The Magic of Mushrooms 🍄

The Magic of Mushrooms 🍄

Mushrooms are often overlooked as a healthy food, but they're actually packed with nutrients that can boost your health in a number of ways. From supporting your immune system to protecting your heart, mushrooms have a lot to offer. 

 

Here are just a few of the health benefits of mushrooms: 

 

High in antioxidants

Mushrooms are a good source of antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage. Antioxidants are important for preventing chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's. 

  

Support your immune system

Mushrooms contain compounds that help boost your immune system. This can help you fight off infections and stay healthy. 

  

Lower cholesterol

Some mushrooms, like shiitake mushrooms, can help lower cholesterol levels. This is because they contain compounds that inhibit the production of cholesterol and block its absorption. 

  

Protect your heart

Mushrooms contain compounds that can help protect your heart health. For example, shiitake mushrooms contain lentinan, which has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease. 

  

May improve cognitive function

Some mushrooms, like lion's mane mushrooms, have been shown to improve cognitive function. This is because they contain compounds that can help protect the brain from damage. 

 

There are many different types of mushrooms, each with its own unique health benefits. Some of the most popular mushrooms for their health benefits include: 

 

Regular mushrooms. 

By regular I mean the ones you will always find in the supermarket, and these aren’t to be avoided because of the mushrooms to follow either, variety is key and your regular mushroom is pretty cool. The mushrooms I'm talking about include: button, flat and portabella mushrooms and they all have a decent amount of protein, fibre, vitamins C, B1 & B2, minerals, selenium, potassium and copper.  

 

Shiitake mushrooms.  

Shiitake mushrooms are known for their ability to support the immune system and lower cholesterol levels. They contain lentinan, a type of beta-glucan that has been shown to support the immune system. Lentinan has been shown to increase the production of white blood cells, which help fight off infection. Shiitake are low in calories and fat, and they're a good source of fibre. This makes them a good choice for people who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Fiber can help you feel full and satisfied after eating, which can help you eat less calories overall. 

 

Reishi mushrooms.  

Reishi mushrooms are known for their stress-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. They contain triterpenes, which are compounds that have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. Triterpenes work by increasing the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood. Triterpenes, have also been shown to improve sleep quality, they work by reducing the production of cortisol, a stress hormone that can interfere with sleep. This remarkable mushroom thrives in the forests of Asia and is the cornerstone of our groundbreaking Daily Immunity drinks.

 

Why did we choose to include it in our Daily Immunity drinks? 

 

Stress relief: 

Reishi mushroom’s unique properties are believed to help the body manage stress. Rich in triterpenes and polysaccharides, it is thought to promote a sense of calm and relaxation, allowing you to drift off into a restful sleep. 

 

Immune support:

Studies suggest that Reishi may fortify the immune system. It could help to bolster immune function, providing support against external threats. 

 

Cognitive function: 

Reishi’s high antioxidant concentration is thought to support cognitive function and brain health. It may help enhance focus, clarity and memory, priming your mind for optimal rest and recovery.

 

Lion's mane mushrooms.  

 

Lion's mane mushrooms are known for their ability to improve cognitive function. Hericenones and erinacines: These are two compounds found in lions mane mushrooms that have been shown to stimulate the growth of nerve cells and protect them from damage.  

 

Nerve growth factor (NGF): NGF is a protein that is essential for the growth and survival of nerve cells. Lions' mane mushroom has been shown to increase levels of NGF in the brain. This is thought to be one of the ways that lion's mane mushroom improves cognitive function. 

 

Antioxidants: Lions mane mushroom is a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect cells from damage. Oxidative damage is a major factor in the development of age-related cognitive decline. By providing antioxidants, lions mane mushroom may help to slow down or prevent this decline. 

 

 

So next time you're at the supermarket/grocery store, don't forget to pick up some mushrooms! They're a delicious and healthy addition to any diet, plus they are so versatile 🍄  

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