6 Immune Boosting Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a strange and wonderful food. Though not typically thought of as a “health food,” mushrooms have many properties that make them ideal for boosting your wellbeing. From reducing inflammation to improving cognitive function, these fungi are worth incorporating into your diet. These 6 immune-boosting mushrooms have unique nutritional benefits and can support your wellbeing and overall general health as part of a balanced and varied diet.
Oyster Mushroom
Oyster mushrooms offer a range of health benefits. They are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including selenium, potassium, and vitamin D. Additionally, oyster mushrooms contain compounds that can boost the immune system and help fight inflammation. Oyster mushrooms are a great source of protein and fibre, and they contain all the essential amino acids your body needs to function properly. They are inexpensive and widely available, making them a tasty and nutritional powerhouse for all tastes.
Lion’s Mane
Lion’s mane mushrooms, also known as hou tou gu or yamabushitake, are large, white, shaggy mushrooms that resemble a Lion’s Mane as they grow. This distinctive mushroom supports focus, creativity & productivity. They can improve cognitive function, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system. Additionally, Lions Mane mushrooms are a good source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Lion’s Mane mushrooms are rich in a compound called hericystin, which promotes nerve growth and regeneration.
Shiitake
Shiitake mushrooms have been used for centuries in Asia for their medicinal properties. They are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including potassium, and vitamin B6. Shiitake mushrooms also contain compounds that can boost the immune system and help fight inflammation. Some shiitake health benefits include supporting cardiovascular health, fighting cancer cells, improving energy levels and brain function, reducing inflammation, and supporting the immune system.
Reishi
Reishi mushrooms are a good source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Reishi mushrooms are typically used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat a wide variety of ailments, including fatigue, anxiety, and insomnia. They are adaptogenic, meaning they help the body to better cope with stress.
Chaga
Chaga mushrooms are one of the most potent immune system boosters available in the fungi kingdom. They contain a unique polysaccharide called beta-glucan, which stimulates the production of immune cells and increases their activity.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps are a medicinal mushroom that contains an abundance of bioactive compounds. Cordyceps are often used as a natural energy booster. They contain a compound called cordycepin, which increases ATP production in cells. This process captures chemical energy from the breakdown of food molecules and releases it to fuel other cellular processes in the body. Cordyceps mushrooms also help to increase oxygen uptake and improve blood circulation, both of which can enhance physical performance and overall health and wellbeing.
Mushrooms are a delicious and nutritious addition to any diet. They offer a wide range of health benefits and can be enjoyed in many different dishes. Whether you’re looking to boost your immune system, fight inflammation, or improve cognitive function, including these mushrooms as part of a healthy diet is a great way to enjoy these benefits.
If you enjoy cooking with mushrooms read our article, 6 Herbs to Cook With Mushrooms.
Do you use any of these 6 immune-boosting mushrooms as part of your diet? Let us know in the comments below.
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