Can Medicinal Mushrooms Prevent Lifestyle Diseases?

Medicinal mushrooms are traditionally used to protect the body from infectious, diseases, and cancer. These are popular due to their long history of usage and benefits, especially from early Chinese, Greek, Mexican, Egyptian, and Roman cultures. In early 1991, a 5300-year mummy was found carrying birch polypore fungus, which exerts a purgative effect and is used to medicate the mummified person's intestinal parasites.

However, medicinal mushrooms today are a rich source of nutrients and bioactive elements, beneficial for a robust immune system and good health. In this blog, we discover how medical mushrooms benefit health and prevent lifestyle diseases.

What are Medicinal Mushrooms?

These mushrooms are edible macroscopic fungi that can be seen with the naked eye and contain numerous beneficial properties. However, fungi include molds, mushrooms, and yeast and are also present in the dead material in soil, plants, and other fungi. It is predicted that 14000 to 22000 known mushrooms are available worldwide, of which 20 to 30 are cultivated edible species, and 15 are wild forages for consumption. However, these mushrooms are used as functional food or dietary supplements.

Types of Medicinal Mushrooms and Properties

Here are the benefits of various medicinal mushrooms.

• Cordyceps – Stress buster
• Reishi - Improve sleep and immune function
• Chaga – Cancer-fighting properties
• Lin's Mane – Brain cell protector
• Turkey Tail – Fights Inflammation

What do medicinal mushrooms offer to the human body?

Not all mushroom species are beneficial for humans, but the medical mushrooms offer numerous benefits, including:

Enhanced Energy and Stamina

According to studies, the Chaga and Cordyceps enhance body energy and endurance and reduce fatigue for any athlete or other person who experiences chronic fatigue.

Antioxidants

Without antioxidants, the body could be overrun by free radicals that can cause cancer. Some of the other problems that occur are, heart disease, cataract, Alzheimer, Parkinson's, and other debilitating diseases. The medicinal mushrooms are packed with antioxidants, dividing the free radicals that enable the body to stay healthy. Consider them as a personal bodyguard against vicious free radicals so you feel active, fight against sickness, and live a healthy life.

Weight Balance

Other medicinal mushrooms like Turkey Tail and Reishi have vital elements called triterpenoids, which help manage weight. In Turkeytail mushrooms, the elements enhance the gut flora and help with obesity and overall weight balance. Also, Maitake has some beneficial properties that help regulate weight due to its ability to stabilize insulin levels and blood sugar.

Support Mental Health

Lion's Mane mushrooms provide "feel good," and this fungus enhances the mood and reduces anxiety, and has been shown to enhance the mental capabilities of patients suffering from early –stage of dementia. In addition to that, Shiitake is a potent supplement for brain health. Hence, this superfood will improve brain functionality in adults thanks to its concentration of vitamins B and folate.

Conclusion

The medicinal mushroom is a great way to improve health and well-being. These natural wonders can provide various health benefits, including boosting your immune system, fighting inflammation, and reducing anxiety and stress.

Hanagrocare is a pioneer in medicinal mushrooms in India, it grows mushrooms in Uttarakhand over 1.5 acres land and empowers thousands of women and tribals by offering them a livelihood.