Mushrooms have quickly become a health and wellness trend due to their wealth of functional nutrients, making them the ideal addition to any weight-loss diet due to their immune-enhancing benefits.

Chaga and reishi mushrooms are among the most frequently consumed varieties, making for delicious teas or “coffee”. Both varieties act as adaptogens to help the body cope with stress more effectively.

Reishi Mushrooms

Reishi mushrooms are powerful adaptogens and have long been revered in Eastern traditions as symbols of longevity and energy enhancement. Reishi’s adaptogenic qualities have also been linked to improving energy levels and mental well-being. Reishi contains beta-glucans – complex sugars known to boost immunity while supporting cell health – that may also help combat obesity in mice by altering gut bacteria.

Reishi contains numerous active compounds such as polysaccharides and triterpenoids that have been shown to provide numerous health benefits, including improved mood, reduced fatigue and enhanced cell health. Furthermore, Reishi can support liver health as well as help manage cholesterol levels.

This mushroom is an adaptogen and rich source of antioxidants to help the body cope with stress. Studies suggest it may reduce oxidative stress by blocking enzymes responsible for breaking down tyrosine, an amino acid which produces dopamine. Furthermore, this mushroom may help strengthen immunity while supporting an appropriate response to inflammation.

One study revealed that people who consumed reishi extract experienced reduced fatigue, improved sleep quality and an overall sense of well-being. Reishi may also help lower cholesterol levels as well as prevent and treat certain forms of cancer.

Reishi mushrooms are generally safe when consumed according to directions, though some medications could interact negatively. It is advisable to begin slowly with low doses and monitor your health regularly while taking Reishi. Reishi may pose risks to those with compromised immunity or who take immunosuppressant drugs for conditions such as arthritis, IBD or psoriasis. It’s wise to steer clear of taking this supplement. Reishi can increase bleeding when taken alongside anticoagulants and cause blood sugar levels to drop if taken alongside diabetic medications or when you have a bleeding disorder. People allergic to mushrooms or fungal products should also avoid it.

Chaga Mushrooms

Chaga mushroom benefits range from strengthening immune systems and fighting cancer, lowering blood sugar levels, increasing energy metabolism, promoting weight loss and supporting metabolism overall. Commonly found growing on birch trees in Russia and Siberia for colds, skin conditions and stomach complaints as a traditional remedy, Chaga is also packed with antioxidants which fight free radicals which damage cells over time and lead to disease and premature aging. It boasts an ORAC value (Oxygen Radical Absorbency Capacity).

A 2005 study discovered that oral solutions of Inonotus obliquus (Chaga mushrooms) increased immunity and reduced inflammation among patients with suppressed immune systems, while another investigation into mice demonstrated how these mushrooms can suppress lung and breast cancer tumor growth.

Studies also demonstrate the ability of chaga to enhance learning and memory performance, with one such study showing how extracts of this plant stimulated production of endogenous antioxidants which counteracted free radical damage in the brain while improving learning and memory performance.

Chaga contains beta-D glucans which strengthen and support immunity. According to studies, extract from this mushroom can also aid in inhibiting oral cancer progression by decreasing glycolysis, mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP levels; simultaneously activating AMPK to induce autophagy through autophagy activation; inhibiting cell cycle through dephosphorylation of STAT3 leading to cell apoptosis (1).

Chaga can also help maintain healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels, with its unique nutritional profile of sterols and inositol known for their positive impact on cholesterol. Research shows it significantly decreases triglycerides while increasing HDL cholesterol.

Chaga tea also helps lower blood sugar levels, providing another advantage to weight loss efforts by making you feel full and preventing overeating. Furthermore, its polysaccharide content strengthens immunity against invaders like colds and flus. And its low caloric and carb content makes chaga an excellent way of supporting weight loss goals.

Cordyceps Mushrooms

Cordyceps mushrooms are an expensive and rare medicinal fungus found in China and treasured food of Tibetans. Members of the Ascomycete phylum, cordyceps are commonly referred to as sac fungi due to their sac-like structures where their spores form. Cordyceps has long been recommended by veterinarians as an aid for cancer patients as it boosts immunity while possibly aiding natural cell death while also providing antioxidant support that combat free radical damage.

Researchers recently conducted a study that demonstrated how mice fed Cordyceps militaris extract demonstrated increased physical performance. This is likely due to how this mushroom supports lactate energy metabolism within cells, enabling more intense anaerobic exercises before reaching muscle fatigue due to lactate acid accumulation. Thus, this could potentially be used alongside other fitness supplements to improve anaerobic exercise performance and endurance.

Other studies have demonstrated the many health benefits associated with cordyceps, including antitumor, immunomodulatory, antiaging, antiangiogenic, hypoglycemic, sexual and reproductive function enhancement, antifatigue, and antioxidant properties. Extracts from fruiting bodies of cordyceps have been demonstrated to enhance antioxidative enzyme activity such as glutathione peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase as well as prevent the formation of lipid peroxidation products in livers and kidneys.

Cordyceps polysaccharides have been demonstrated as effective immunostimulatory agents. These substances activate macrophages and other immune cells. Furthermore, cordyceps cycepins may inhibit tumor growth by modulating the adenosine receptor system.

The Adenosine Receptor System controls various bodily functions, including blood pressure regulation, glucose levels management and sleep cycle regulation. Furthermore, the system regulates immune and stress responses; hence it’s an invaluable therapeutic target in treating various diseases. In addition to their immunoregulatory function, Adenosine receptors also play a crucial role in energy production and metabolism within cells.

Lion’s Mane Mushrooms

Lion’s mane mushrooms provide numerous health advantages, particularly for cognition, mood and immune function. Furthermore, these powerful anti-inflammatories may protect against neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and MS.

Hericenones and erinacines found in this mushroom stimulate nerve growth factor, encouraging new brain cells to multiply and connect. As such, Lion’s Mane can serve as an effective nootropic that improves memory and focus while at the same time decreasing inflammation and improving immunity.

Mushrooms are well-known to help regulate blood sugar levels. Researchers have noted how they help counter the energy fluctuations caused by sugar cravings, making you feel more energetic throughout your day. Furthermore, mushrooms have also been proven to improve cardiovascular health by encouraging healthy cholesterol levels and decreasing plaque build-up in arteries.

Lion’s mane mushrooms have been shown to help promote feelings of calm and wellbeing when added to tea, possibly due to their ability to stimulate dopamine and serotonin production, improving your mood. Research also indicates that it can reduce symptoms of depression in both humans and mice.

Like other mushrooms, lion’s mane should be cooked to unlock its full nutrition. With its meaty texture and mild seafood-esque taste, this superfood packs essential vitamins and minerals into every bite! Perfect as a meat replacement in many dishes for an umami punch of umami flavor!

Before experiencing noticeable improvements in mental health, taking lion’s mane daily for at least 2-3 months may help rejuvenate your hippocampus, improving memory and recall. Studies have also indicated it can reduce functional losses associated with oxidative stress in the brain and reverse dementia altogether.

Danny Walsh is an enthusiastic proponent of mushrooms’ healing properties. After being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, he experimented with low acid coffees made with mushrooms to alleviate his condition, eventually founding Peak State to share this discovery. Not only have mushrooms helped improve his digestive condition but they have also assisted him in increasing cognitive functions and elevating mood levels.