Supporting Strong Immunity with Functional Mushrooms
You might have heard that mushrooms fit into the category called the 3rd Food Kingdom. This means that mushrooms are Biologically Distinct and Nutritionally Unique.
So then how is it that we also happen to share quite a lot of DNA with mushrooms?
“Humans share nearly 50 percent of their DNA with fungi, and we contract many of the same viruses as fungi. If we can identify the natural immunities that fungi have developed, Stamets says, we can extract them to help humans.”
It is a matter of fact that humans have been using mushrooms and fungi for thousands of years, but we must also admit how little we understand about them.
As science frantically tries to catch up, we will have to refer to anecdotal and historical uses of certain functional mushrooms for their immune-supporting properties.
Chaga: The Birch-Grown Powerhouse
This powerhouse is not a visual show-stopper by any description. Chaga grows on birch trees and looks like a burnt dark brown lump. This mushroom grows slowly and prefers colder climates.
Packed with antioxidants, these mushrooms tend to impact oxidative stress, therefore immunity and overall health.
Reishi: The Mushroom of Immortality
This mushroom is distinct in its shiny red/orange appearance. The top is layered with soft ridges and is robust in its overall texture.
Reishi is packed with bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides and triterpenes.
These potent compounds may be correlated to Reishi’s potential ability to support our immune system.
Lion’s Mane: Beyond Magical
Lions are the king of the jungle and this mushroom is arguably the king of the 3rd Food Kingdom.
This mushroom not only looks beautiful with its white overflowing tendrils but grows abundantly on hardwood trees, is delicious to eat, and is packed with beneficial compounds.
Lion’s Mane is abundant in triterpenes, polysaccharides, and beta-glucans, all potentially beneficial compounds that may support overall well-being.
Cordyceps: Zombie Ant Fungus
Although Cordyceps can turn ants into zombies, it has very different effects on the human body.
The nucleosides, polysaccharides, sterol, protein, amino acid, and polypeptide compounds found in Cordyceps have inspired much medical research so far.
A great mushroom to supplement with before or after a workout and is potentially supportive of overall immunity and well-being.
Please Remember
Mushies are not a substitute for medical advice/treatment. Please get the okay from your medical team before moving forward especially if you are currently managing a chronic health issue.
Stacking for the Season
The season is changing and it’s time to snuggle up in the Northern Hemisphere, making this an ideal time to support overall health.
Combining functional mushrooms is a practice called; Stacking. These four mushrooms work beautifully together and can be stacked for maximum benefit.
But before you buy a whole selection of mushrooms, here’s how you know you’re getting the good stuff.
Unlocking Their Magical Properties
The most effective and sustainable way to incorporate these mushrooms into your life is by supplementing them with a high-quality extract.
Functional mushrooms must be dually extracted to remove the protective coating on the mushroom cell wall called chitin.
Chitin is defined as: “a fibrous substance consisting of polysaccharides, which is the major constituent in the exoskeleton of arthropods and the cell walls of fungi.”
Chitin is not digestible by the human body and therefore must be dissolved. To dissolve chitin from mushroom cell walls, a dual process is required.
Using a combination of hot water (aqueous) and alcohol (ethanol) will reveal all the beneficial compounds available within functional mushrooms.
In short, not all mushroom products are created equal
No matter where you buy your functional mushroom supplements, be sure that the supplier has clearly described the extraction process used.
If you don’t feel like searching high and low on the internet, and you have the OK from your doctor, then go ahead and order our Mushroom Essential Complex here.
It contains a blend of all four mushrooms mentioned above, kind of like a good pinotage wine.
Of course, all our products are dually extracted for maximum bioavailability as per our COA (Certificate of Analysis).
May the colder winter months be gentle on you and may you enjoy the opportunity to hibernate, rest, and rejuvenate. 🐻⛰️❄️
As always,
Shine bright. Do good. Flow strong.
Asha ✨