How Do Functional Mushrooms Work? The Active Fungi Compounds And Mechanisms Of Action
Do functional mushrooms work? If they do, what is the science behind their benefits?
Functional mushrooms seem to be the new global health and wellness wave. Everywhere you go, you come across their claimed benefits and scientific terms explaining how they work.
They are also in everything, from power bars and capsules to functional mushroom gummies.
But do functional mushrooms work?
Mushrooms have been used to promote health and wellness for thousands of years. And as current research shows, these ancient civilizations were on to something.
However, what’s unclear to most people is how these mushrooms work for health, the active compounds, and the benefits.
In this article, we answer all questions you may have about functional mushrooms benefits.
We start by answering the questions ‘What are functional mushrooms?’ and ‘Do functional mushrooms work?’
We will also tell you where to get the best functional mushrooms in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. CBD Farmhouse is the best store for all your CBD, Delta 8 THC, and mushroom needs.
Our retail location is at Spring Valley Business Center at 4448 Spring Valley Rd, Dallas, Texas. You can also call us at +1 877-613-3276 to make an order in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area.
What are Functional Mushrooms?
Before answering the ‘do functional mushrooms work’ question, we must first figure out what they are. So, what are functional mushrooms?
Mushrooms are everywhere. You may have encountered them in a delicious risotto dish or at the farmers’ market.
But as you will find out, there are different types of mushrooms, and they can be grouped by their purposes, whether they are edible or not, and even their effects.
There are edible and non-edible mushrooms. Edible mushrooms can be further classified into gourmet, magic, and functional mushrooms. So, what are functional mushrooms?
The term ‘functional mushrooms’ refers to a type of fungi that have beneficial properties to your health in addition to their nutritional benefits.
To put it simply, these are mushrooms that have health benefits. And there are quite a number of them.
From chaga, lion’s mane, and reishi to the curious-looking cordyceps, functional mushrooms are not usually the most delicious.
But if current studies are something to go by, they are worth it.
Functional mushrooms can further be divided into medicinal and adaptogenic mushrooms. While there’s some overlap, these terms don’t typically refer to the same thing.
- Adaptogenic mushrooms: These are mushrooms that actively aid the human body in managing stress and maintaining homeostasis.
These are non-toxic when consumed in usual amounts and contain compounds that promote health and wellness by supporting the stress response system.
These mushrooms play an essential role in managing balance in the body.
- Medicinal mushrooms: These contain compounds that are claimed to provide specific health benefits.
Whether it is helping eliminate harmful cells, prevent diseases, or promoted as functional mushrooms for anxiety.
While studies have shown mushroom potential in promoting health, they are still considered dietary supplements by the US Food and Drug Administration.
Note that a functional mushroom is considered adaptogenic if it offers stressor support.
Do Functional Mushrooms Work?
This is one of the most asked questions about medicinal and adaptogenic mushrooms. Do functional mushrooms work?
As mentioned above, there is evidence that mushrooms have been used to manage conditions and promote health for thousands of years.
Mushrooms today are touted to have many benefits, including antibacterial properties, enhancing the immune system, lowering bad cholesterol in the body, and others.
Mushrooms are also mentioned as containing compounds important in improving heart health, gut health, stamina, and longevity, among others. They are also important sources of bioactive compounds.
But do functional mushrooms work?
Current research suggests that it does. There are studies reporting all impressive potential mushroom benefits, from its antiobesity and anticarcinogenic to antidiabetic properties.
However, most of the research has been done on individual species rather than on functional mushrooms as a whole.
There are studies showing that lion’s mane inhibits the growth of human cancer cells in the lab, Shiitake consumption results in improved immunity, and the reishi’s potential to reduce obesity by modulating the gut microbiota composition.
So, do functional mushrooms work? Yes, they do. However, they are yet to be approved as a treatment by the FDA.
They are considered dietary supplements. Now that you know functional mushrooms work, here’s how their bioactive compounds improve your health.
Functional Mushrooms Active Compounds and Mechanism
Now that you have the answer to ‘Do functional mushrooms work?’ you may be wondering what the beneficial active compounds are.
- Polysaccharides: These are long chains of immunomodulating prebiotic carbohydrate molecules that exist in nature. They are the compounds responsible for mushrooms’ meaty texture.
