Mushrooms are taking over as a superfood and super health option available in many new and unique forms. A quick online search will lead you to gummy mushroom supplements, mushroom protein powders, and even mushroom coffee replacements, just to name a few. Gone are the days where you could only find them on pizza, steak, and mixed into pastas!
But even before this mushroom renaissance, they have been a part of medicinal and wellness practices across cultures for thousands of years.
And with more modern research being completed to understand the fantastic world of fungi, mushrooms have demonstrated many health promoting qualities.
They’ve been found to contain:
- Properties that may help prevent certain diseases
- High levels of vitamins and minerals, including energy-enhancing B vitamins, vegetarian vitamin D, iron, copper, and selenium
- Antioxidants which help to combat free radical damage in the body
- Polysaccharides which have antiviral, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties
- Beta glucans and immunity boosting complexes
To help you find the best mushroom products for your unique lifestyle and wellness goals, our New Leaf Wellness Experts have put together a list of their favorites to help you navigate the fantastic world of fungi.
OUR WELLNESS EXPERTS’ FAVORITE MUSHROOMS
Reishi
Known as the queen of the mushroom world, reishi mushrooms have been shown to contain properties that may soothe and calm the nervous system. Rich in immune-modulating compounds called beta-glucans that help boost the immune system or dial it down as needed, reishi mushrooms have also been shown to have properties that may help prevent certain diseases, protect the liver, and help balance blood sugar.
Chaga
If reishi mushrooms are queen, then chaga mushrooms are king of the fungi. Like reishi, chaga mushrooms are believed to offer powerful immune-boosting and antioxidant properties. They’ve also been shown to contain betulin and betulinic acid, which studies show to be powerful disease-fighting compounds.
Lion’s Mane
If you’re looking for a brain boost, studies suggest that Lion’s Mane may support the nervous system and cognitive health. Lion’s Mane has also been shown to help stimulate memory and positively impact damaged nerves.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps have been shown to help reduce fatigue and boost energy levels and were used as a performance enhancing supplement by swimmers and runners in the 80s and 90s. They’ve been studied for their anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial effects.
Turkey Tail
Containing prebiotic properties when consumed as a food source, turkey tail has been shown to improve the balance of helpful bacteria in our gut, supporting our overall digestive health.
If you’ve been curious about trying out some of the most current and exciting mushroom-based health and wellness products available, our experts are here to make it as easy as possible for you to find just what you need!
Stop by one of our stores and explore! From mushroom powders and liquid extracts that go great in shakes, smoothies, or coffee to culinary mushrooms like shiitake and portobello, there are countless ways to enjoy their wonderful health promoting properties.
As we all take steps to improve our health and to live well, we inspire others and give them permission to do the same. Living Healthy improves our lives on a micro level and also helps us begin to contribute to the improvement of our environment, our communities, and our world in ways we can’t always imagine.