mushroom supplements Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Bizarre-Looking Fungus Improves Cognition & Immunity, New Research Suggests

The AHA! Team — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 05:25:40 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or acid reflux as it is often known, is one of the most common health complaints among adults. So much so that medications to treat the symptoms make up the third highest-selling class of drugs in the United States. Of all the medicinal mushrooms, tremella mushrooms are undoubtedly the strangest looking, with a translucent white color and a complicated-looking arrangement of frills and folds that causes them to resemble reef coral. Botanically labeled as tremella fuciformis, tremella mushrooms are commonly known by nicknames that range from the charming (snow mushrooms) to the creepy (witches’ butter). You may also hear them referred to as snow fungus, white fungus, and white jelly mushrooms. But these intriguing fungi are so much more than visual oddities. Valued as adaptogens and immune system boosters in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, tremella mushrooms are now impressing contemporary researchers. A clinical study in the Journal of Medicinal Foods concluded that tremella extracts can help protect brain cells and improve cognition and memory in patients with cognitive impairment. You won’t want to miss out on the far-reaching “head-to-toe” benefits of these fascinating fungi. Tremella mushrooms help reverse memory loss and slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases In a double-blind, controlled trial involving 75 individuals with subjective cognitive impairment, the researchers set out to assess the efficacy and safety of tremella. They found that participants who received between 600 and 1,200 mg a day of tremella for eight weeks experienced greater memory and executive function improvements than those in the control group. The team concluded that tremella could be safely used to improve memory and enhance cognition. A 2022 study published in Nutrients explored tremella mushrooms’ ability to act against oxidative stress and brain inflammation that contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. The researchers found that tremella mushrooms contain polysaccharides with anti-amyloidogenic properties (this forbidding-sounding word means that they act against the buildup of harmful amyloid-beta plaque implicated in Alzheimer’s disease). They also have antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects, meaning they can prevent the death of brain cells. One specific tremella polysaccharide, TL04, was found in animal studies to confer protective effects through the mitochondrial pathway. The team concluded that polysaccharides in tremella are “promising neuroprotective agents” with “enormous potential” to inhibit the progression of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntingdon’s disease, and ALS. Tremella combats inflammatory intestinal diseases by enhancing immunity and gut microbe diversity In a 2021 study published in Frontiers in Immunology, researchers concluded that polysaccharides in tremella mushrooms have the potential to alleviate inflammation and tissue damage caused by ulcerative colitis. These beneficial carbohydrates also support the health of the gut microbiome by increasing microbial diversity and renewing populations of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus. As these bacteria’s metabolites help regulate the immune system, this also supports immune defenses. Studies have shown that polysaccharides can directly activate immune system components such as macrophages and T-cells. While more study is needed, the implications are promising. Promote and protect skin health, radiance, and hydration Tremella mushrooms contain potent antioxidants that reduce skin inflammation and help to protect against photoaging (another word for wrinkles and age spots induced by the harmful ultraviolet rays in sunlight). In addition, their polysaccharides have humectant properties, meaning they can draw moisture into the skin. In a 2021 study published in the International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology, a 0.05 percent formulation of tremella polysaccharides performed as well in hydrating skin as a 0.02 percent formulation of hyaluronic acid – and it accomplished this at only 14 percent of the cost! Researchers endorsed tremella polysaccharides for rehydrating the skin and protecting and repairing the skin barrier. Tremella polysaccharides also help to increase the production of collagen, a protein that promotes skin firmness and elasticity (the sought-after qualities that give skin a youthful appearance). Access benefits through diet, supplements, or topical application Whole tremella mushrooms are available fresh or dried in markets and health food stores. Dried mushrooms should be soaked for an hour to rehydrate before using in recipes. While fresh tremella mushrooms are perfectly edible and nutritious – packed with dietary fiber, plant-based protein, essential vitamins, and minerals – they have a gelatinous texture that some people find off-putting. That said, their flavor is subtle and mild, and they blend in well with soups, stews, stir-fries, and casseroles. Powdered tremella is also available as a supplement. Use a reputable vendor, and choose an organic product certified by the NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) or USP (United States Pharmacopeia). You can also find tremella in topical serums, facial masks, and lotions. Before supplementing with tremella, you may want to get the “thumbs-up” from your holistic healthcare provider. Unsurprisingly, tremella mushrooms have also exhibited effects against cancer, diabetes, fatty liver disease, and obesity. While much of their potential is still unexplored, their obvious benefits are causing them to emerge as an exciting natural intervention against chronic and degenerative diseases. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov Liebertpub.com RealSimple.com Mdpi.com FrontiersinImmunology.org SagePub.com To read the original article click here.

