In traditional Chinese medicine, many varieties of mushrooms were widely used. Whether for general health improvement, mental function, vitality or physical condition.
From the whole range of health-promoting mushrooms, we selected true “pearls” characterized by beneficial, medicinal properties of considerable importance for both body and mind.
Mushrooms for health and athletic performance
Mushrooms are quite familiar to us, or at least that is what we think… They are widely used in cooking, and many people value their taste, gladly using them as an addition to dishes. All the same, “mushrooms” is a rather general term.
Of course, this is not about the ones we enthusiastically gather in nearby forests as soon as the season begins, but about those whose therapeutic effects have been documented in studies. The correct term for them is “medicinal mushrooms.” A multitude of different species with beneficial effects has been identified and described, but…
Among the whole range of species there are “pearls” whose effects may benefit both physically active people and those who care for their health or place heavy mental demands on themselves.
Extracts from some mushrooms, similar to herbal extracts, have been successfully used to raise vitality, physical and mental performance, and in various conditions, depending on the type and the compounds present.
Among the mentioned “pearls” worth paying attention to when considering health supplementation are:
- cordyceps (Chinese caterpillar fungus),
- reishi mushrooms,
- chaga,
- lion’s mane (hedgehog tooth fungus, Yamabushitake).
I am one of those people who on a daily basis place considerable physical and mental strain on themselves. Not to mention a solid dose of stress in various forms… I am certainly not alone in this, am I?
All the same, thanks to dietary changes and the proper combination of the mushrooms mentioned, often with
adaptogens / other supportive agents, I notice a clear improvement in well-being, energy levels, drive / motivation, concentration, memory and mental clarity.
What is more, these supplements can also be used prophylactically, for general health improvement, as well as in specific conditions. And this while enjoying the additional benefits!
Mushrooms for the health of body and mind
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Cordyceps, known as Chinese caterpillar fungus, initially used in traditional Chinese medicine, earned popularity and recognition in the world of sport and in Western medicine for good reason. The main active ingredients of this beneficial mushroom are cordycepin and adenosine, classified as purines. In the context of improving sports performance, its hallmark function is the effect of the compounds present in the extract on the energy mechanism and stimulation of AMPK kinase. Equally often – if not more often – its ability to increase VO2max is mentioned, which can be successfully used in disciplines where endurance and performance matter.
Cordyceps is also included among adaptogens, and thus will increase resistance to stress, lower its level and at the same time alleviate any effects. It turns out to be no less useful in situations of high mental load.
Studies confirm that it is able to stimulate nitric oxide production, which is extremely useful both in some sports disciplines and in the context of erectile problems or strictly cardiovascular ones. It also shows antioxidant potential, stimulates superoxide dismutase (SOD), and also has anti-inflammatory effects.
It is worth noting that cordyceps extracts are sometimes used in cases of glucose and insulin metabolism disorders (antidiabetic effect), or to increase immune tolerance of our body.
Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ling Zhi
In ancient times, they were an extremely expensive, hard-to-access and, one could say, prestigious remedy - not everyone could afford to freely draw on their beneficial health properties. Today, fortunately, we no longer have this problem and can confidently use, among other things, their anti-inflammatory effect (they reduce the activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines), antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects, as well as their influence on insulin sensitivity.
Among the components present in reishi spores, in addition to vitamins, minerals or amino acids, are, among others, triterpenes, saponins, essential oils, glycosides and polysaccharides. It is especially to one of the latter, namely GSG (in combination with the saponins present), containing D-glucose, that anti-cancer properties are often attributed. In principle, reishi mushrooms are a veritable mine of bioactive compounds - more than 400 can be identified.
It is worth mentioning that the beta-glucan contained in the extracts supports the functioning of the immune system. It stimulates and increases the number of T lymphocytes and macrophages. For this reason, they are especially recommended as support for people with reduced immunity, as well as those training intensively.
Sources also confirm their effect in reducing damage to microglial cells, cells of the central nervous system.
Chaga
A parasitic mushroom known for centuries in Chinese medicine, to which vitality, health and mental condition-enhancing effects are attributed. Regular supplementation may bring benefits in improving cognitive function, especially memory. What is more, it supports the protection and efficient functioning of the nervous system.
Chaga is also characterized by anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential. It reduces the activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-alpha, some prostaglandins, and also inhibits COX-2. In this context, its effect is often compared with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - however, taking the extracts is not associated with negative effects on the condition of the intestines. In addition, it reduces oxidative stress, protects against the destructive action of oxygen free radicals, among other things by increasing the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD).
Studies suggest a considerable effect of the taken extracts on metabolic health. Based on them, it can be concluded that it works well as a preventive / supportive addition in type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, as well as contributing to lowering triglyceride levels.
Chaga is also beneficial for the lipid profile and liver cells in terms of protecting them against toxins. In addition, it contains beta-glucan, which stimulates the production of lymphocytes and leukocytes, making it excellent support for the immune system.
Lion’s mane (also known as Yamabushitake or simply hedgehog tooth fungus)
A vitality mushroom, to which mainly a body-strengthening role, a broad spectrum of health-promoting / medicinal effects and nootropic benefits are attributed. Interestingly, it has also been used on wounds due to its haemostatic properties. Among the more frequently cited advantages is its beneficial effect on cholesterol and triglyceride levels - overall the lipid profile.
Extracts from lion’s mane are able to stimulate BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which due to its area of occurrence and action is mainly associated with memory processes. Stimulating the factor will have a positive effect not only on memory abilities, but also on neurogenesis.
When considering lion’s mane in terms of health benefits, one cannot forget that, among other things, the polysaccharides present in it can stimulate and increase the levels of macrophages, T cells and NK cells. This is in turn invaluable support for the functioning of the immune system and at the same time protection against disease-causing pathogens.
What is more, supplementation reduces the risk of the development and progression of diseases of inflammatory origin, and additionally indirectly improves cells' sensitivity to insulin and glucose uptake. This makes lion’s mane a desirable companion both during sporting efforts and in cases of glucose regulation disorders.
Furthermore, it also has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties, and some sources even indicate the anti-cancer potential of these extracts.
