Exploring Functional Mushrooms Benefits
There’s been lots of talk on functional mushrooms benefits, with some sources hailing shrooms as the future of health and wellness.
Everyone, from influencers to respected medical professionals in the country, is talking about the benefits of functional mushrooms and nootropic mushrooms.
Recently, there has been increased interest in medicinal mushrooms as more research studies get positive outcomes on the usefulness of some functional mushrooms for health and wellness.
This has stimulated a vibrant global market, with producers developing new formulations to deliver maximum nootropic mushroom benefits.
But do they work, or is it just a fad? If current research outcomes are anything to go by, some claims may have some truth.
However, these claims are not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration; therefore, the mushrooms are considered dietary supplements.
What are Functional Mushrooms?
Before we get to the functional mushrooms benefits, we first have to understand what they are. So, what are functional mushrooms?
The world of mushrooms is vast. Approximately 14,000 species of mushrooms have been discovered so far, of which over 2,200 have been identified as edible.
Some are perfect for culinary pursuits, but some, such as mushroom nootropics, have shown impressive health and wellness-improving capabilities. So, what exactly are functional mushrooms?
Functional mushrooms are a class of fungi claimed to have health benefits beyond their nutritional compositions.
Functional mushrooms can be any fruiting fungi used for any benefit, like managing inflammation, whether they are found deep in the forest, under logs, in rocks, or cultivated.
Depending on where you live, these mushrooms may be found fresh at your local farmer’s market, but they are usually found in powder and supplement form.
Functional mushrooms can be categorized into two groups: medicinal mushrooms and adaptogenic mushrooms.
Medicinal mushrooms are those that provide specific health benefits. They can be mushrooms that offer antioxidative and cytotoxic benefits.
Some, like mushroom nootropics, are believed to affect cognition function positively. Medicinal mushrooms have high levels of polysaccharides such as beta-glucans and triterpenes.
While they are believed to have specific health benefits, it’s important to remember that they are regulated as foods, not as drugs, as they are considered dietary supplements.
Adaptogenic mushrooms, on the other hand, are fungi that contain compounds that, instead of providing specific benefits like medicinal mushrooms, help the body adapt to and fight physical, chemical, and biological stress.
As such, rather than relieving inflammation or its cause, adaptogens help our stress response systems function as intended.
Now that you know what they are, what are the top 5 functional mushrooms benefits?
Top 5 Benefits of Functional Mushrooms
Here are the top functional mushrooms benefits everyone should know about:
- Immune support
One of the most popular benefits of functional mushrooms is supporting and strengthening the immune system.
Medicinal mushrooms have been used throughout history to help the body prevent, fight ailments, and support general wellness. Current research shows that these past civilizations may have been on to something.
Research studies show that the numerous polysaccharides and other compounds in mushrooms appear to enhance the body’s immune responses.
Studies on the functional mushrooms benefits of Reishi, Chaga, Lion’s Mane, and Shiitake suggest there are different ways they may support the immune system.
In one study on Reishi, the researchers found that treatment with functional mushrooms tended to increase the production of several types of white blood cells in patients with colorectal cancer.
Another study on Lion’s mane found that the mushroom’s compounds helped improve the immune function, helping protect the body against bacteria, viruses, and illnesses.
These functional mushrooms benefits are still under investigation. More research is still needed to confirm their occurrence and intensity.
- They may improve cardiovascular health
A number of studies have suggested that a positive impact on cardiovascular health is one of many benefits of functional mushrooms.
Several studies suggest that these fungi may help increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL), sometimes called the ‘good cholesterol.’
HDL absorbs the cholesterol in the blood and transports it to the liver, flushing it out of the body. Higher HDL levels may lower your risk for stroke or heart disease.
In one study on oyster mushrooms, researchers found it significantly lowered blood glucose and cholesterol in diabetic patients.
A 2021 review of studies on the relationship between the consumption of mushrooms and cardiovascular health found that mushroom consumption hasn’t been conclusively shown to affect heart health risk factors yet.
But potential functional mushrooms benefits, such as a positive impact on lipid profiles and blood pressure reduction, may exist.
More research is needed to understand how mushrooms and mushroom-derived compounds may help improve heart health.
- Mushroom nootropics and positive impact on the cognitive function
If you have been following the mushroom industry, you probably have encountered the term’ nootropic.
