Mushrooms have been getting a lot of buzz lately… No I don’t mean the magical ones, I’m talking about the medicinal kind!
Medicinal mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional medicine practices around the world, and for good reason. They are packed with nutrients and compounds that can benefit our health in many ways.
For starters, medicinal mushrooms contain powerful polysaccharides like beta-glucans. These compounds help to modulate the immune system, reducing inflammation and promoting overall health. They also contain unique compounds like triterpenoids and ergothioneine. These antioxidants help to protect against oxidative stress and inflammation which are linked to chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.
Certain types of medicinal mushrooms like lion’s mane, chaga, reishi, and cordyceps have been studied extensively for their specific health benefits.
Lion’s mane has been found to improve cognitive function by stimulating nerve growth factor (NGF) production in the brain. This can lead to improved memory retention, focus, and overall brain health.
Chaga is known for its anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce joint pain and swelling. It also contains melanin which has been shown to protect against UV radiation damage on the skin, a must if you live in SoCal like me and have skin that burns easily!
Reishi is often referred to as the “mushroom of immortality” due to its ability to support longevity by promoting healthy aging. It has also been found to support liver function and lower blood pressure levels.
Cordyceps is known recently for the cause of the zombie outbreak in HBO’s “The Last of Us”. This is fake news folks! Cordyceps will do the opposite of turning you into a zombie- it will actually increase energy levels by improving oxygen utilization in the body. Cordyceps has also been found to improve athletic performance by increasing endurance levels.
So how do you add medicinal mushrooms to your daily routine? There are so many ways. You can add them to soups or stews, sauté them as a side dish, or even use them as a meat substitute in dishes like mushroom burgers or tacos. If you’re looking for an easy way to incorporate more medicinal mushrooms into your diet, try adding a mushroom supplement like the tincture, RAINBO 11:11 SUPER-MULTI MUSHROOM SYNERGY 3.4oz / 100ml 
I drop it into my morning coffee or a glass of lemon water itt also is undetectable in a smoothie.
Incorporating medicinal mushrooms into your daily routine may take some experimentation to find what works for you and your daily routine. Mushrooms are trending in the health and wellness space and they deserve all the hype!
