Functional mushroom supplements as part of a vegan or vegetarian diet

It’s never been easier to be vegan or vegetarian.

Today more than ever we have a huge variety of ingredients to choose from, not to mention access to amazing recipes and cuisines.

Edible mushrooms are sometimes functional mushrooms. containing bioactive compounds like beta-glucans and ergothioneine, synergize with vegan and vegetarian lifestyles to enhance immunity, cognitive function, and overall vitality.

Understanding Functional Mushrooms

Functional mushrooms are not your average culinary varieties—they’re potent allies in any wellness regime. Their adaptogenic properties support the body’s stress response in a variety of ways.

Functional mushrooms uniquely contain within their cell walls a high nutrient content of polysaccharides, terpenes, and antioxidants. These compounds are proving to be pivotal in bolstering overall well-being. 

Not only do functional mushrooms accentuate a holistic approach to health, but they are easy to fit into a plant-based dietary framework.

Defining ‘Functional’ in the Fungi Kingdom

Functional mushrooms can be edible but not necessarily so.

Functional mushrooms are powerful adaptogens that contain active metabolites that support overall well-being in various ways depending on the mushroom.

Incorporating such mushrooms into a diet amplifies the intake of valuable phytonutrients, seamlessly complementing the ethos of a conscious, health-oriented lifestyle.

Key Varieties and Their Properties

Some of the mushrooms below are functional. Others are both, functional and edible.

Each functional and edible mushroom spans a broad spectrum, each is nutrient-dense with unique properties beneficial to human health.

Let’s have a look at the functional mushroom extracts that we sell at Human Pro.

Lion’s Mane is both a functional mushroom and an edible mushroom. It’s beautiful and distinct in its appearance. The texture is juicy and enjoyable, similar to seafood. The nootropic properties that Lion’s Mane contains put it into a functional mushroom class of its own.

Chaga is a less visually appealing mushroom and it’s not edible either. A powerhouse in its own right, it’s been used for hundreds of years as a health tonic, and strangely also as fabric dye. It’s a dark brown color and dense texture and contains an impressive array of antioxidants.

Reishi has many names and its most well-known is the ‘mushroom of immortality’. It’s an adaptogenic powerhouse, frequently utilized to support the immune system and support stress reduction. The high triterpenes and beta-glucans content found within Reishi aligns with the nutritional philosophies of a vegan diet.

Mercifully, Cordyceps won’t take over our brains like they do to ants. Still, it turns out that cordyceps are a prime option for those seeking to amplify their physical performance and recovery while adhering to a plant-based regimen.

In addition to being low in calories, functional mushrooms support both vegetarian and vegan diets with their rich protein content and dense micronutrient profile, high levels of amino acids, vitamins B and D, and minerals like selenium.

Moreover, mushrooms’ inherent “umami” flavor offers a satisfying depth to plant-based dishes while fortifying nutritional richness.

Incorporation and Usage Tips

When considering functional mushrooms as part of a vegan or vegetarian diet, it’s important to understand how best to integrate these potent foods into your daily regimen.

Begin by assessing the adaptogens that align with your specific wellness goals—whether it’s bolstering cognitive function with Lion’s Mane or enhancing your sleep with Reishi. 

Then, find a reputable supplier for products that are dually extracted, with transparent ingredient lists and third-party testing to guarantee purity and efficacy.

Consistency is key, integrate small amounts into your diet, whether through capsules, powders mixed into smoothies, or even culinary preparations.

Given their concentrated nature, it’s essential to start with a conservative dosage and gradually increase as needed, monitoring your body’s response to ensure optimal benefits.

Functional mushrooms work best when with extended use. They are adaptogens but unlike Ashwagandha, there is no need to take a break. The longer we use them, the more exponential their impact. 

Creative Culinary Integrations

I like to eat my mushies.

Whether they are edible, magic, functional, dried, or fresh… I aim to incorporate them into my food or drink somehow.

Here are some cool ideas you might want to look into.

1. Morning Boost: Elevate your plant-based smoothies by blending in a measured dose of Lion’s Mane powder or Cordyceps to get your day started strong.
2. Savory Soups: Whisk Chaga or Reishi extracts into miso or vegetable broth for a restorative and umami-rich experience.
3. Protein Packed: Instead of protein powder, vegan protein shakes with Cordyceps powder can potentially support energy and stamina throughout the day.
4. Elegant Entrées: Create depth in vegan risottos or stews with Lion’s Mane, Shiitake, or Maitake mushroom powders. Not only are these delicious in flavor but also in texture as an excellent meat substitute.
5. Decadent Desserts: Mix a small serving of psilocybin-free mushroom powder like Chaga, Reishi, Cordyceps, or even Lion’s Mane into raw cacao treats for an adaptogenic twist. 

I apologize in advance if you just spent a few hours online looking up various recipes, but you can thank me later for all the benefits they are likely to bring.

Let’s Talk About Protein 

Protein intake can be an important concern for vegans and vegetarians.

Vegans and vegetarians are often quite diligent about including complete proteins in their diet. Ensuring that they consume all nine essential amino acids typically available in meat, is quite important.

Once again, mushrooms come to the rescue! 

Functional mushrooms, in particular, provide the spectrum of essential amino acids needed but also exhibit a rich umami flavor and texture that can substitute for meat. 

Future Functional Mushroom Trends to Look Out For

You’ve probably noticed that mushroom-infused beverages are already quite prevalent in wellness shops globally.

Not to mention that innovative cultivation techniques will likely expand the variety of functional mushrooms available. At-home grow kits are becoming more and more ubiquitous, and replacing the humble basil plant on the kitchen counter.

More research is being performed on the symbiotic relationship between gut microbiota and immune function. 

It’s safe to say that, soon enough there might be a surge in mushroom-based prebiotic supplements to optimize gut health.

At the very least, we can expect the standard of functional mushroom supplements to be even more optimally extracted and blended maximizing their functional potential.

Do you grow your functional mushrooms? 

Do you add functional mushroom extracts to your food? What benefits have you noticed from the supplementation of non-psychoactive functional mushrooms?

If you don’t have the time, or the inclination, to grow and extract your own, try our Mushrooms Essentials Complex.

It combines all four functional mushrooms (Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Reishi, and Cordyceps) into one capsule making it deliciously easy to add to your morning granola, smoothie, evening tea, or snacks.

As always

Flow strong

Asha ✨