The internet is full of enthusiasts asking questions like ‘What are the best mushroom nootropics? What are the best nootropics for anxiety, ADHD, etc.’ But what are nootropics?
In general definition, nootropics, also referred to as cognitive enhancers, smart drugs, or memory enhancers, are substances believed to boost brain performance and memory function.
These include prescription and nonprescription medications that purport to improve thinking, attention, creativity, motivation, and memory. But can mushrooms help you think clearly?
Mushroom nootropics are dietary supplements made from nutrient-rich functional mushrooms that are believed to be a healthier way to boost brain function.
But can they boost thinking? And what are the best mushroom nootropics?
It is unproven that functional nootropic mushrooms can improve thinking. However, researchers are investigating the possibility that mushroom compounds can make nootropics for anxiety, nootropics for ADHD, or nootropics for depression.
The link between mushrooms and neurological benefits is not new.
One 2022 study based on 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Survey data found that regular mushroom intake may reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
A Norwegian study found that high mushroom intake by older adults is associated with better cognitive performance than those with very low or no intake.
While current research data doesn’t confirm whether clear thinking is one of the functional mushrooms benefits, studies show they may help manage cognitive decline.
- Stress management
Some functional mushrooms are known as adaptogenic. The benefits of these functional mushrooms are that they help our bodies adapt to changes and new environments, in short, stress.
Adaptogenic mushrooms do not produce specific health benefits like their medicinal mushroom counterparts. Instead, they contain compounds that help the body adapt to cope with the stress and return to homeostasis.
This makes some mushrooms potential natural alternatives for nootropics for anxiety and nootropics for depression.
It’s believed that functional mushroom adaptogens help regulate the HPA axis, a hormone-signaling pathway associated with stress response.
Mushrooms such as Reishi may help reduce stress-related fatigue, promoting overall well-being.
Stress can be the root cause of many conditions, such as sleep problems and depression. By dealing with stress, functional mushrooms may help improve other conditions, reducing the need for medication, such as nootropics for depression.
- Improve focus and concentration
Some functional mushrooms benefits include improving focus and concentration, which can lead to better productivity. This, in a way, may also aid the stress-relieving benefits of functional mushrooms.
Mushrooms such as Lion’s Mane are known for their claimed positive impact on the brain. One of Lion’s Mane functional mushrooms benefits is boosting brain cell production.
Most functional mushrooms have anti-inflammatory properties. It is theorized that this may help improve blood flow to the brain.
With increased blood flow, the brain gets more oxygen, which may help us concentrate better than we would otherwise have been able to.
Best mushroom nootropics may also help improve concentration and focus. This suggests that they may be effective as natural alternatives for Adderall and Ritalin, which are often used as nootropics for ADHD.
Best Nootropic Mushrooms to Buy Online in the US
- Focus Nootropic Mushroom Gummies
Elevate your mornings with these delicious Focus nootropic shroom gummies from the leading hemp and mushroom products producer in the United States.
Focus gummies are made from a unique blend of mushrooms and cannabinoids to provide a unique experience that enhances focus and boosts energy naturally, setting the mood for a productive day ahead.
Order Focus Nootropic Mushroom Gummies from CBD Farmhouse and experience the synergy of Chaga, Lion’s Mane, CBD, green tea extract, Ginkgo Biloba, and CBG.
- Clarity Nootropic Shroom Capsules
Enhance your mental clarity and supercharge your energy with CBD Farmhouse’s unique Clarity nootropic shroom capsules.
These powerhouse supplements harness the power of renowned functional mushrooms, including Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, Agarikon, and Lion’s Mane. Other ingredients include jukyeom, watermelon juice, ashwagandha, guarana, CBD, and CBG.
This product is expertly formulated to enhance physical endurance, promote mental clarity and focus, and boost energy.
Buy Clarity Nootropic Shroom Capsules at CBD Farmhouse today and enjoy premium quality without breaking the bank.
Shop Functional Mushrooms x CBD Online in the United States
Now that you know of functional mushrooms benefits, where can you buy high-quality shroom products in the United States?
CBD Farmhouse is a leading mushroom and hemp producer in the country. At CBD Farmhouse, we offer premium formulations expertly prepared to help you embark on a functional mushroom and CBD-powered wellness journey.
Buy functional mushroom products at CBD Farmhouse today and experience the bliss of natural well-being.