If you are looking for a powerful natural way for boosting immune system function, take a look at medicinal mushrooms. They aren’t some new fad. Oh no, mushrooms have been used in Chinese medicine and by many ancient cultures for thousands of years. Mushrooms are a type of fungi and they have their own unique type of antibiotics for their own protection. But continuing research shows they also have special health benefits to offer humans and immune system support is one of the leading benefits as they have antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. Full of nutrients, antioxidants, and beta-glucans, and a good source of protein, selenium, copper, potassium, and vitamins with no cholesterol and little fat all add up to making mushroom power a great natural addition to your health resources.
Studies have found various types of mushrooms can:
- improve blood circulation
- stabilize cholesterol and blood sugar levels
- support and protect liver and kidney
- help regenerate nerves
- reduce risk of heart disease
- kill off cancer cells
Varieties of Medicinal Mushrooms
Take a look at some of the leading edible mushrooms research has found that are amazing for boosting immune system function.
Shiitake – contain the polysaccharide lentinan that has been used in treating cancers and has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties.
Reishi – contain triterpenoid ganoderic acid found useful in treating cancers such as lung cancer and leukemia and has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
Cordyceps – enhance strength and endurance, protect the liver and kidney, increase blood circulation, and stabilize cholesterol levels.
Turkey Tail – contain PSK and PSP polysaccharides reported as significant in fighting cancers such as breast cancer, leukemia, stomach cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, and cervical cancer.
Agaricus Blazei – contain polysaccharides and the potent antioxidant ergosterol and has the most beta glucan of any of the mushrooms. Has been found useful for diabetics, stabilizing cholesterol levels, and enhancing hair and skin health.
Maitake – rich source of Vitamins B-2, C and D, potassium, fiber, amino acids, magnesium and niacin and found to lower blood pressure levels, give liver support, and be beneficial in treating diabetes and obesity.
Lion’s Mane – benefits age related memory function and mental clarity, stimulates nerve growth and found useful for reducing results of stress.
Poria Cocos – rich source of beta glucans, polysaccharides, fiber, and triterpenes and current research studies are concentrating on benefits for the gastrointestinal system, nervous system, inflammation, joint and cartilage systems, kidney function and cardiovascular system.
Go Wild the Easy Way
There are lots of delicious ways to fix edible mushrooms, but if you are not a fan of eating mushrooms, don’t find them in stores where you live easily or don’t have time to go out and forage in the wild for them yourselves, no worries, we have an easier way. This mushroom algae supplement gives you a blend of organic reishi, maitake, cordyceps, wild black trumpet, and Poria cocos mushrooms and this one gives you a blend of reishi, cordyceps, maitake, shiitake, Turkey Tail, and Agaricus blazei, as well as astragalus, beta glucan and AFA bluegreen algae. The research on mushrooms continues to be promising for all the health benefits they can bestow upon us. Nutritional, low cal, and good for the immune system makes mushrooms a win all the way around.
If you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, let me know by leaving a comment below. You can also find me on Facebook where I always appreciate a LIKE. To order any of the products mentioned in this post or other products for you or your horses, please visit my online store.
Sources:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/12/31/organic-mushrooms-for-immune-support.aspx
http://www.rodalewellness.com/health/medicinal-mushrooms