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How do functional mushrooms work - Nummies

How do functional mushrooms work

Mushrooms are known in the culinary world, and while functional mushrooms have been in ancient cultures for years, it is about now that are gaining popularity as dietary supplements. Many people still have questions on how functional mushrooms work.  This guide will delve into the details on how it works, benefits and more. 

Understanding Functional Mushrooms:

Functional mushrooms, also known as medicinal mushrooms, have a rich history rooted in traditional medicine practices across cultures. From the ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine to indigenous healing traditions, these mushrooms have long been revered for their therapeutic properties. Today, modern science is uncovering the secrets behind their efficacy, confirming what our ancestors have known for centuries.

Types of Mushrooms:

There are various types of functional mushrooms, each with its own unique set of benefits. Let’s dive into a closer look at some of the most commonly used mushrooms in supplement form:

  • Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum): Known as the "Mushroom of Immortality," Reishi is revered for its adaptogenic properties, immune-boosting effects, and support for liver health. One of my favorites.

  • Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus): Prized for its potential to support cognitive function and brain health, Lion's Mane stimulates nerve cell growth and regeneration.

  • Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis): Believed to support respiratory health, enhance endurance, and improve vitality, Cordyceps is known for its energizing properties.

  • Chaga (Inonotus obliquus): Rich in antioxidants and immune-modulating compounds, Chaga promotes overall well-being and helps the body adapt to stress.

  • Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor): Packed with immune-boosting polysaccharides, Turkey Tail supports immune health and overall wellness.

  • Shiitake (Lentinula edodes): Besides its immune-modulating effects, Shiitake may offer protection against viral infections, such as COVID-19, thanks to its antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immuno-modulatory properties. 

  • Maitake (Grifola frondosa): Known as the "Hen of the Woods," Maitake mushrooms enhance immune function and promote overall health.

  • Agaricus blazei Murrill: Valued for its immune-modulating effects, Agaricus blazei Murrill supports overall health and well-being.

  • Tremella: Prized for its hydrating and skin-nourishing properties, Tremella promotes healthy, radiant skin.

  • Psilocybin: While primarily known for its hallucinogenic effects, Psilocybin mushrooms are being studied for their potential therapeutic benefits, including for conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

The Inner Workings of Mushroom Supplements:

So, how exactly do mushroom supplements work? These supplements are typically derived from the fruiting bodies or mycelium of select mushroom species, which are then processed into various forms such as powders, extracts, or capsules. Within these mushrooms lie a treasure trove of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds, each contributing to their remarkable health benefits. We perform a double extraction to gain access to the bioactive compounds then proceed to leverage this to make the gummies. 

Harnessing the Power of Functional Mushrooms for Wellness:

Functional mushroom supplements offer a holistic approach to wellness, addressing various aspects of health from stress reduction to immune response support and beyond. - 

  • Adaptogenic mushrooms like Reishi mushrooms and Cordyceps mushrooms help the body adapt to stressors, promoting a sense of calm and balance. You can find both in our Daily Functional Mushroom Gummies to provide you overall support, in our Sleep Gummies to help you unwind and get ready for bedtime. And Cordyceps in particular on our Performance Gummies to boost your energy levels.

  • Mushrooms such as Maitake and Turkey Tail are rich in beta glucans, compounds known for their immune-modulating properties, helping to strengthen our body's defense mechanisms like with anti-inflammatory effects to fight free radicals. Mushrooms like Lion's Mane and Chaga contain prebiotic fibers that nourish beneficial gut bacteria, supporting digestion and overall gut health. You can find these in Functional Mushrooms Gummies and Defense Gummies which are great for supporting your immune system and getting back from allergies and colds. 

Choosing the Right Mushroom Supplements:

When selecting mushroom supplements, several factors should be taken into consideration to ensure you're getting the most out of your wellness regimen. 

