Functional mushrooms are the latest trend in the health and wellness field. In fact, you can see a lot of products with functional mushrooms when you stroll a health food store. The reason is that these types of edible fungi can offer a lot of benefits. To give you a better view, here are the different types of functional mushrooms and their benefits.
What are Functional Mushrooms?
As you know, there are numerous varieties of mushrooms. Some are poisonous, while others are edible. Functional mushrooms are edible mushrooms that deliver health benefits aside from their nutritional value. They are categorized into two groups, including adaptogenic mushrooms and medicinal mushrooms.
Adaptogenic mushrooms have adaptogens, compounds that can help your body adapt to stress. Medicinal mushrooms, on the other hand, have cytotoxic or antioxidative properties. To be specific, they can inhibit the oxidation process and kill harmful cells in the body.
The Different Types of Functional Mushrooms and Their Benefits
Chaga Mushroom
Chaga mushroom looks like truffles with a bright orange interior. According to several studies, it has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cholesterol-lowering effects. Some studies also show that it can support brain and gut health.
Although chaga mushroom can offer several health benefits, it is also high in oxalate, a substance that can cause kidney stones when consumed in high amounts. For this reason, experts recommend limiting your consumption of this mushroom to about two grams or one tablespoon per day.
Reishi Mushroom
Reishi mushrooms are the most popular type of functional mushroom. In fact, it is added to many health food products because it is believed to improve overall health and promote longevity in Chinese medicine.
According to several studies, reishi mushrooms have therapeutic properties for various ailments, including diabetes, inflammation, neurological disorders, mood disorders, and heart diseases. However, more research is needed to prove these claims.
Reishi mushroom is also high in nutrients. For instance, it is rich in immune-boosting vitamins like C, D, and E. It is also a good source of beta-carotene and B vitamins.
Tremella Mushroom
Tremella mushroom has an appearance that resembles a “bouquet of white seaweed.” Compared to the other types of functional mushrooms on this list, it is less researched. Even so, the details available are quite promising. For instance, studies have shown that it has antioxidant, neuroprotective, and blood-sugar-regulating properties. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, calcium, iron, zinc, and copper.
A Few Words to Remember
Overall, these are the different types of functional mushrooms and their benefits. Always remember that these edible mushrooms can cause side effects like insomnia and nausea when taken in high amounts. As such, you have to consult your doctor before consuming these products. Once you have your doctor’s approval, you can add them to your favorite mushroom recipes. If you bought a powdered supplement, you can also add it to your coffee or smoothies to reap their health benefits.
