Superfood Spotlight: Mushrooms

We’re back with another superfood spotlight. I've decided to focus this time on the fantastic (and delicious) fungi of our world…Mushrooms!

Did you know that these funny little funguses are jam packed with nutrients and support a wide variety of health concerns? They can be taken in different ways to support your cognitive, cardiovascular, immune, skin, bone and digestive health concerns (just to name a few)!

If you are on the west coast, there are plenty of resources on them and plenty of mushrooms around to investigate and be curious about. If you are curious about foraging, be sure to do your research and seek guidance from a knowledgeable expert.

In today's blog, I am going to focus on seven different types of mushrooms, ways to take them and what parts of our lives they benefit, as well as share some yummy recipes.

Let’s check out some fungi favorites:

Chaga:

This mushroom is bark-like in appearance and carries plentiful health benefits. Containing rich amounts of minerals, vitamins and nutrients, Chaga is your best friend if you are looking to support your immune system and lower stress. The antioxidants in this mushroom also help with digestion, inflammation and give you beautiful, glowing skin!

Ways to take Chaga: Teas, extracts, capsules, powders.

Reishi:

Known as the ‘Mushroom of Immortality’, Reishi has amazing properties that are amazing for cardiovascular health. Not only are they full of active compounds and adaptogens, they work wonders as a healing tag team with other mushrooms. Reishi is great for preventing or defending bugs (supporting your immune system) , helping with getting a good sleep and overcoming stressors of the body.

Ways to take Reishi: Teas, extracts, tonics, capsules, powders.

Turkey Tail:

Resembling the color striped tail of a turkey, these mushroom wonders are amazing for cancer prevention, digestive health, liver health, boosting energy and so much more. The structure of Turkey Tail is loaded with different varieties of antiviral, antioxidant and antibacterial agents.

Ways to take Turkey Tail: Powders, broths, capsules, teas.

Lion’s Mane:

These funky looking mushrooms live up to their name. Bright white and fluffy, Lion’s Mane mushrooms are one of the best helpers with brain health. Known to boost your memory and cognitive function overall, these fungi friends are full of other rich compounds that also help with inflammation, digestion and boosting the immune system. With a delightful texture, they also taste fantastic when cooked up in a saucepan!

Ways to take Lion’s Mane: Cooking it fresh in your favorite recipes, capsules, powders, teas, extracts,

Crimini:

These cute little buttons are great friends for our hormones and mineral health. Crimini mushrooms contain trace elements of zinc, copper and selenium and are a great assistance to lower estrogen in the body, promote fertility, improve metabolism, promote skin health and boost energy.

Ways to take Crimini mushrooms: Cooking!

Oyster Mushrooms:

These mushroom friends look like they belong on the bottom of the sea. They are beautiful and come in a range of colors and are our allies for lowering blood sugar, maintaining heart health and are full of antibacterial and anti-cancerous properties. Their antioxidant and beta-glucan properties help to prevent cell damage and improve glucose and fat metabolism.

Ways to take Oyster Mushrooms: Roasted, fried, sauteed.

Chanterelle:

Low in calories and high in dietary fiber, these wavy golden mushrooms are well-loved around the world. Chanterelles contain niacin, vitamin D and copper and are wonderful for bone health, immune health, heart health and are a great source of antioxidants.

Ways to take Chanterelle Mushrooms: Cooking in your favorite dishes.