  • Benefits: Consider the specific health benefits you're looking to achieve, whether there is boosting cognitive health, overall wellness, healthy aging, boosting energy, aids your sleep quality, supports gut health, lessens your anxiety and stress, improve heart health, and other medicinal benefits.

  • Purity and Potency of the supplement, from pure, high-quality mushrooms without fillers, additives, or artificial ingredients. Look for certified organic products and undergo third-party testing to verify their purity and authenticity. This is one of the reasons we started Nummies. Also explore factors such as the extraction method and the concentration of bioactive compounds. 

  • The quality and sources of the mushrooms used. Choose supplements from reputable brands known for their commitment to quality and transparency. Look for companies that adhere to good manufacturing practices e(GMP) and prioritize sustainability and ethical sourcing 

  • And the extract ratios provided. They indicate the concentration of bioactive compounds extracted from the mushroom. These ratios can vary depending on factors such as the extraction method and the desired potency of the supplement.10:1 extract ratio means that 10 grams of mushroom material were used to produce 1 gram of the final extract. Higher extract ratios generally indicate a more concentrated and potent supplement,

By choosing supplements from reputable brands and following recommended dosages and usage guidelines, you can enjoy the full potential of these potent fungi to support your health and vitality. At Nummies we take these steps seriously and want to provide you with the highest quality possible. 

How to Use and Dosages:

When incorporating mushroom supplements into your wellness routine, it's essential to follow recommended dosages and usage guidelines for optimal results. Dosages may vary depending on factors such as the specific mushroom species, the form of the supplement, and individual health goals. Mushroom supplements can be consumed in various forms, including capsules, powders, extracts, and tinctures, and can be taken with meals or on an empty stomach. By integrating mushroom supplements into your daily routine thoughtfully, you can empower yourself to take control of your health and well-being.

 

As you embark on your wellness journey, remember that functional mushroom supplements are powerful allies in your quest for health and vitality. By harnessing the natural healing properties of these mushrooms, you can reduce stress, boost immunity, and promote overall well-being from the inside out. Nummies is committed to providing you with reliable information and high-quality supplements to support your wellness goals. Here's to a healthier, happier you!

 

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Source:

  1. Stamets, Paul. "Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms." Ten Speed Press, 2011.

  2. Wasser, Solomon P. "Medicinal mushroom science: Current perspectives, advances, evidences, and challenges." Biomedical journal 38, no. 4 (2015): 302-311.

  3. Jin, Xiuhua, Xiumei Ma, and Zhenhua Ye. "Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides improve insulin sensitivity by regulating inflammatory cytokines and gut microbiota composition in mice." Journal of Functional Foods 65 (2020): 103732.

  4. Vetvicka, Vaclav, and Jana Vetvickova. "Immune-enhancing effects of Maitake (Grifola frondosa) and Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) extracts." Annals of Translational Medicine 2, no. 2 (2014): 14.

  5. Wang, Yulan, Aiping Liu, Yingjing Liu, Lina Li, Peng Sun, Jianjun Jin, and Yongchang Zheng. "Therapeutic potential of polysaccharides from Lentinus edodes (shiitake) mushrooms for patients with antibiotic-associated diarrhea." Microbial pathogenesis 135 (2019): 103612.

  6. Mattila, Petri, Ismo Hakkarainen, and Reetta Suominen. "Purification and characterization of a lectin from the mushroom Tricholoma mongolicum." Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)-General Subjects 1724, no. 1-2 (2005): 29-38.

  7. Giese, Ellen C., Shuo Wang, and Jay J. Thelen. "Lipidomic analysis of fungal oil-containing lipid particles reveals triglycerides, sterols, and other storage compounds." Eukaryotic cell 7, no. 10 (2008): 1701-1710.

  8. Lai, Ching-Long, Wei-Fang Lin, Jia-Ching Wang, Yi-Ling Huang, and Chi-Chang Huang. "Antihyperglycemic and insulin sensitizer effects of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides in diabetic hamsters." Food and Function 8, no. 9 (2017): 3360-3372.

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