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Mushroom Powder: The Versatile Superfood for Coffee & More

AHA Publisher — Wed, 10 Feb 2021 08:00:59 +0000

Christine Ruggeri, CHHC via Dr. Axe – If you’ve been paying attention to the natural health market, you may have noticed a new trend emerging. Mushroom powder is popping up in coffee, powders, capsules and even beauty products. Many are wondering: What is mushroom powder, and why would I want to use it? Mushrooms are a group of superfoods with impressive nutrition contents and potential health benefits. They’re packed with disease-fighting and energizing nutrients. That’s exactly why mushrooms are known as the “elixir of life” in Chinese medicine. They’ve been a part of traditional medicine for thousands of years. What Is Mushroom Powder? Mushroom powder is exactly what it sounds like — dried mushrooms that are pulverized into powder. You can get many types of mushroom powder, as it can be made with any type of culinary mushroom. Why bother consuming mushroom powder instead of just adding mushrooms to your diet? In powder form, you get a higher concentration of nutrients. Types/Varieties There are several types of mushroom powder available in stores, and you can always dehydrate fresh mushrooms and make your own at home. In stores, you can find powders made with one type of mushrooms and blends that are made of several. Shiitake Shiitake is a popular dried mushroom because it’s affordable and contains all eight essential amino acids, along with a fatty acid called linoleic acid. Shiitake mushrooms are known to increase satiety, making them great for weight loss. They also contain phytonutrients that support heart health and immune function. Porcini Porcini powder is commonly used to add flavor to broths, and sometimes it’s added to flour when making bread or pasta. They are known for their floury texture when ground. Porcini mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, including beta-carotene, ascorbic acid and lycopene. They are also a good source of fiber and plant-based protein. Chaga Chaga has an earthy flavor, and it contains vanillin, the same compound in vanilla bean. It is ranked one of the top foods for oxygen radical absorbent capacity. That means that it’s an excellent source of antioxidants and can therefore help in the prevention of disease. Chaga mushroom works as an inflammation reducer, and eating them may even improve physical endurance. Lion’s Mane Lion’s mane is known as a nootropic food because of its brain-boosting properties. You’ll often see it in powdered form and added to mushroom coffee. Research suggests that it may slow down cell degeneration in the brain, helping fight diseases like Alzheimer’s. Lion’s mane also supports heart and digestive health because of its anti-inflammatory effects. Reishi Reishi mushroom has been valued in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It goes by the nickname “king of mushrooms” and serves as an adaptogenic herb that helps the body deal with the negative effects of stress. These mushrooms are jam-packed with antioxidants and health-promoting compounds, like polysaccharides. Reishi powder is used to balance hormones, promote heart health and stabilize blood sugar levels. Cordyceps Cordyceps are a staple in holistic medicine and known as a superstar supplement that’s used to enhance athletic performance, reduce inflammation and promote cardiovascular health. They feature anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants that help fight disease, boost immune function and slow aging. Mushroom Powder Benefits 1. Enhances Brain Function Mushroom powder is well-known for its positive affects on brain function. Lion’s mane powder, for instance, has been found to reduce the impact of neurodegenerative diseases by slowing or reversing cell degeneration in the brain. It is often used to promote mental clarity and focus. It’s a popular supplement for overall cognitive health. 2. Supports Immune Health Mushrooms often contain polysaccharides, molecules that have immunomodulatory effects and may enhance immune system function. Research on chaga shows that the mushroom can stimulate spleen lymphocytes that work to regulate the immune system and boost the body’s ability to fight off invading viruses and bacteria. 3. Eases Stress Traditionally, mushrooms have been used to reduce stress and anxiety. An animal study published in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms found that reishi mushroom powder had significant anti-anxiety activity in mice. Researchers suggest that the anti-anxiety effects may be the result of the phenols and flavonoids present in reishi mushroom. A study published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies suggests that reishi has antidepressant potential and may help ease stress-induced anxiety. 