Functional mushrooms: 5 reasons to give them a try

Although they have been used for their unique properties in traditional Asian medicine for years, here they are gaining popularity only very slowly. Have you heard of them yet? These exceptional kinds of mushrooms can be not only a delicious addition to new dishes, but also a rich source of substances the body appreciates.

Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Shiitake, Maitake, Cordyceps or Chaga – you may have come across these names abroad, among the ingredients in dishes at your favourite Asian restaurant, or even in a health-food shop. In our latest article we look at what research says about these functional mushrooms and in what forms they can be found here.

Five areas of interest, five functional mushrooms

Every functional mushroom has its own unique properties. Of all the varieties we can say that they are a source of vitamins, minerals and other biologically active substances. The specific components of the individual varieties let you choose the mushroom that suits you best according to your personal preferences.

1. Support for the immune system

Most functional mushrooms contain substances that are studied in connection with the immune system. For example, the well-known Shiitake mushrooms (Shiitake mushrooms) contain a polysaccharide compound called lentinan, which has been described as increasing the activity of white blood cells and stimulating antibody formation.

According to research, several functional mushrooms including Shiitake have been studied in connection with cancer prevention; even though the lentinan mentioned above does not attack cancer cells directly, researchers describe anti-tumour properties arising from the activation of various immune responses in the body.

2. Cognitive function, memory and concentration

Protecting the brain from ageing? Some kinds of functional mushrooms are studied here as well. Specifically, Lion’s Mane mushrooms contain compounds that have been associated with the growth of new nerve cells and with better connections between neurons, and therefore with memory, concentration and learning. The antioxidants contained in this kind of mushroom are also associated with long-term brain health and with preserving cognitive function in later life.

3. Lower stress levels

Coping better with stressful situations and easing their negative effects – functional mushrooms are studied here too. For example the Chaga variety (Chaga mushrooms) contains adaptogenic components that are associated with lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body.

Whether you decide that Chaga as a dried mushroom will complete your lunch or that you will enjoy it in the form of traditional Chinese tea, you can expect a pleasant ritual and a moment of calm. Specialist sources also describe research into Chaga mushroom extract in connection with inflammatory bowel disease, which is partly linked to oxidative stress and reduced antioxidant levels.

4. Inflammation and blood pressure

Besides Chaga, the Reishi mushroom (Reishi mushrooms) is also studied in connection with inflammation. It contains various bioactive components that have been described as helping to moderate inflammatory processes in the body. These substances are also studied in connection with conditions linked to inflammation, such as osteoarthritis.

Some studies also suggest that Reishi has hypotensive properties, in other words that it may be associated with lower blood pressure. The substances contained in the mushroom are described as being able to relax the muscles of the blood vessels and improve blood flow.

5. Energy and endurance

Another area, another unique mushroom. In this case we look at the Cordyceps variety (Cordyceps mushroom), which is popular for its association with energy and endurance. This mushroom contains bioactive components that are described as helping the body use oxygen in the cells better and so support energy production. Research on the Cordyceps mushroom reports an association with better exercise performance and less muscle fatigue.

And that is far from everything

Besides the areas we have looked at in more detail, functional mushrooms are studied in these further areas as well.

• Support for the digestive system (Shiitake, Lion’s Mane)
• Blood sugar regulation (Maitake)
• Relaxation and sleep quality (Reishi)
• Liver health and the burden of toxins (Chaga)
• Bones and joints (Reishi)
• Cholesterol regulation (Shiitake)
• Healthy skin (Reishi)
• General wellbeing (Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane, Reishi)

And what about functional mushrooms (from Reishi through Maitake to Cordyceps) and undesirable effects? The main things to keep in mind are allergic reactions to individual kinds of mushrooms and interactions with certain kinds of medicines. It is therefore important to start with small doses and watch carefully for any side effects. If you regularly take a particular kind of medicine, we recommend consulting a doctor or pharmacist before adding new food supplements.

Asian functional mushrooms and their journey to our market

Do you know why functional mushrooms are often called “Chinese” or “Asian”, even though they grow in various parts of the world from North America to Japan? They got this name thanks to the long history of their use in traditional Asian cultures.

Functional mushrooms usually reach our market in the form of dried or extracted products, most often available in natural-food shops. In the Powerlogy range you will find functional mushrooms in the form of Kaapa tinctures rich in active substances. The extract can be added to water, juice, another drink or straight into food; a few drops under the tongue is also popular. You can decide according to your personal preferences, but always keep to the recommended dosage stated on the label or in the product description.

Functional mushrooms in Powerlogy products

Besides the Kaapa mushroom tinctures, the Powerlogy range also includes two drinks from the Upgraded line enriched with functional mushroom extracts. For everyone looking for a lift in practical packaging we have instant coffee with functional mushrooms Chaga and Lion’s Mane from Finland. Its base is 100 % arabica with a high caffeine content and the composition contains no added sugar, gluten, milk or artificial preservatives.

For those who do not prefer coffee but still want a tasty, wholesome dose of energy, we have an alternative. It is unroasted organic cacao with functional mushrooms Lion’s Mane and Chaga. The base of our innovative cacao is premium-quality cocoa powder from Peru. The composition contains no added sugar, gluten, milk or preservatives.