Lion’s Mane
Lion’s Mane mushroom (scientific name: Hericium erinaceus) is an edible mushroom widely sought after for its health benefits, specifically associated with the brain, heart & digestive system, as it contains specialised compounds that research indicates may have numerous medicinal properties*:
- Hericenones & Erinacines may:
- Stimulate the growth of brain cells
- Protect against Alzheimer’s Disease
- Boost mental functioning & cognition
- Polysaccharides in the form of β-glucans
- Antioxidants
- Anti-inflammatory compounds
- Promote the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)
Preclinical studies suggest that Lion’s mane may:
- * Reduce inflammation and biological markers of Alzheimer’s (i.e., amyloid plaques.)
- * Improve cognition, and increase the release of nerve growth factor, a protein that can increase the length of nerve cell processes.
- Help relieve mild symptoms of anxiety & depression.
- Regenerate brain cells & improve functioning of the hippocampus.
- Speed recovery from nervous system injuries.
- Protect against formation of ulcers in the digestive tract.
- Reduce heart disease risk.
- Manage diabetes symptoms.
- Help fight certain types of cancer.
- Boost immune system functioning.
* Healthline, 19/05-2018.
* * Cognitive Vitality, 12/01-2021.
Reishi
Reishi Mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum or lingzhi) is a large dark mushroom with glossy exterior & a woody texture that grows in hot & humid locations in Asia. Research indicates that it may have the following health benefits*:
- Can enhance immune function through its effects on white blood cells, which help fight infection & various
types of cancers. - Decreases anxiety & depression and improves overall quality of life.
- Contributes to heart health.
- Reduces blood sugar levels.
- Reduce blood sugar levels
- Protect against blood vessel damage
- Prevents increase in cholesterol levels
- Cause increased libido
- * Healthline, 31/03-2018.
Turkey Tail
Turkey Tail mushroom (Trametes versicolor,) is one of the most well-known medicinal mushrooms worldwide, and vast amounts of research have been carried out on it. Research indicates that the most impressive quality of the Turkey Tail mushroom may be its ability to enhance the
immune system*:
- Contains a wide variety of phenol & flavonoid antioxidants which help promote immune system health by reducing inflammation & stimulating the release of protective compounds.
- Contains PSK & PSP which are powerful polysaccharopeptides that may strengthen the health of the immune system.
- Contain components such as PSK & CVG that may suppress the growth of certain types of cancers.
- Enhances the efficacy of both chemotherapy & radiation therapy in people with certain cancers.
- Positively impacts gut bacterial balance by enhancing the growth of beneficial bacteria while suppressing harmful species.
- Combats HPV.
- Reduces inflammation.
- Has antibacterial qualities.
- Improves athletic performance.
- Improves insulin resistance.
* Healthline, 06/11-2018.
Maitake
Maitake mushrooms (Grifola frondosa) also known as “Hen-of-the-wood,” is a polypore mushroom that grows at the base of trees, particularly old oaks, or maples. They are found in late summer to early autumn and are indigenous to China, Europe & North America. They have an earthy aroma and rich taste and are high in vitamin D. Research indicates that it may have the following health benefits*:
- Is rich in bioactive polysaccharides, especially D-fraction, MD-fraction, and SX-fraction. These protein polysaccharides have well-documented immune-protecting and antitumor properties.
- Beta glucan helps reduce cholesterol, improving artery functionality & overall cardiovascular health thus lowering risk of heart disease.
- The polysaccharides can also reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol without affecting your triglyceride or HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
- D-fraction has a strong effect on the immune system. It boosts production of lymphokines (protein mediators) & interleukins (secreted proteins) that improve your immune response.
- Beta glucan may be especially helpful in targeting & destroying cancerous cells. Several studies show its ability to attack tumours for different types of cancer.
- Enhanced abilities when D-fraction and MD-fraction are combined with vitamin C for cancer treatments.
- Another beta glucan, SX-fraction, has been shown to lower blood glucose levels. It helps to activate insulin receptors, while reducing insulin resistance in diabetes management.
- Csontain ergosterol, a chemical that creates vitamin D. Maitakes are wild harvested, which can make them higher in natural vitamin D when exposed to sunlight.
- Vitamin D content averages about 28 micrograms, or 1123 IU. This is about 200 percent of daily recommended intake. Vitamin D is important for bone health because it helps absorb calcium.
* Webmd.com
Cordyceps
Cordyceps mushrooms (cordyceps militaris) is a type of fungus/ mushroom widely used in Chinese medicine. Pre- clinical research indicates that it may have potent antioxidant & anti-inflammatory related health benefits*:
- Increases production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), essential for delivering energy to the muscles.
- Enhances maximum oxygen consumption (VO 2 max) in healthy adults.
- Fights cell damage by neutralizing free radicals, which can otherwise contribute to disease and aging.
- Has potential cancer fighting properties, as well as minimising the side effects of
- May have potential as a diabetes treatment by regulating blood sugar levels.
- Lowers levels of triglycerides & LDL cholesterol, and thus may be beneficial to heart health.
* Healthline, 09/05-2018.