4. Boosts Energy Shiitake mushroom powder is a great source of vitamin B, so it helps support adrenal function and turn the nutrients you consume into useable energy. Mushroom powder supplements and coffees are often used to boost energy levels and beat brain fog. Mushrooms are also known to improve exercise performance. The polysaccharides in mushrooms make them excellent foods for physical endurance. 5. Regulates Blood Sugar Medicinal mushrooms are useful for managing diabetes because they have been shown to improve blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity. Research on reishi mushroom, for example, suggests that it’s able to decrease both blood sugar and insulin levels in mice. It was also able to modify enzymes that are involved in blood sugar control. 6. Supports Health Health Research shows that there’s a strong link between mushrooms and heart health. Cordyceps mushroom powder, for example, could help prevent heart damage and lower LDL cholesterol. Mushrooms have proven to be organ protectors that benefit the heart by fighting oxidative stress as well. 7. Slows Aging The impressive antioxidant content in mushroom powder helps fight free radical damage and prevent oxidative stress. Not only does this help prevent disease, but it helps slow the signs of aging and optimizes overall health. By promoting healthy aging, consuming reishi mushroom powder, for example, is known to boost longevity. Studies reveal that it affects life span extension by reducing oxidative stress and cellular damage throughout the body. Mushrooms vs. Mushroom Powder Mushroom powder is made from dehydrated and ground mushrooms. A serving of the power provides a higher nutritional value because it’s much more concentrated. One scoop of a blended mushroom powder can provide a range of health-promoting nutrients, including a long list of antioxidants, prebiotic fibers, amino acids and micronutrients. In its condensed form, it packs a nutritional punch. How to Use (Dosage, Recipes) Here’s the beauty of mushroom powder — it can be added to so many dishes. It has a mild, earthy flavor that blends well in many dishes and can even be added to beverages. Treat it like a seasoning agent (like mushroom umami seasoning), and add it to scrambled eggs, soups, casseroles, sauces and sautéed vegetables. It offers a great meaty flavor and has a slew of health benefits. Recently, mushrooms are being used in all sorts of products. You can find coffees, teas and protein powders made with mushroom powder. Store-bought powders are added to recipes, coffees, hot chocolate blends, drink mixes and smoothies. Generally, two to three teaspoons of powder is consumed once a day to boost overall health. Don’t overdo it, though, and remember that it’s a concentrated version of whole mushrooms so a little goes a long way. You may be wondering about the taste of mushroom coffee. Surprisingly, it doesn’t taste like mushrooms and serves as a less acidic way to get your morning caffeine. Want to make your own mushroom powder at home? It’s very easy. Purchase dehydrated mushrooms, and grind them into a fine powder. Then use the powder in everyday recipes for a boost of antioxidants and nutrients. For storage, keep the powder in an airtight container. Risks and Side Effects A high-quality mushroom powder is considered safe when consumed in normal amounts. Read the product label carefully for dosage directions, and do not exceed the recommended dose. Some mushrooms work to make the immune system more active, so people with autoimmune diseases should check with their doctors before using mushroom powder supplements. If you experience any adverse side effects after consuming mushroom supplements, discontinue use immediately. Conclusion Mushroom powder seasoning is gaining popularity because it’s a nutrition powerhouse that can be added to a ton of recipes and beverages. You’ve heard about the health benefits of whole mushrooms, so think about the effects of a concentrated version. You can find mushroom powder blends or powders of individual mushrooms, including chaga, reishi, cordyseps, porcini and lion’s mane. Mushroom seasoning is jam-packed with antioxidants, protein, fiber, amino acids and micronutrients, including B vitamins. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

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