Introduction
Adaptogenic mushrooms are an excellent addition to your mushroom supplement routine. While most people think of mushrooms in terms of their edible caps or mycelium, the fruiting body is actually the reproductive portion of a fungus. These fruiting bodies contain many valuable compounds that can help us fight off diseases, regulate blood sugar levels and boost immunity.
Fruiting bodies can be an awesome option for your supplement needs.
Fruiting bodies are the part of the mushroom that grows above ground. They’re what you would eat, if you were to eat a mushroom. (And yes, some people do eat these.) Fruiting bodies are incredibly nutrient-dense and easy to digest and absorb into your body—in fact, they’re one of my favorite ways to supplement!
If you want to try this out for yourself, here’s how: Take 1-2 grams daily with or without food.
Reishi
Reishi is a mushroom that has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. It is an adaptogen, meaning it can help the body adapt to stress.
As an immune booster, reishi has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.
Studies have also shown that reishi capsules may improve memory, which can be helpful for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia caused by stroke or head injury.
Lion’s Mane
This edible mushroom is commonly cultivated in Asia, and it has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. It may also help with brain function and improve memory. Lion’s mane contains antioxidants that help fight free radicals in the body. It’s also a good source of vitamin D. In addition, this mushroom contains polysaccharides that can boost your immune system and protect against certain diseases like cancer.
The best way to prepare lion’s mane is by sautéing or boiling it in water until tender before adding it to soups, sauces or stews. You can also boil the mushroom whole for about 15 minutes before eating it as part of an appetizer dish called “tempura” (deep fried).
Cordyceps
When you think about the best ways to boost your immune system, cordyceps may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But this mighty mushroom has been used for centuries by Chinese medicine practitioners in order to treat lung and kidney diseases, fatigue and weakness. It’s also been shown to improve athletic performance as well as cognition.
Cordyceps is a fungus that grows on caterpillars in the Tibetan mountains (the species Ophiocordyceps sinensis). Though it’s rare for these fungi to grow on humans (if at all), they do invade insects which can then take over their bodies until they eventually turn into zombies who will eventually die at the hands of their parasitic invaders! It sounds pretty scary but here’s what makes them so special:
Turkey Tail
Turkey Tail is a fungus that grows on dead trees and stumps. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years due to its many health benefits. This mushroom promotes healthy immune function by strengthening your body’s defenses against viruses, bacteria and fungi (1). It’s also anti-inflammatory and can help relieve symptoms of arthritis (2).
Turkey Tail contains polysaccharides, which are known for their antiviral properties (3). Polysaccharides help fight off harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella because they prevent the bacteria from sticking together so they can’t form their protective layer around themselves (4).
Conclusion
It’s important to remember that no one mushroom is a cure-all, and you should always consult with your doctor before taking any supplements. However, these are some of the most well-researched and effective supplements on the market, and they can be an amazing addition to your daily routine!
