Although it may seem like an emerging concept or a new “trend”, mushrooms have long been valued for their nutritional and beneficial properties. It’s exciting to witness their increased prominence in the world of wellness and supplements. These powerful fungi offer a wide range of health benefits, from boosting the immune system to enhancing cognitive function.
When researching the best supplement for you, it’s vital to understand the terminology associated with mushroom supplements. If you’re feeling slightly confused or overwhelmed, this guide can help you get started.
What are functional mushrooms?
Functional mushrooms are a category of mushrooms that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Unlike culinary mushrooms, which are mainly used for flavour and texture in dishes, functional mushrooms are known for their bioactive compounds, which can support various aspects of health and wellbeing.
Common functional mushrooms:- Reishi: Known for its calming, immune-boosting and sleep-enhancing properties.
- Lion’s Mane: Enhances cognitive function, nerve health, mood and energy.
- Cordyceps: Used to boost physical performance, endurance and respiratory health.
- Turkey Tail: Valued for its anti-inflammatory and gut-supporting capabilities.
- Chaga: One of the most potent natural antioxidants, also known for its immunomodulating properties and high concentration of melanin.
- Birch Polypore: Exhibits antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
8 Key Mushroom Terms
Here are 8 key terms you will often come across while researching mushrooms and various mushroom supplements.
1. Nootropics
Nootropics are supplements or other substances that transform the mind into a better working machine! They have a positive effect on brain functions, especially memory, focus, learning and mental clarity. Things like caffeine, omega-3 fatty acids and Lion's Mane mushroom all are natural nootropics!
2. Adaptogens
Adaptogens are natural substances, including certain plants and mushrooms, that are used in herbal medicine to help the body stabilise or adapt to stress. However, only substances meeting stringent criteria are classified as "adaptogens". Reishi and Cordyceps mushrooms are widely recognised for their adaptogenic properties, contributing to stress resistance and vitality.
3. Polysaccharides
Are long-chain carbohydrate molecules connected together in various ways! They are derived from plants and mushrooms, forming major components of the human diet. These molecules are also the most abundant carbohydrates found in food.
4. Beta-glucan
Beta-glucans are a specific type of polysaccharide that has the ability to modulate our immune system. They can be found in abundance in the fruiting body of the mushroom.
5. Chitin
Composed of natural polysaccharides, Chitin is a tough substance that forms the outer cell walls of fungi. It's difficult for humans to break down Chitin. Since the beneficial compounds like beta-glucans, are locked up within these tough walls, extraction is necessary to release these compounds and maximise their benefits.
6. Spores
Spores are reproductive units of mushrooms, similar to seeds in plants. They are microscopic and released from the fruiting body of the mushroom. Spores contain all the genetic material needed to produce a new mushroom. They are also used in some mushroom supplements for their concentrated nutritional and beneficial properties. For example, our Reishi tincture uses both the fruiting body and spores to extract all the goodness from this mushroom.
7. Mycelium
Mycelium is the vegetative part of a fungus, consisting of a network of fine white filaments (hyphae). It acts as the organism’s root system absorbing nutrients from the environment. Many supplements use mycelium within their products. However, there is ongoing debate regarding the concentration of bioactive compounds within mycelium, as it is challenging to separate mycelium from substrate. Therefore, if a supplement contains mycelium, it may also contain unnecessary starch from grain substrates.
8. Fruiting Body
The fruiting body is the reproductive structure of the mushroom that is visible above the ground (or the surface it's grown on - substrate). It’s the part we most commonly recognise as a mushroom and is often harvested for both culinary and beneficial properties. The fruiting body contains a high concentration of bioactive compounds, making it a key component in mushroom supplements. The highest quality mushroom supplements are made from the fruiting body (and spores in certain circumstances).
Incorporating mushroom supplements into your routine
Mushroom supplements are available in various forms, including capsules, powders and tinctures. Tinctures are the best due to their bioavailability and extraction methods - learn more here.
Here’s how to start incorporating them into your daily life:
- Determine your health goals: Identify what you hope to achieve by taking mushroom supplements. Whether it’s boosting immunity, enhancing cognitive function, or managing stress, there’s a specific mushroom that can help.
- Check the ingredients: Is the supplement dual-extracted? It is made with fruiting body or mycelium? How long is the ingredients list? Remember - the longer the ingredients list, the less of the key ingredient that is most important to you.
- Consistency is key: For the best results, take your chosen mushroom supplement consistently. The benefits are built over time with regular use.
Conclusion
Functional Mushrooms are a powerful addition to any wellness routine, offering a wide range of health benefits from immune support to cognitive enhancement. By understanding key terms like mycelium, polysaccharides, and beta-glucans, you can make informed decisions about which mushroom supplements are the highest quality and potency.
References
- Bioactive compounds in functional mushrooms.
- Immune-boosting effects of beta-glucans.
- Cognitive and adaptogenic benefits of functional mushrooms.
Get in touch
If you have any questions regarding any or our mushrooms or tinctures, or need further guidance and advice - do get in touch! We're always happy to help.
