Are you looking for new ways to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals? If so, you’ll be delighted to know there are some wonderful superfoods out there, just waiting to be discovered. One of these is the humble mushroom. This staple of so many childhood fairy tales is also a standout when it comes to its nutrition profile. In addition to being low in calories and high in protein, mushrooms are full of beneficial vitamins and minerals like selenium, copper, zinc and B vitamins. They’re also low in fat, sodium and sugar with no cholesterol at all! That’s why more and more people — including celebrities — are adding medicinal mushrooms to their diet.
What Are Medicinal Mushrooms?
Mushrooms are fungi — not vegetables! This means they have a very different nutritional profile from vegetables. There are tons of different types of mushrooms, but not all of them are edible. In fact, only around 10% of mushroom species are edible. Of those, only around 2% are used in cooking and eaten regularly. The rest are used in Chinese medicine and traditional medicines around the world. The most common edible mushroom types are white button, cremini, shiitake, portobello, oyster, reishi and maitake. These are all members of the fungi family. They grow in the ground and reproduce by spores, rather than seeds.
How are medicinal mushrooms different from other types of mushrooms?
The main difference between medicinal mushrooms and edible mushrooms is that medicinal mushrooms are grown under specific conditions. The most common way to do this is to grow the mushrooms in logs of wood. This gives them greater access to the nutrients in the wood and produces a higher concentration of the compounds that make them so beneficial for health. This is why medicinal mushrooms are more expensive than regular mushrooms — they take longer to produce, and the process is more involved. Those extra steps are worth it though — medicinal mushrooms have higher levels of the minerals and vitamins that make them so great for health.
While regular mushrooms are also a superfood, medicinal mushrooms are much different. Regular mushrooms are high in sodium, cholesterol and calories. They’re also low in protein and contain very few vitamins and minerals. Medicinal mushrooms, on the other hand, are low in sodium and cholesterol and very high in protein, vitamins and minerals. They’re also very low in calories, with most varieties containing less than 50 calories per 100 grams.
Why Should You Add Medicinal Mushrooms to Your Diet?
With their impressive nutrient profile, it’s no surprise that mushrooms are so good for you. Here are a few benefits of adding medicinal mushrooms to your diet: – They’re low in calories and high in protein — great for anyone on a weight loss journey or looking to build muscle. They’re a good source of B vitamins, copper and selenium. Selenium is a key antioxidant that fights off damage from free radicals. They’re low in fat, sodium and sugar with no cholesterol at all! They’re packed with minerals like copper, zinc and manganese that are essential for healthy metabolism. They can help reduce the risk of heart disease, certain cancers, and neurological diseases.
5 Medicinal Mushroom Types to Know and Love
Reishi
Also known as “the mushroom of life,” reishi is a highly revered medicinal mushroom in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It’s been used to treat everything from fatigue to cancer, and it holds the distinction of being the mushroom with the most scientific evidence for its health benefits. It’s rich in compounds like beta-glucan, triterpenoids and polysaccharides.
Cordyceps
This is one of the most celebrated medicinal mushrooms in Asian cultures. It’s said to increase both stamina and fertility, though it’s most commonly used to treat fatigue, inflammation and respiratory diseases. It also helps boost the immune system and is often used as a tonic to improve overall health and vitality.
Chaga
Chaga has anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation is linked to many diseases, especially chronic disease. Inflammation is a protective response that helps wounds heal, but when it persists, it can lead to diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
These mushrooms have been known to boost cognitive function and have been shown to have positive effects on people with neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Turkey Tail
This type of mushroom is a good source of beta-glucan, a type of fiber that has been shown to lower cholesterol and help regulate blood sugar levels. Studies have also shown that selenium found in Turkey Tail may help in improving your immune system and preventing cancer.
Bottom line
Mushrooms are one superfood that the majority of people don’t know about. They’re packed with essential minerals and vitamins, and they come in many different varieties. They can be eaten raw or cooked, and they have a wide variety of uses — from medicinal uses to culinary uses. If you’re looking for a way to boost your nutrition without spending too much money, medicinal mushrooms are a great place to start.
Mushrooms may be fungi, but they’re a superfood in every sense of the word. They’re low in calories and high in protein, and they’re also packed with vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, selenium and zinc. In terms of which medicinal mushrooms to try first, reishi, cordyceps, chaga, turkey tail and lion’s mane are the top options.
An all in one mushroom powder that combines all of these in one is a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your life. If you are looking for a way to add more flavor to your meals, or make them healthier, mushroom powder is a great option. There are many benefits that come from medicinal mushrooms, such as a stronger immune system, better digestion, and a healthier mind.