Mushrooms are a type of fungus that has been used for their medicinal properties for centuries. They are a source of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that can improve your health in many ways. In this blog post, we will discuss the healing benefits of mushrooms and how you can include them in your diet. We will individually address eight different types of mushrooms below.
All mushrooms are a good source of fiber, as well as selenium and vitamin D. Some of the more common mushrooms you see in the store are white mushrooms and portabello (crimini mushrooms being baby portabellos). You can buy them sliced and easy to toss on a salad or saute to top a healthier burger. I personally like to add sliced mushrooms to any veggie platter I put out for appetizers.
If you look further, your store may also have more exotic mushrooms with even more healing benefits. Shiitake, reishi, lion’s mane, cordyceps, turkey tail, oyster, chaga, and maitake mushrooms all have unique properties that can help improve your health. Here’s a quick listing of each mushroom’s uniqueness.
Shiitake: This variety contains lentinans and other beta-glucans that can boost white blood cell volume and helps the immune system.
Reishi: Known as the “mushroom of immortality,” it is a great cancer fighter! It’s also known to help fatigue.
Lion’s Mane: This is my personal favorite. It protects against dementia, decreases anxiety and depression, and can actually help with nerve damage.
Cordyceps: This variety helps every part of your life, from improving energy and stamina to increasing endurance and libido, this mushroom also helps you to sleep better.
Turkey tail: Known especially for it helping your gut balance, so it boosts your immune system. It also has been proven to improve the longevity of cancer patients when used with chemotherapy.
Oyster: Oyster mushrooms are particularly beneficial to diabetics, as they help promote healthy blood sugar levels. They’re also chock full of anti-inflammatory benefits!
Chaga: This mushroom has been proven to be a rival to traditional anti-inflammatories in individuals with arthritis and high blood pressure.
Maitake: Has all the same characteristics as oyster and chaga mushrooms, but additionally they’ve been shown to help with fertility!
Adding mushrooms to your diet is easy. You can add them to soups, stews, pasta sauces or salads for added flavor and nutrition. Experiment with them; they each have their own unique flavor and, depending on how you prepare them, you can enhance that flavor even more. If you cannot find these mushrooms in your local store, you can always opt for mushroom powders or supplements. The healing benefits of mushrooms make them well worth the effort to include in your daily meals.
In conclusion, mushrooms are an excellent choice for improving your health and adding essential nutrients to your diet. They are a source of fiber, selenium, and vitamin D, as well as antioxidants that can help support your immune system and reduce the risk of certain cancers.
