A deep dive into 6 popular functional mushrooms
Extensive research has shown that there are many different chemical compounds in mushrooms that are responsible for their health-giving properties including vitamins, minerals, alkaloids, proteins and terpenoids.
As an example, Beta-D-glucans are a specific type of polysaccharide found in mushrooms which have immunity-boosting properties and stimulate the production of white blood cells and antibodies. While triterpenoids are lipids and play a complementary role with beta-glucans in immune system activation and delivering antioxidant properties.
Each type of mushroom delivers varying combinations and concentrations of all these compounds (and others) and offers its own specific advantages.
Here are 6 of the best functional mushrooms:
- Lion's Mane
1. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/lions-mane-mushroom
Lion’s Mane mushrooms have been valued for millennia as plants that support health and longevity, calming the mind, aiding meditation, and improving memory.
Today, many people report that Lion’s Mane helps them to think more clearly and feel more focused.
Lion’s Mane contains erinacines and hericenones which help stimulate the synthesis of important proteins called nerve-growth factors. These proteins are important for healthy nerve cell functioning. Lion’s Mane is also believed to help signal transmission between neurons.
Some studies have shown it to act as a protective mechanism against neurological disease. With this unique mushroom’s fascinating connections to a meditative lifestyle comes a sense of connection for seekers who are searching for spiritual harmony and enlightenment.
Cordyceps is a parasitic fungus that grows on ants, caterpillars, tarantulas amongst other insects and arachnids. It’s often found in high mountainous regions of China. Although typically it’s grown on substrates free from animals when used as a food source or medicine products.
It may help increase the body’s production of the molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is essential for delivering energy to the muscles. This improves the way your body uses oxygen, especially during exercise.
Cordyceps contains polyphenols, which can act as antioxidants or help boost antioxidant activity. Antioxidants are molecules that fight cell damage by neutralising free radicals, which can otherwise contribute to disease and ageing.
It might also improve immunity by stimulating cells and specific chemicals in the immune system, in addition to helping fight cancer cells and shrink tumour size, particularly with lung or skin cancers.
It’s commonly used for athletic performance, kidney disorders, liver problems, and sexual problems, but there scientific literature is still in its nascent in supporting these uses.
- Reishi Mushrooms
In ancient China and Japan, Reishi mushrooms, also known as Lingzhi, were considered extremely valuable. Their first recorded use dates back more than 2000 years. At the time, Reishi was known as “the mushroom of immortality”.
2. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cordyceps-benefits#diabetes-and-cholesterol
3. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/reishi-mushroom-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_7
Reishi mushrooms may help with immune system support. Many people also report that they feel less stressed when using Reishi mushrooms, and that they sleep better.
Reishi mushrooms contain a wide range of compounds including proteins, carbohydrates, triterpenes, and minerals. The high nutritional value of Reishi mushrooms is among one of many interesting benefits of this mushroom and has been confirmed in laboratory analyses.
- Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms, once rare in the west, come from the warm climates of south-east Asia. In ancient China, Shiitake mushrooms were considered to be a gift from the gods. It was believed that they helped boost Qi, or life energy.
Shiitake mushrooms contain eritadenine, sterols, and beta-glucans - nutrients that are believed to help combat “bad” cholesterol and improve stamina. Shitake may also improve heart health and immune function
People choose Shiitake as a supplement because these mushrooms also contain amino acids, B Vitamins, Vitamin D, and a range of trace elements including iron, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, potassium, copper, and zinc.
Shiitake also contains a unique polysaccharide known as lentinan. Lentinan might increase the effects of certain medications that fight viruses and cancer. It might also increase the activity of the body's defence (immune) cells. But its benefits are still under debate in the scientific community.
- Chaga Mushrooms
Chaga mushrooms include a cocktail of triterpenoids, melanins, polysaccharides, polyphenols and flavins that act as prebiotics as they inhibit the proliferation of endogenous pathogens (produced inside organism or cell) in the gut. A healthy microbiome is essential to our health and longevity
Chaga mushrooms are also valued as an excellent source of natural antioxidants and minerals including calcium, manganese, and magnesium as well as B Vitamins, Vitamin D, and amino acids. They may help to improve immunity.
Most people can benefit from using Chaga, but if you’re prone to kidney stones, it may be wise to avoid.
- Maitake Mushrooms
Maitake mushrooms are known as the ‘dancing mushroom’ in Japanese as it is said that people danced in happiness when discovering their healing properties.
4. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/shiitake-mushrooms
5. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/chaga-mushroom
6. https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/maitake-mushroom
Maitake contains a range of beta-glucans, polyphenolics, flavonoids, and fatty acids such as linoleic acid - which helps with skin health, growth and development.
This essential organic compound has been shown in studies to promote relaxation and studies suggest in may lower blood pressure.
Maitake may also possess immunomodulation (improvement of immune responses towards an antigen), antioxidant, and other wide-ranging benefits.
Final say
So, could functional mushrooms give you the nutritional boost you need most? The best way to find out is to give them a try!
Since people have been using these mushrooms for centuries with no harmful effects, they’re certainly safe for most people to use.
There are many different ways to consume these mushrooms other than eating them, particularly if flavour is a concern, including tinctures, powders, coffees and soft drinks. With each of these there’s a few things to look out for which can impact the health benefits. These include the how the mushrooms are grown, the quality of the mushrooms, whether they’re using mycelium or fruiting bodies in the products, the extraction process, the bioavailability of beta-glucens, and the other ingredients they’re mixed with. So it’s best to choose a version which works for you. Your body may need time to get used to the new “superfood” you are giving it; we recommend you start low with small servings when trying mushroom supplements for the first time and go slow.