Should You Try Functional Mushrooms for Mood? 5 Great Supplement Ingredients That Can Help
Functional mushrooms have been appreciated in traditional medical practices for centuries, and modern science is beginning to catch up. Certain mushroom varieties are now recognized for their potential to boost mood. We’ll examine five great functional mushrooms that may become a helpful part of your supplement regimen.
The use of functional mushrooms in medicine dates back thousands of years. Hippocrates, known as the ‘father of modern medicine,’ recognized the powerful anti-inflammatory effects of functional mushrooms. Through extensive research, the use of functional mushrooms has expanded beyond anti-inflammatory effects. Today, functional mushrooms are reported to have a wide range of health benefits, including their potential to boost both immune function and mood.
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Functional mushrooms are categorized as adaptogens, which means they have the potential to help the body adapt to stressors and increase resilience. Given the prevalence of daily stressors, you might want to consider using functional mushrooms to help support your mood. These mushrooms, often referred to as medicinal mushrooms, are rich in beta-glucans that may support the gut-brain axis. They also contain terpenoids, which have neuroprotective properties. In this article, we will explore five functional mushrooms for mood.
Mushrooms for mood: Lion’s Mane
The Lion’s Mane mushroom is well known for its medicinal properties. This functional mushroom contains neurotrophic compounds, such as nerve growth factors hericenones and erinacines, which may help stimulate nerve growth and have the potential to repair nerve damage. Due to these properties, it is suggested that Lion’s Mane may help support brain health. In fact, there is evidence that Lion’s Mane may help calm your anxiety and improve mild cognitive impairments. Furthermore, there is ongoing research exploring the use of Lion’s Mane as an alternative therapy for treating depression.
Mushrooms for mood: Reishi
The Reishi mushroom is another functional mushroom that is believed to have positive effects on mood. Due to its medicinal properties, the Reishi mushroom is often referred to as the “mushroom of immortality.” Reishi mushrooms are rich in beta-glucans and ganoderic acid, which have strong anti-inflammatory properties that can help support brain health. Additionally, Reishi mushrooms are rich in 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan, which is a precursor to the feel-good chemical serotonin. As a result of these compounds, it is believed that Reishi mushrooms may be helpful in controlling anxiety and depression.
Mushrooms for mood: Cordyceps
Cordyceps is another functional mushroom that may support mental well-being. Although not as extensively researched as other functional mushrooms, there is some evidence to suggest that it may have anti-depressive qualities. The potential anti-depressive qualities are attributed to the anti-inflammatory compound cordycepin and the carbohydrate mannitol, which is known to reduce swelling in the brain. Beyond these possible anti-depressive qualities, Cordyceps may also be helpful in improving anxiety levels. While more research is needed to support these claims, Cordyceps is an attractive option due to its numerous health benefits, and preliminary studies suggest that it is generally safe to consume.
Mushrooms for mood: Chaga
The Chaga mushroom is a popular species of functional mushroom known for its powerful medicinal properties. With its high levels of polyphenols and triterpenoids, the Chaga mushroom may have strong anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects, which may help support overall health and well–being. Considering the link between inflammation and depression, it is possible that Chaga may have mood-boosting properties. However, more research is needed to understand the mood-boosting effects of Chaga mushrooms fully.
Mushrooms for mood: Tremella
The Tremella mushroom has a long history in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a longevity tonic that was reserved for royalty. This functional mushroom is also rich in polysaccharides and triterpenoids, which are believed to have strong medicinal qualities, including anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to protect your nerves. Tremella mushrooms may play a role in supporting mood in several ways; they are known to contain antioxidants that help to reduce oxidative stress, which can contribute to depression and anxiety. Moreover, Tremella mushrooms may help regulate the immune system, which may have a positive impact on mood.
Mushrooms for mood: Real Mushrooms
Certainly, there is a convincing argument in favor of using functional mushrooms for mood. However, it may be challenging to incorporate all of these functional mushrooms into your diet. Fortunately, Real Mushrooms offers an easy solution by providing these various functional mushrooms as a nutritional supplement. Whether it is in powder or capsule form, each option is certified to be 100% vegan and free of grain fillers.
With over 40 years of experience, Real Mushrooms uses an extraction method that is supported by scientific research. Real Mushrooms offers a wide range of products, from single mushroom species to blends, to support a variety of needs. Rest assured, all of their products undergo independent testing to ensure quality and brand trust. It is no wonder Real Mushrooms products have been recommended by thousands of health care practitioners around the world.
Mushrooms for mood: final thoughts
In summary, functional mushrooms may offer many powerful health benefits, including boosting your mood and mental well-being. With each species of functional mushrooms offering a potential mood boost in a different way, you may want to try each one separately or use a blend to maximize their possible benefits. Regardless if you choose a single variety or a blend, the adaptogenic qualities of functional mushrooms have the potential to boost mood and help you become more resilient. Fortunately, today, with the growing popularity of functional mushrooms, it is easier than ever to get in on this health trend.
For Further Reading:
Andrew Weil, MD: Can Lion’s Mane Be Used To Help Improve Mood?
The Nutrition Insider: The 3 Best Mushrooms for Anxiety
National Library of Medicine: Exploring the mechanisms of action of Cordyceps sinensis for the treatment of depression using network pharmacology and molecular docking
National Library of Medicine: Mushrooms as Potential Sources of Active Metabolites and Medicines
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
