Winter is in full swing and we’re loving every bit of it. From the brisk temperatures to the snow that may be falling outside your window, it’s truly an amazing season to watch unfold. Not to mention, all of the outdoor activities that come along with it, like building snowmen, skiing, sledding, and more. As the temperatures continue to drop throughout the season, it’s important to keep our immune systems running at their best. This will prevent you from developing COVID or the flu as Omicron cases continue to rapidly increase.
RELATED: The Best Soups to Kickstart Your Immune System
Enter the magical powers of mushrooms and mushroom powder
Mmmmm, mushrooms! These little veggies may not be much to look at, but they are completely full of great stuff for your body. Mushrooms contain some of the most potent natural medicines on the planet. Of the 140,000 species of mushroom forming fungi, about 100 species of mushrooms are being studied for their health-promoting benefits. Of those hundred, about a half dozen really stand out for their ability to deliver a tremendous boost to your immune system.
It’s important to eat only organically grown mushrooms because they absorb and concentrate whatever they grow in — good OR bad. This is what gives mushrooms their potency. Mushrooms are known to concentrate heavy metals, as well as air and water pollutants, so healthy growing conditions is a critical factor.
As a defense against bacterial invasion, fungi have developed strong antibiotics, which also happen to be effective for us humans. Penicillin, streptomycin, and tetracycline all come from fungal extracts.
So what can mushrooms do for you?
Stronger Immune System
In one study, adding one or two servings of dried shiitake mushrooms was found to have a beneficial, modulating effect on the immune system function. Another study done on mice found that white button mushrooms enhanced the adaptive immune response to salmonella.
Mushrooms contain powerful compounds that enhance and balance the body’s ability to fight disease and stay healthy. These vegetables are jam-packed with healing antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components that destroy infections, slow down aging, and regenerate nerve cells.
These natural protective ingredients work together to