Mushrooms: The Secret to Brain Health & Longevity
Did you know? We share around 30% of our DNA with fungi. They are actually closer relatives to animals and humans than they are to plants, in our phylogenetic evolution. Additionally, many mushroom species have been well characterised and used for their bioavailable therapeutic actives that have medicinal benefits.
Recently, functional mushrooms have become more popular in the western, modern world, and have become more common and accessible to people in areas where they are otherwise difficult to find.
Recently, functional mushrooms have become more popular in the western, modern world, and have become more common and accessible to people in areas where they are otherwise difficult to find.
Mushrooms contain antioxidants, polysaccharides and polyphenols which have various biological affects on your body from supporting your immune system to improving your brain health and function. Many mushrooms contain key nutrients like vitamin D, iron, selenium and vitamin C which are important for the body and overall health.
Mushrooms like Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Cordyceps and Reishi work as adaptogens, meaning they help the body to adapt to both internal and external stressors, bringing balance and regulating many systems within the body (homeostasis). Adaptogenic mushrooms help to balance, restore and protect the body, supporting hormonal health, energy levels, immunity, improve your overall mental and emotional stability and more.
Some of the most valuable nutrients that mushrooms contain are antioxidants including selenium, ergothioneine and glutathione – our master antioxidant and cell defender. These antioxidant compounds protect against free radical damage, decreasing the amount of oxidative stress in our bodies and damage done to our cells and DNA. Let’s dive into these truly magical mushrooms to see exactly how they work inside of our bodies.
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is an edible mushroom belonging to the tooth fungus group. Native to North America, Europe and Asia, it can be identified by its long spines, occurrence on hardwoods, and tendency to grow a single clump of dangling spines. It’s also known as hou tou gu or yamabushitake and can be identified as a large, white, shaggy mushroom that resembles a lion’s mane as it grows.
This mushroom offers nootropic benefits for cognitive health. Compounds found in Lion’s Mane mushroom including hericenones and erinacines appear to contribute to the growth of brain cells and neural synapses thereby boosting cognitive functioning, supporting focus, clarity of thought and offering support for long term brain health. Research has also found that Lion’s Mane may protect against neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimers and Dementia, as well as reduce mild symptoms of anxiety and depression and help repair nerve damage.
Cordyceps is a genus of ascomycete fungi that includes about 600 species. Most Cordyceps species are parasitic fungi that grow on the larvae of insects. When these fungi attack their host, they replace its tissue and sprout long, slender stems that grow outside the host’s body. The remains of the insect and fungi are hand-collected, dried and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat fatigue, sickness and even kidney disease.
Cordyceps is known to improve immunity by stimulating cells and specific chemicals in the immune system. In alternative medicine, Cordyceps is often praised as being a natural energy booster. Advocates also claim that Cordyceps can protect against health problems like asthma, depression, diabetes, fatigue, high cholesterol, and upper respiratory tract infections.
Inonotus obliquus, commonly called Chaga, is a fungus in the family Hymenochaetaceae. Chaga mushroom is a type of fungus that grows mainly on the bark of birch trees in cold climates, such as Northern Europe, Siberia, Russia, Korea, Northern Canada and Alaska. The sterile conk is irregularly formed and resembles burnt charcoal.
The Chaga mushroom is believed to have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential alternative remedy for things like arthritis and high blood pressure. It may also help lower blood sugar and even slow the progression of cancer cells. By promoting the formation of beneficial cytokines - specialised proteins that regulate the immune system - Chaga stimulates white blood cells, which are essential for fighting off harmful bacteria or viruses.
Ganoderma lingzhi, also known as Reishi, is a polypore fungus belonging to the genus Ganoderma. Its reddish brown varnished kidney-shaped cap with bands and outer stem gives it a distinct fan-like appearance. When fresh, Reishi is soft, cork-like, and flat.
Reishi contains several molecules, including triterpenoids, polysaccharides and peptidoglycans, that may be responsible for its health effects that include boosting the immune system and fighting cancer. Most human research has shown that it can also be effective at reducing fatigue or depression.
Reishi mushroom has been used to help enhance the immune system, reduce stress, improve sleep, and lessen fatigue. People also take Reishi mushroom for health conditions such as:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Cardiovascular disease
- Liver or kidney disease
- Respiratory diseases
- Viral infections
- Cancer and support during chemotherapy
- Chronic pain
- Fatigue
The amazing news is that you can find all four of the above-mentioned mushrooms (Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Reishi and Cordyceps) in the Olio Store Mushroom Mix. What makes this Mushroom Mix special is that it does NOT contain raw mushrooms, but rather high quality mushroom extracts, thereby allowing you to achieve therapeutic doses in just 2 capsules daily as opposed to having to consume spoonfuls of raw mushrooms.
This Mushroom Mix is a cutting-edge elixir blend of adaptogenic and nootropic mushrooms. It is a natural blend that may assist with general cognition, brain support, vitality, immunity, and improved mood. These mushrooms are characterised by their ability to possibly improve brain health and sustain mental agility and longevity. Keep your body and mind fit and healthy with this premium blend. To find out what others think of this amazing Mushroom Mix, read our customer reviews here.
When you invest in your health, your immune system will become stronger, allowing your body to fight off infections, oxidative stress and cognitive degeneration. Practice healthy habits, eat nutritionally dense foods and invest in premium supplements that really work. Experience true healing from adaptogenic mushrooms with the Olio Store today!