While the world is exuberant over CBD, another player is steadily rising from the forest floor to take the world by storm with its holistic health approach, The mushrooms. Used for centuries, these prolific fungi live up to the beauty and wellness industry’s expectations. From the mushroom seasoning to tinctures in coffee and skin serums, mushroom supplements are the new craze. But, are mushrooms worth all these hypes? Let’s find out.
By assuring aversion from environmental damage and healing the body inside-out, mushrooms-based products stand their ground as health-promoting superfoods. Mushrooms have gradually found a way into our skincare regime. With its cell regeneration properties to skin brightening actions, celebrities like Kim Kardashian are adopting mushroom products as beauty potions. With their gradual recognition, the global mushroom market is witnessing a boom. The cultivation, as well as the consumption of mushrooms, have seen a significant increase worldwide. And with the latest report indicating the growth of the global mushroom market around USD 50 billion by 2025, it seems this beauty trend is not going to slow down.
As self-care is on the rise, the stores are flaunting a range of mushroom products. Many high-end skincare brands are incorporating mushrooms in their products. But are these the same mushrooms that are used for basic culinary purposes? All mushrooms like the button, portobello, and oyster are commonly used in cooking and have some health benefits.
However, for skin benefits, there are more functional mushrooms that are adaptogenic. Adaptogenic mushrooms can boost immunity, reduce stress, detoxify the body, and promote cardiovascular health. With the recognition of distinct flavors, you can integrate these mushrooms into beverages, soups, edibles like tacos, burgers, or sautee. You may also try magic mushroom ‘shroom shakes’ that is again an adaptogen to address issues like anxiety, psychosis, addiction, and depression.
So what makes mushrooms the superfood?
- Mushrooms contain beta-glucan, a polysaccharide that offers a range of health benefits like lowering blood cholesterol, improving blood sugar level, and white blood cell count. Thus, it can boost the immunity of the body.
- Mushrooms are high in vitamin D, which means they can facilitate stronger bones by regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. They can also prevent problems like osteoporosis and rickets and help protect DNA.
- With its high fiber content, mushrooms are good for gut health.
- Mushrooms are the rich sources of Selenium. It helps in the functioning of liver enzymes and fights cancer. Moreover, Selenium in mushrooms prevents inflammation and can decrease tumor cell growth. It can protect the heart and prevent cognitive impairment.
- Mushrooms are high in vitamin B, including folate(B9), riboflavin(B2), niacin(B3), and thiamine(b1), which helps in boosting energy levels and production of red blood cells.
- Mushrooms are full of antioxidants that combat free radicals and promote good health and anti-aging effects.
What are the types and benefits of functional mushrooms?
Medicinal mushrooms come in a variety. Different mushrooms have different health and beauty properties. Here is the list of a few such mushrooms that work wonders for your body.
1. Tremella- The Skin-beautifying Mushroom
Also known as beauty mushroom, Tremella imparts flawless skin. This mushroom retains water in the body and helps moisturize, hydrate, nourish, and develop skin elasticity. Apart from beauty benefits, Tremella can support the immune system, reduce inflammation, and help in many physical and psychological problems.
2. Reishi- The De-Stress Mushroom
Starting from empowering the immune system to promoting blood circulation, ‘King of all herbal medicine’, Reishi can stop premature aging. It’s good for hair health and encourages hair growth and slows down premature greying and baldness. This mushrooms canada not only combats stress and depression but prevents the development and spread of cancer cells in the body. By normalizing the metabolic rate of the body, Reishi reduces body weight.
3. Shiitake- The Skin-brightening Mushroom
Native to East Asia, this brown mushroom is known as a potential treatment for breast cancer. It can also reduce obesity and support cardiovascular health. Great source of vitamin B and D, Shiitake can reduce the risk of diabetes, autoimmune disease, boost energy, and brain functioning. The presence of Selenium and kojic acid helps it to reduce acne, scarring age spots, and pigmentation.
4. Chaga- The Potent Medicinal Mushroom
Known for its medicinal benefits, with its high antioxidants, Chaga reduces oxidative stress contributing to aging, cancer, diabetes, and heart diseases. Chaga is anti-inflammatory and can prevent the overproduction of cytokines and fight cancer and stress.
5. Few Other Functional Mushrooms
The list includes Cordyceps that are used for athletic performance to support stamina and endurance. For instance, Lion’s Mane boosts cognitive functioning, improves focus and mood, and combats anxiety. Enokitake and Turkey Tail mushrooms promote gut health. And the Maitake can treat hypertension and diabetes.
Conclusion
You may not like the earthy flavor of mushrooms, but when it comes to beauty and wellness, you can never avoid one. Mushrooms are trending and like CBD, they are the perfect balance of medicinal and healing properties. The only thing to remember is that not all mushroom products are up to the mark. Choose organically sourced mushroom species that are perfect for your specific needs.
Interestingly, humans are closely related to mushrooms. The genetic compositions of both are similar. Moreover, people are using mushrooms for ages for medicinal and nutritional uses. When you speak of natural ingredients that nurture you inside-out, think twice about CBD, as humble mushrooms are the new superfoods.
