

Disclaimer: The findings here are for your information but aren’t intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified medical practitioner for advice. Please remember: do not eat mushrooms unless you know they are safe to consume.


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