How do you think of mushrooms? Are they a tasteless, watery Funghi that you prefer to avoid or a delicious addition to creamy risottos?
While mushrooms might be both of those things to some, what they certainly are to all people is an underrated superfood. Mushrooms work to keep your immune system balanced and working at peak performance.
Keep reading to find out how mushrooms support immune health and overall well-being.
6 Benefits of Mushrooms for Long-Term Health
Check out these six amazing benefits of the very underrated mushroom. You’ll be itching to incorporate more ‘shrooms’ into your diet to create a healthier lifestyle.
1. Boosts Overall Immune System Function
Mushrooms stimulate cytokine production. This increases our natural killer cells which improve our body’s defense system. The immune system is also activated by compounds such as terpenes, that are found in mushrooms.
These nutrients that are present in mushrooms are crucial for immunomodulation – the adjustment of the immune system to keep it in balance and maintain full strength.
The way in which compounds in mushrooms interact with gut microbiota has shown to improve immune cell function.
2. Sleep Aid & Increased Energy Levels
A fantastic benefit of cooking medicinal mushrooms over the long-term is a possible reduction in fatigue and stress. If taken over a long time, mushrooms such as reishi may help to improve the quality of sleep.
Additionally, many types of mushrooms can increase ATP production which is responsible for giving our cells energy.
3. Fight Inflammation
The powerful polysaccharides, beta-glucans, are important for fighting inflammation. This is crucial for possibly lowering the risk of cancer.
The beta-glucans attach to the immune cells which activate them, allowing these immune cells to recognize ‘foreign’ intruders, such as cancer, and develop a stronger defensive response.
The high antioxidant content of mushrooms has led scientists to believe that the powerful fungi may help to prevent lung, prostate, and breast cancer.
4. Improves Cardiovascular Health
Mushrooms such as shiitake, which are easily incorporated into the diet, are a fantastic supplement for supporting a healthy cardiovascular system.
5. Supports Healthy Brain Function
Mushrooms are rich in beta-glucans. This compound may help to prevent tumor growth and includes neuroprotective chemicals. Mushrooms such as Lion’s Mane can protect against Oxidative Stress which may reduce the risk of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
6. Regulates Blood Pressure
Many types of mushrooms, such as maitake, stimulate our immune system’s lymphocytes. This may help to regulate blood pressure and support immune function.
Supplements with Mushrooms
While all mushrooms have beneficial compounds that have immunomodulating effects, incorporating a blend of mushrooms into your diet is the best way to get all of the incredible health benefits.
Cooking with a variety of mushrooms every day is not feasible. The best way is to benefit from the healing properties of mushrooms is to use a mushroom blend supplement.
These blends can be purchased in the form of tinctures or powders that you can easily add to a smoothie or hot drink.
Take Control of Your Immune Health
Maintaining optimum immune health is your first line of defense. It protects you from viruses and seasonal colds and bugs, as well as more sinister diseases. Incorporating mushrooms into your diet is an excellent way to support improved immunity.
Contact us today to talk about high-quality supplements that will boost immunity and improve your health and well-being.