Functional mushrooms are a type of mushroom that is used for their medicinal properties. These mushrooms have been found to have various benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving cognitive function, and aiding in weight loss.

The use of functional mushrooms has been an extraordinarily enduring tradition, based long upon human experience and passed down through generations. It is only in recent times that research has begun to uncover specific compounds within these mushrooms that may account for their health benefits.

Functional mushrooms are now used for regulating mood, as well as for sleeping, improving digestive health, and enhancing the glow of the skin. Because of their health-promoting properties, practical or pharmacological mushrooms have been used in East Asian medicine for thousands of years. These mushrooms have been used for hundreds of years due to their health-boosting properties and benefits as superfoods.

With a variety of unique bioactive compounds, functional mushrooms support your health and well-being. They are packed with antioxidants, polysaccharides, and other unique compounds that science has shown may help deliver cognitive enhancement, mood enhancement, immune support, stress relief, and anti-aging, among other benefits. They also work as powerful adaptogens.

Different mushrooms can offer various benefits, but all of them may help promote overall well-being while also managing other common conditions.

Functional mushrooms have improved cognitive function by enhancing memory and overall mental alertness. In a study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, participants who took a mushroom extract for six weeks showed improvements in their ability to focus and remember information. Additionally, functional mushrooms reduce anxiety and depression, likely due to their ability to boost mood and regulate neurotransmitter levels.

Another notable benefit of functional mushrooms is their potential relief from inflammation. A study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that supplementation with a mycelium-derived product containing β-glucans reduced inflammation markers in the blood by up to 68%. Additionally, another study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that a standardized extract of Reishi Mushroom could help reduce inflammation throughout the body.

Functional mushrooms are packed full of nutrients that are perfect for keeping your body healthy. Here are some top reasons to add more functional mushrooms to your diet:

How to tell quality mushrooms from low-quality mushrooms

In most commercial production settings, many commercial mushroom products today are grown from rice, oats, sawdust, or sorghum grains. Because starch is a byproduct of this process, the grain becomes inseparable from the mycelium and remains in the final product, leading to high amounts of starch.

The primary beneficial compounds in mushrooms are:

Beta-glucan is thought to support immunity and overall health while being antiviral.
Ergosterol: known for its antioxidant properties. A precursor to Vitamin D2.
Statins: in high doses, lowers cholesterol
Triterpenoids: protect the liver, lower lipids, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, inhibit histamine
Authentic mushroom products are aromatic and earthy, while mycelium products are sometimes sweet (due to the starch content).

Antioxidants: Functional mushrooms contain antioxidants that help fight diseases and keep your body healthy. Antioxidants are one of the most essential nutrients because they help cleanse your body of toxins that can cause diseases.

Natural Mood Booster: Functional mushrooms are also great for boosting your mood and reducing anxiety. They contain B vitamins essential for healthy brain function, making them perfect for fighting off depression.

Immune System Support: Functional mushrooms are packed with nutrients that support your immune system and help fight off diseases. They have tons of B vitamins and minerals that boost your immune system and make fighting diseases much more accessible.

Heart Health: Functional mushrooms are also great for heart health. They have lots of vitamins and minerals that help lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease.

Healthy Digestion: Functional mushrooms also help keep your digestion healthy. They contain lots of fiber and are easily digestible, making them perfect for people who have trouble processing other foods.

Brain Health: Finally, functional mushrooms are great for brain health. They contain lots of B vitamins that help improve your memory and make it easier to learn new things.

Reishi: Immunity Booster

Reishi mushroom is a common functional mushroom used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It has recently been studied for its immune system-boosting properties. The reishi mushroom is an excellent source of beta-glucans. These beta-glucans have been shown to help increase the immune system by as much as 50%, making reishi mushrooms a great alternative to synthetic supplements. Reishi mushrooms are also great for lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol, which makes them perfect for people with heart disease or high blood pressure.

Chaga: Immune System Defender and Cancer Fighter

The Chaga mushroom has been found to have some powerful cancer-fighting properties. Studies have found that chaga mushrooms contain potent antioxidants that fight off cancer and prevent tumors from forming. Chaga mushrooms are also great for boosting your immune system and making fighting diseases easier. They contain many antioxidants and minerals that help lower cholesterol and make your body healthier. Chaga has also been found to be very effective against allergies and upper respiratory infections. It is just as effective as some anti-allergy medications.

Cordyceps: Fitness Enhancer and Endurance Booster

The cordyceps mushroom is another ubiquitous functional mushroom. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It has recently been studied for its fitness-enhancing benefits. Cordyceps has been found to increase both your endurance and your athletic performance. It is also very effective at improving overall fitness by boosting your metabolism and helping you burn more fat. Cordyceps mushrooms are also great for enhancing your sexual health. They have improved your libido, sexual stamina, and fertility.

Lion’s Mane: Brain Food

The lion’s mane mushroom is another widespread functional mushroom. It contains antioxidants, minerals, and B vitamins that are perfect for improving your overall health. Lion’s mane mushrooms have been found to lower your risk of diseases and boost your brain health. They have also been shown to reduce inflammation in the brain and help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Lion’s mane mushrooms are also full of amino acids, which makes them great for improving your cognitive abilities. They are perfect for students and anyone who needs to boost their brain function.

Turkey Tail: Heavily studied

May promote healthy blood pressure levels. Turkey tail has been studied for its anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, these mushrooms are a great source of Vitamin C. These mushrooms can also promote a healthy digestive system and may help combat certain types of modern disease.

How to tell quality mushrooms from low-quality mushrooms

In most commercial production settings, many commercial mushroom products today are grown from rice, oats, sawdust, or sorghum grains. Because starch is a byproduct of this process, the grain becomes inseparable from the mycelium and remains in the final product, leading to high amounts of starch.

Authentic mushroom products are aromatic and earthy, while mycelium products are sometimes sweet (due to the starch content).