These 4 Medicinal Mushrooms are beneficial in your Diet

The humble mushroom may not be as popular as other healthy foods, but medicinal mushrooms are potent superfoods. They provide your body with unique benefits.
These 4 Medicinal Mushrooms are beneficial in your Diet - Sole Toscana

The humble mushroom may not be as popular as other healthy foods, but medicinal mushrooms are potent superfoods. They provide your body with unique benefits.

Including medicinal mushrooms into your diet

Eastern cultures used certain fungi medicinally since 104 BC. The Chinese kept a written record showing the use of Reishi mushroom species, which they referred to as the spirit plant. Over time, Western medicine has adopted medicinal purposes for mushrooms, including extracted active ingredients of fungi in penicillin.

THE BENEFITS OF MUSHROOMS

All mushroom species contain beta glucans, which strengthen your immune system and fight inflammation. In general, mushrooms are used for prevention, but some types treat and fight diseases, such as the fungus used in penicillin.

Most people avoid mushrooms because of the bitter taste, but with a little tweaking while cooking, you can blend them into your meals in a tasty way.

Which are the best mushrooms to add to your diet?

Here are some of the most common species of mushrooms used medicinally and their health benefits for your body.

MEDICINAL—NOT MAGIC.

Mushrooms purchased on the black market cause hallucinations. However, the ones we're talking about don't have such effects and can be bought legally. 

Reishi (ganoderma lucidum)

The Reishi mushroom has also been linked to fighting free radicals, making it an incredible anti-aging food. It also has immune system benefits.

IMMUNITY

Studies show that Reishi contains many components that make up a healthy immune system and help in creating antibodies that attack cancer cells and virus-infected cells.

HOW TO PREPARE REISHI

If you've been looking for a great meat substitute, Reishi is the answer! Avoid the inner yellow portion of the mushroom- it has an intensely bitter taste. Lightly brown the white outer part (tips) in a frying pan and voila!  

Chaga (inonotus obliquus)

Not only are Chaga mushrooms loaded with nutrients, but they also reduce the activity of free radicals. This means consuming these mushrooms will keep your skin looking youthful.

CHAGA FOR HEALTHY SKIN 

Free radicals damage the structure of cells, leading to damaged skin and wrinkles. Chaga's antioxidant properties help the body combat free radicals, thus maintaining a youthful appearance. These antioxidants are thought to contribute to reducing the body's LDL cholesterol, which causes heart disease.

IMMUNITY

A study was conducted on rats with compromised immune systems. They were fed on Chaga daily. With time, the rats showed an increase in white blood cell production. The rats could fight off diseases better than at the start. However, more studies are needed to verify the effect on humans.

HOW TO CONSUME CHAGA

Cooking with Chaga is challenging because of their appearance. We recommend using them to make herbal tea and mixing it with your favorite blend of herbs.

Chaga supplements are a fantastic addition to your daily vitamin intake.

Lion's mane (hericium erinaceus)

Lion's Mane mushrooms are 20% protein and boost brain function due to this.

LION'S MANE AND YOUR BRAIN

Lion's Mane stimulates the body's nerve growth function (NGF) gene, which protects and grows the neurons in our brains. This boost to the NGF keeps the brain active.

This mushroom also improves long-term and short-term memory in people with age-related health conditions by delaying cognitive dysfunction.

CONSUMING LION'S MANE

Good news- Lion's Mane is one of the few mushrooms with great taste. You can sauté them then add to your favorite dishes. Also, you can add them to tea bone or broth. 

Cordyceps (cordyceps sinensis)

Need to build endurance before a big race? Cordyceps mushrooms help dilate the main artery (aorta) by 40%. You get better blood flow and more oxygen throughout the body.

ENERGY BOOST

Cordyceps also contain the agent adenosine, which stimulates the production of ATP- a significant energy source for the body. 

CONSUMING CORDYCEPS 

These mushrooms make a fantastic pasta replacement. They're skinny and long, just like noodles. They also taste great on their own when sautéed with shallots.

Can't stand the taste of mushrooms?

You can find all these medicinal mushrooms in powder or supplement form. 

 

NOTE: Consult with a medical professional before adding medicinal mushrooms to your diet.


With love,

The Sole Toscana Beauty Team