Top 7 Benefits of Mushroom Supplements

Mushroom supplements are the ones that aren’t derived from the varieties having psychedelic properties, but there’s a unanimous verdict that the benefits they entail make them no less magical. Produced from fungi varieties, they are gaining increasing importance in the market.

According to a research of the Market Research Future, it’s expected that the mushroom extract market will witness a robust growth at a CAGR of 6.3% until 2023.

On one hand, there are magic mushrooms that are constituted by psilocybin, which is a psychoactive and hallucinogenic compound that occurs naturally, and on the other hand, we have these medicinal mushrooms without any psychedelic properties. Having said that, not all mushroom supplements are beneficial to mankind, but the correct varieties have remarkable benefits.

Some experts are still not sure about all the benefits of these mushroom supplements, because there are so many mushroom varieties found in the world. But, below are enlisted 7 of their benefits everyone should know about:

1. Excellent antioxidant

Mushroom supplements are a great source of antioxidants. Antioxidants are chemicals that inhibit the harmful effects free radicals can have on our bodies. They step into this scenario by neutralizing the free radicals which prohibit them from impairing other cells present inside our bodies.

Antioxidants also entail the added benefits of shielding us as well as undoing some of the damage caused.

2. Strengthens the immune system

Our immune system’s well-being is vital to protect us from infections and diseases as well as fight them. However, a very overactive immune system can also lead to further damage to the body as happens in the case of autoimmune diseases.

Mushroom supplements are beneficial in this regard since they regulate the functions of the immune system and strike a perfect balance due to the presence of effective polysaccharides called beta-glucans.

It helps in facilitating certain reactions to protect us when there’s a disease to fight and pacifies the immune system down when there’s excessive immune activity.

3. Great source of Vitamin D

Vitamin D intake is extremely essential for our body because of various reasons including, balancing insulin levels for diabetes management, maintaining healthy teeth and bones, etc.

Mushroom supplements contain an antecedent of Vitamin D, which when exposed to UV radiations, modifies it into an active form that can be used inside the human body.

There are various “Vitamin D enhanced” mushroom supplements available in the market which already contain Vitamin D in a form that can be directly ingested into our body.

4. Maintains blood sugar levels

An imbalance of blood sugar levels can affect our energy levels and make us susceptible to conditions like diabetes 2.

Various studies have been carried out that indicate mushroom varieties like Maitake can help lower blood sugar levels by increasing our body’s sensitivity towards insulin. It may also aid in the protection of the pancreas responsible for the production of insulin.

5. Keeps joints strong and healthy

Inflammation and pain in joints in conditions like arthritis can impair us from carrying out our daily routine work and leading a smooth life. Mushrooms have anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate the pain inflicted upon your body.

Based on clinical trials, it has been found out that Reishi mushrooms have been useful in easing the pain caused in people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis over a time span of 24 weeks.

6. Helps to fight cancer

Some varieties of mushrooms such as Reishi and Chaga help in fighting cancer along with the traditional treatments. They contain a class of chemical compounds which is also an antioxidant called triterpene.

They help in hindering the growth of tumor cells. And as mentioned before, mushroom supplements also contain polysaccharides called beta-glucans that also help in treating cancer.

7. Anti-aging properties

Mushroom varieties such as Reishi and Shiitake contain anti-oxidants such as polyphenols. They are also a rich source of minerals like copper and zinc, which facilitate our bodies to produce their own anti-oxidants.

These compounds have anti-aging properties and keep our skin glowing and healthy.

Over to you…

The list of benefits doesn’t end here. Owing to the wide range of varieties of mushrooms available worldwide, there’s a lot more to this list.

But, an important thing to keep in mind is that certain varieties of mushrooms may induce allergic reactions in your body due to some existing condition that you might have. So, consult a health professional prior to their consumption and lead a healthy life!