Marvellous mushrooms and their amazing health benefits
Thrown into a stir fry or taken as a supplement, these lesser-known fungi varieties have some pretty potent health benefits, says LIZ CONNOR
CULTURES around the world have been harnessing the healing powers of the humble mushroom for thousands of years. They’ve long been a staple of traditional Chinese medicine, while the pharaohs of Egypt prized mushrooms so highly they decreed only royalty could eat them.
Here, we’ve picked out four superfood mushrooms being hailed as quiet achievers in the health and supplement industry.
1 LION’S MANE
THIS hairy mushroom gets its peculiar name from its appearance, which bears a resemblance to (yep, you guessed it) a lion’s bushy mane. This bearded shroom grows on broad-leaf trees in temperate areas of North America, Europe, and Asia, although it is rare to find in the wild.
“Studies have shown that Lion’s Mane mushrooms can help to improve cognitive function and ease symptoms of anxiety and depression,” says Emily Hedgman, a spokesperson from Link Nutrition. In addition to helping enhance brain function, Hedgman explains that Lion’s Mane can also help to support the heart and circulatory system, improve digestive health and reduce inflammation.
2 CHAGA
THE Chaga mushroom has been slowly gaining popularity in the west for its broad range of life-boosting benefits.
“Chaga mushrooms are most impressive for their high antioxidant content whilst also being high in fibre and naturally occurring beta-glucans,” says Emily. “According to a study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, Chaga extract may also be able to prevent liver cancer cell growth – although more research needs to be done.”
3 REISHI
THIS flat fan-shaped mushroom, also known as ‘King of the Mushrooms’, has been utilised for more than two thousand years in Asia, where its effects were so powerful, it was thought by some to grant immortality.
“Reishi, which is considered to be an adaptogen, is strongly anti-inflammatory and has uses tied to longevity, better immune function, and mental clarity,” says Emily.
4 CORDYCEPS
“CORDYCEPS is an anti-ageing, energy-boosting mushroom found in the Himalayas, that many experts claim can boost aerobic capacity and improve stamina,” says Emily.
These impressive mushrooms are known for their natural ability to fight free radicals, infections, and inflammation. “Cordyceps have also been used for centuries to reduce symptoms of respiratory disorders, coughs, colds, liver damage and more,” she adds.