If you are new to the world of medicinal mushrooms, a spore-ful welcome from the Troop team! We love adding new shroomers to our troop of fungi! Of course, as a newbie, you might still be a little skeptical about their amazing health benefits. Who could blame you for most non-shroomers, medicinal mushrooms conjure up images of magical hocus pocus. Cue the spells, witches, and magic cauldrons!
Of course, we believe our shrooms’ health benefits are excellent, so much so they might seem like magic to those who decide to add them to their health regimes!
But today, we want to address the misconception often bandied about that medicinal mushrooms are a new health fad or a fashionable handle for the rich and famous. While this is an awesome advertising technique, unfortunately, it’s spore-riffically untrue! The truth is medicinal mushrooms have been around way longer than the likes of certain red carpet fungi lovers. In fact, they date back more than 3000 years, and the health benefits they provide have been scientifically backed!
Medicinal Mushrooms Have Been Around Since Dot
As a newbie shroomie, it may help to know that medicinal mushrooms have been used in traditional medicines for centuries, actually making that closer to millennia. While many Asian cultures such as Japan, Tibet, and China have used the mushie as food, medical treatments, and more for centuries, the use of shroom goes back a lot further. According to some dusty history books, the oldest archeological proof of the medicinal mushroom is the 5000 BCE Tassili Mushroom figure, a cave drawing of a dancing shaman outlined with mushrooms.
Then there’s Oetzi, the ‘Iceman’ who died more than 5300 years ago and was discovered in the Italian Alps in 1991. The contents of his knapsack included, amongst other useful implements, dried Birch polypores (mushrooms), which are particularly effective for treating wounds, making medicinal tea, or starting a quick barbeque (campfire) on the move!
Health Benefits Of Medicinal Mushrooms
Medicinal mushrooms are considered nutritional powerhouses that provide a wide range of health benefits:
- Rich in antioxidants
- Boost the immune system
- Reduce inflammation
- Support brain health and cognitive function
- Increase energy levels and libido
- Balance blood sugar
- Lower cholesterol
What Scientific Research Says About Medicinal Mushrooms
While much research is still required on the use of medicinal mushrooms in modern medicine, there have been some interesting findings regarding their benefits. For example, medicinal mushrooms have been seen to have a positive effect on serious health conditions such as Alzheimer’s, certain cancers, cholesterol, and diabetes!
Medicinal mushrooms used for:
Diabetes (type 2) – improves blood sugar levels
Cholesterol – lowers cholesterol (LDL)
Alzheimer’s – improved cognitive ability
Cancer – used as an approved cancer treatment in Japan.
Types Of Medicinal Mushrooms
Of course, each medicinal mushroom is different and provides different health benefits. This makes it super easy to select a mushie that suits your unique health requirements. Let’s look at some of our best Troop shrooms so you can decide for yourself.
Reishi
Feeling anxious or struggling with the blues? Then, Reishi is the mushroom for you! It also aids with sleep, fights cancer cells, and promotes healing. Bursting with over 140 triterpenes, this shroom boosts the immune system and aids with healthy circulation and blood pressure.
Maitake
Looking to reduce your cholesterol levels with a little mushie power? Maitake does exactly that! It also keeps the arteries clean and plaque-free, thus encouraging good circulation and blood pressure. In addition, its also been seen to positively affect type two diabetes.
Lion’s Mane
Need a helping hand to lift that brain fog? Then Lion’s Mane is best for you. Known for its ability to boost NGF (nerve growth factor), this shroom promotes brain health and cognitive function.
Cordyceps
If it’s energy you need, Cordyceps could provide the ‘oomph’ you need. It’s also great for muscle recovery post-workout and aiding athletic performance. However, it’s not only for the sports fanatics; it’s also excellent for those needing a little extra spring in their step!
Turkey Tail
Want to enhance your body’s cancer cell-zapping abilities? Then it’s Turkey Tail for you! This shroom is used in Japan as an approved cancer treatment. But you saw that in the science section of this article already. However, what you didn’t know is that Turkey Tail stimulates the production of Polysaccharide-K, which is essential for boosting immunity!
Chaga
Feeling the pain of inflammation or perhaps noticing signs of aging? Then it’s time to add some Chaga to your diet! Known for its ability to combat oxidative stress, Chaga will have you back to feeling like your old self in no time. Plus, it’s great for reducing cholesterol levels and slowing cancer cell growth!
The Real Dealio
As you can see, medicinal mushrooms are much more than a fashionable dieting fad or a passing phase. In fact, they seem to have been “in fashion” for centuries, and for good reason, considering their amazing shroomie health benefits!
Leave a Reply