What Are Functional Mushrooms?

Functional Mushrooms – What Are They?

Functional mushrooms are starting to take over the wellness world as more and more people are starting to find tremendous benefits from them. So what even are functional mushrooms? Functional mushrooms are known to be loaded with unique antioxidants, polysaccharides, beta-glucans, and more beneficial compounds. The use of functional mushrooms has been around for hundreds and even thousands of years for some types. Now they are often used for regulating mood and sleep, boosting digestive health, improving skin radiance, and also supporting healthier lifestyles. At Nurse Wellness, we carry products that contain Reishi, Lion’s Mane, and Cordyceps mushrooms.

What is Reishi Mushroom?

Reishi mushroom has been an integral part of Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years and was named for longevity and spirituality. It is a substance in herbal medicine that can help the body adapt to stress and works to normalize body processes. Reishi is most commonly used to support healthy, restful sleep, reduce stress, and boost the immune system. 

What is Lion’s Mane?

They are large, white, shaggy mushrooms that resemble a lion’s mane as they grow. They have both culinary and medical uses in Asian countries like China, India, Japan, and Korea. Additionally, these mushrooms have nutritional properties and contain vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, and thiamine. Lion’s Mane is esteemed for its nootropic properties that enhance cognitive functions such as memory, focus, a tornado cash mirror and learning. Research has shown that Lion’s Mane stimulates brain cell growth, and dopamine and serotonin levels, which affects mood and may help depression. 

What is Cordyceps?

Cordyceps is a genus of parasitic fungi that grows on the larvae of insects. When these fungi attack their host, they replace its tissue and sprout long, slender stems that grow outside the host’s body. There are multiple types of Cordyceps, but Cordyceps militaris is the type commonly used as it can be cultivated. It is revered for its energy-boosting properties that invigorate the mind, body, and spirit. Cordyceps may improve endurance, performance, and overall energy by increasing oxygen uptake and respiratory capacity. 

Other Popular Functional Mushrooms: Chaga, Reishi, and Turkey Tail are all other popular functional mushrooms that have been used for various beneficial reasons. Chaga mushrooms, which tend to grow on birch trees in cold climates, have a rocklike appearance. Typically found in Siberia, the fungi have been used throughout history to boost immunity thanks to it being full of antioxidants. Chaga mushrooms may help to reduce inflammation, fight cancer, and lower blood sugar and cholesterol. The Reishi mushroom is a fungus that grows in various hot and humid locations in Asia. One of its most important effects is that it can boost your immune system. Reishi mushroom can enhance immune function through its effects on white blood cells, which help fight infection and cancer. Commonly called turkey tail due to its striking colors, Turkey Tail mushroom has been used around the world for centuries to treat various conditions. Turkey tail contains an impressive array of antioxidants, including phenols and flavonoids, which promote immune system health by reducing inflammation and stimulating the release of protective compounds. Your gut bacteria interact with immune cells and directly impact your immune response. Turkey tail contains prebiotics, which help nourish these helpful bacteria.