These compounds have a variety of immunomodulating and health-promoting properties. Beta-glucans, the best-studied polysaccharides, feed and modulate our gut microbes, leading to the benefits.
- Vitamins and minerals: Do functional mushrooms work? They are a source of vitamins and minerals essential to our health and well-being.
These include zinc, potassium, selenium, phosphorus, and vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for immunity support, while the minerals have various benefits.
Selenium, for example, is essential for cognitive support and thyroid health.
- Terpenes: These organic hydrocarbons are primarily found in plants, including hemp and cannabis, but they are also found in fungi.
Functional mushrooms have mono-, sesqui-, di-, and tri-terpenoids that, like their plant-obtained counterparts, have health benefits.
These include anything from anti-inflammation, antioxidant, anti-pain and more.
Some studies suggest that mushroom terpenes may benefit conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases.
- Phenolic compounds: These refer to mushroom-derived molecules that have at least one phenol unit.
These include tannins, lignans, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and more. These compounds also have some health benefits.
A study found they have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cardioprotective, antiviral, antimicrobial, and antiallergenic properties.
- Proteins and peptides: These are some of the most important bioactive compounds in functional mushrooms.
These compounds have also been found to have significant health benefits.
Top 5 Functional Mushroom Benefits
Before buying functional mushroom gummies in Dallas and the Dallas-Fort Worth area, what are the benefits of these shrooms?
- Support a healthy immune system
Mushrooms have been used throughout history to support and strengthen the immune system. Current research shows there’s some truth behind these claims.
Studies have shown mushroom’s potential for immune system support. In one study on a common functional mushroom, reishi, researchers concluded that the mushroom has potential immunomodulating effects in colorectal cancer patients.
Your immune system may benefit from various functional mushroom compounds, including Vitamin B6, which helps the body form DNA and red blood cells. Vitamin D which boosts immune function, and selenium which helps the body make antioxidant enzymes.
- Promote a healthier gut
The microbiome in your gut plays an important role in your health and wellness. Stimulating the growth of healthy bacteria is one way of keeping a healthy gut.
One study on the immune-supporting effects of Lion’s Mane found that its immunomodulatory effects are mediated by the gut immune system.
The use of functional mushrooms as a prebiotic has recently gained popularity, with research showing that it has potential benefits.
Unlike other foods, the polysaccharides pass through the stomach and reach the colon unchanged. These polysaccharides support the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut.
- Improve or support cognitive function
A survey on the relationship between mushroom intake and cognitive performance among older US adults found evidence suggesting that regular mushroom consumption may reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
One explanation for these results is that functional mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and vitamin D, which have neuroprotective effects.
Another study found that people who took two cups of mushrooms a week had up to 50% reduced risk of developing mild cognitive impairment.
If you are looking for the best functional mushrooms for energy and cognitive function, check out our Clarity Nootropic Mushroom Capsules with CBD and CBG.
- Stress management
Some functional mushrooms are adaptogenic. This means they contain certain compounds that help the body reduce the negative effects of physical, biological, and chemical stressors.
Adaptogens help maintain normal function despite the stress and promote homeostasis, or balance in the body.
This can help boost your immune system and avoid many health issues associated with stress. It is claimed that functional mushrooms for anxiety work by lowering stress.
- Boost energy and enhance endurance
Some functional mushrooms are known for their energy and stamina-boosting properties.
There are different theories on how this works. One study found that a fermented Cordyceps sinensis product improved performance and endurance in exercise for older people.
According to the study, the participants’ maximum oxygen uptake significantly increased.
There are also theories that functional mushrooms improve aerobic capacity and endurance by supporting optimal heart health and lung function.
Final Word on How Functional Mushrooms Work for Health
Do functional mushrooms work? Current research evidence suggests they do.
Mushrooms have been used throughout human history, with studies showing numerous benefits for our health and wellness. From improving gut health and the immune system to managing stress.
Functional mushrooms can either be medicinal or adaptogenic. All adaptogenic mushrooms are medicinal, but not all medicinal mushrooms are adaptogenic.
Want to experience the benefits of functional mushrooms? Buy Bliss Mood Boosting Shroom gummies online at CBD Farmhouse, and we will ship them to you anywhere in the country.
If you are in Dallas, our physical retail location is at the Spring Valley Business Center at 4448 Spring Valley Rd, Dallas, Texas. You can also call us at +1 877-613-3276 to make an order in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area.
