For hundreds of years, medicinal mushrooms have been used in Asian cultures as a remedy for infection and to strengthen the immune system. Today, research has rediscovered what ancient cultures knew; medicinal mushrooms like Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi), Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor (turkey tail), Lentinus edodes (shiitake), and Grifola frondosa (maitake) offer potent antioxidant properties and can help improve lung function, reduce occasional stress and restlessness, lower blood sugar levels, increase energy and accelerate muscle recovery after exercise*.
Where do mushrooms grow best?
Mushrooms are also rich sources of protein, micronutrients and bioactive compounds. Mushroom-derived protein is high in quality and contains a complete amino acid profile, according to studies by Thatoi and Singdevsachan [69]. Mushrooms are the only non-animal source of vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol), containing twice as much as that found in milk and meat.
Medicinal mushrooms are also known to inhibit cancer growth and support healthy immune function*. Studies suggest that mushrooms like Agaricus blazei Murill, Hericium erinaceus and Grifola frondosa may be able to slow the formation of tumor-promoting blood vessels, encourage healthy cell division and boost immunity*.
Medicinal mushrooms are being increasingly investigated for their role in preventing and treating chronic cardiometabolic diseases like obesity, diabetes and hypertension. For example, studies have shown that a 10% aqueous extract cream of G lucidum polysaccharides decreased IL-1 expression in wounds from STZ-induced diabetic rats and enhanced the re-epithelialization of these wounds*.