The shroom boom is here and mushrooms are popping up everywhere! “Functional mushrooms” are mushrooms that may possess health-enhancing properties that extend beyond their nutritional content. Mushrooms like Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, Cordyceps, and Reishi provide a host of brain and immune boosting potential benefits. These benefits have been promoted for thousands of years in Chinese, Japanese and Russian cultures.
In recent years, scientific research has begun to unveil the remarkable properties of functional mushrooms. Researchers have discovered that these fungi contain bioactive compounds such as beta-glucans, polysaccharides, terpenoids, and antioxidants, which contribute to their impressive health benefits. These compounds have been associated with immune system modulation, improved cognitive function, reduced inflammation, and increased energy levels.(1)
Sources:
Harvard University School of Public Health. Mushrooms. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/mushrooms/