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.
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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.
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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.
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These natural protective ingredients work together to fight cancer, viruses, and inflammation to supercharge the immune system. They modify cytokines, which are inflammatory messengers that can suppress white blood cells and make you more susceptible to getting sick (think COVID, colds and flu).
Next, mushrooms are rich in polysaccharides, which help bolster and maintain the structure of your cells (essential in having a healthy immune system). These same ingredients also appear to complement conventional cancer treatments by increasing the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation and reducing side effects such as fatigue, brain fog, and nausea.
Another serious side effect of chemotherapy is bone marrow suppression, a decrease in the production of cells responsible for providing immunity, carrying fresh oxygen, and for normal blood clotting. Mushrooms reduce this type of suppression and have also been shown to shrink tumors.
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Overall Improved Nutrition
One dietary analysis found that mushroom consumption was associated with better diet quality and improved nutrition.
Mushrooms are low in calories and fat and are cholesterol-free. They contain a small amount of fiber and over a dozen minerals and vitamins, including copper, potassium, magnesium, zinc and a number of B vitamins such as folate. Mushrooms are also high in antioxidants like selenium and glutathione, or GSH, substances believed to protect cells from damage and reduce chronic disease and inflammation.
Some studies suggest mushrooms are the richest dietary source of another antioxidant called ergothioneine, or ERGO, which is also present in large amounts in red beans, oat bran, and liver. ERGO and other antioxidants are primarily concentrated in the caps, not the stems.
Increased Vitamin D
Consuming dried white button mushroom extract was found to be as effective as taking supplemental vitamin D2 or D3 for increasing vitamin D levels (25-hydroxyvitamin D).
Mushrooms vs Mushroom Powder Benefits
With all the health benefits of mushrooms, you’re probably thinking it doesn’t get any better than this. Well, what if I were to tell you you're wrong? Mushroom powder offers similar benefits to raw mushrooms in a much more powerful way. How much more, you ask? Try a 14:1 ratio.
Mushroom extract powder is derived from Ancient Chinese Medicinal Techniques. Dating back to 400 A.D. Lions Mane, Reishi, Astragalus, and Shiitake have been shown to improve mood and focus and lower stress, while Cordyceps and Chaga increase your stamina. These mushrooms are immunity-boosting and cell health-supporting. Today hundreds of Scientific Studies have been done on the health and adaptogenic benefits of these mushrooms.
Another win for mushroom powder comes for those who don’t traditionally enjoy mushrooms. Whether it’s the taste or the texture, they’re just not fans of the potent veggie. With mushroom powder, you don’t have to be! You can get all of the benefits of mushrooms without having to eat an actual mushroom. The powder can be added to your morning coffee, smoothies, cooked dishes, and more.
Looks like these veggies made an appearance right in time for the season. Let’s bring on the mushrooms and continued winter fun!
Bryana Holcomb is the Editor of BlackDoctor.org and graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Gender and Women's Studies, an MBA in Management Strategy, and Life Coaching and Nutrition certifications. Connect with Bryana on Instagram, @BryDelicia.
