Concerns over immunity and staying healthy are on the forefront of everyone’s mind at the moment, and rightfully so. In our last newsletter, mohealth addressed the important role of the Ayurvedic super spices ginger and turmeric on immunity (see the full newsletter here). We’ll continue looking at ways to build and maintain a strong immune system to keep you as healthy as possible. In this newsletter, we’re talking about the benefits of medicinal mushrooms.
Mushrooms are superfoods not only in nutritional value, but in supporting strong immune function as well. The powerful compounds in mushrooms such as maitake, shiitake, reishi and chaga appear to act as immunomodulators which balance the immune system by stimulating an underactive system and calming an overactive one (as is the case with some autoimmune disorders). They also fight inflammation, destroy microbes, slow down aging and help regenerate nerve cells. Nutritionally, mushrooms generally are rich in antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, protein and chemicals such as linoleic acid and ergosteral which help lower cholesterol.
In addition to maitake, shiitake, reishi and chaga, other powerful medicinal mushrooms include cordyceps, turkey tail and lion’s mane. These mushrooms provide incredible health benefits in numerous ways.
Maitake (Hen of the Woods)
Maitake has anticancer, antiviral, and immune system enhancing effects. These mushrooms are a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins B & C, and several minerals. They also contain beta-glucans that stimulate the immune system by enhancing macrophage and natural killer cell function thereby helping balance the immune system. Research also suggests that maitake can support healthy blood sugar.
Shiitake
Shiitakes are an excellent source of antioxidants and B vitamins including vitamin B5, riboflavin and B6. They are also a great source of niacin, folate, thiamin, and vitamin C. Research indicates that shiitakes improve immune systems and have antiviral, antimicrobial and anticancer effects. They also improve gut immunity and decrease inflammation.
Reishi
Reishi can improve immune function and inhibit the growth of some malignant tumors. Reishi also shows significant anti-inflammatory effects, reduces allergic responsiveness, and protects the liver. Reishi is strictly medicinal and not culinary as it has a very bitter taste due to plant chemicals called terpenoids. These chemicals are extremely beneficial in that that they have antiviral properties and can work as antioxidants, immune-system stimulants, blood pressure regulators and anti-cholesterol agents.
Chaga
Chaga is the new powerhouse mushroom everyone is talking about. Chaga is rich in a wide variety of vitamins and minerals including B vitamins, vitamin D, potassium, amino acids, copper, selenium, zinc, iron, manganese, magnesium, calcium as well as being a great source of fiber. Research indicates that chaga regulates cytokines, which are proteins that stimulate white blood cells as the immune system’s first line of defense against many illnesses. This could help control inflammation which could help fighting autoimmune conditions. Chaga also has an abundance of beta-glucans which balance the immune system.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps research indicates that it reduces inflammation, improves stamina and has anti-aging properties. Like chaga, cordyceps also increases proinflammatory cytokines which not only combat existing disease, but also help the body resist new disease. Furthermore, cordyceps can also have a good effect on cholesterol and improve your body’s innate immunity.
Turkey Tail
Turkey tail is a great source of selenium, vitamin D and potassium. Like chaga and maitake, turkey tail also contains beta-glucans which helps balance the immune system. In addition, turkey tail contains prebiotics which feed the good bacteria in your gut, supporting overall immunity and helping fight inflammation.
Lion’s Mane
Lion’s mane contains powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that help fight chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Studies have indicated that lion’s mane extract is especially helpful in managing inflammatory bowel disease, liver damage and stroke. Studies also indicate that lion’s mane boosts immunity by increasing the intestinal immune system which protects the body from pathogens that enter the gut through the mouth or nose by encouraging the growth of beneficial gut bacteria which thereby strengthens the immune system. Furthermore, research indicates that lion’s mane extract could be helpful in the treatment of anxiety and depression as well as stimulating the growth and repair of nerve cells.
To get the most impact from these medicinal mushrooms, it’s best to take them long term and in powdered form which provides a more potent dose. Of course, many of these are also delicious additions to your stews, soups, pastas and other dishes and should be added! Powdered supplements can be added to smoothies, coffee, almond milk or water. Or add to a delicious cup of Turmeric Golden Mylk. A couple of quality brand options, which can be purchased on line, include Sun Potion which sells reishi, lion’s mane, chaga and cordyceps powder and Om Mushrooms which sells single mushroom powders and combinations.