What are functional mushrooms? Nutrient-packed mushrooms that are more than a trend
The term "functional mushrooms" has become popular in the mushroom industry. So what are functional mushrooms, exactly? We provide information on functional mushrooms below so you can start to understand why people are so interested in them.
Functional mushrooms are mushrooms which are grown or harvested and consumed to support human health. They are used extensively by people who are interested in alternative medicine and healthy diets.
Not all mushrooms are considered functional mushrooms, so it's important to know which are the most beneficial for human consumption. Some functional mushrooms are very popular and have been used for many years all around the world. Chaga mushroom and reishi mushroom fall into this category.
Other functional mushrooms are not as well known. Lion’s mane or turkey tail mushroom can fit into this category (although their popularity has been increasing, too!)
Examples of functional mushrooms
The following types of mushrooms are considered to be functional mushrooms:
- Maitake (Grifola frondosa)
- Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
- Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
- Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)
- Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris & Cordyceps sinensis)
- Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
- Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)
What are the benefits of functional mushrooms?
The mushrooms in question have many health-supporting properties. In fact, modern day scientific research has even gone as far as studying these mushrooms to understand the healthful constituents contained within.
According to the study entitled Medicinal Mushrooms: Bioactive Compounds, Use, and Clinical Trials, “The medicinal properties of mushrooms are due to the numerous and diverse secondary compounds and metabolites present in the mycelial and/or carpophore structures, which can act, in a synergistic or non-synergistic manner, on various biological functions of the human organism.”[1]
One of the ways in which functional mushrooms are beneficial is that they contain beta-glucans, compounds that have excellent anti-inflammatory properties [2].
Another benefit of functional mushrooms is that they are rich in polysaccharides [3]. Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates that are helpful in supporting a healthy digestive system. The benefits of eating these mushrooms are very valuable.
What do functional mushrooms do?
One of the benefits of eating mushrooms is that they provide nutrients to your body. Mushrooms are an incredibly nutritious food that you don’t always have to eat to get their benefits. In fact, you can make tea with functional mushrooms to get the water-soluble constituents into your body.
At Tamim Teas, all of our mushroom blends feature functional mushrooms. These functional mushrooms are paired with other healthful herbs and spices, so you get a powerhouse of flavor and nutrition. Let’s take a look at some of these functional mushroom tea blends now so you can get a better understanding of them.
Reishi Delight: Need to relax? Our Reishi Delight may be just what you’re looking for. We’ve combined organic, dried reishi with organic cinnamon, organic orange peel, organic red rooibos and herbal honeybush tea to create a bright and soothing infusion.
Reishi mushroom has a range of purported benefits including the ability to support the immune system, cardiovascular system, and the nervous system [4]. If you want tea to help you wind down at the end of the day, look no further than the Reishi Delight.
Maitake Bloom: For those wanting the opposite effects of the Reishi Delight and are seeking a little more invigoration, try our Maitake Bloom. We’ve combined organic maitake mushrooms with other powerhouse herbs, including astragalus, ginger, and goji berries.
The purported benefits of maitake are ranging, and include immune system support, cardiovascular system support, and liver support [5]. This blend is great both hot or cold.
All Mushroom Blend: Our All Mushroom Blend provides you with only mushrooms and we’ve packed it to the brim with the most healthful ones we could find. Experience an earthy treat comprising five powerful organic mushrooms, including chaga mushroom, lion's mane mushroom, maitake mushroom, reishi mushroom, and shiitake mushroom.
Research into functional mushrooms and their medicinal benefits has been gaining in recent years, but there is still a lot that remains undone. We hope to see this work and research continue, and we will keep you updated on these benefits as soon as they are available to the public.
Here’s an interesting fact we want to leave you with. According to Neuronal Health – Can Culinary and Medicinal Mushrooms Help?, “Of the 2000 edible mushrooms in 30 genera, 270 species are now considered as potential therapeutic or preventative agents that may ensure wellness of humans.” [6]
Fortunately, the current literature in conjunction with traditional, cultural practices makes a strong case for incorporating more functional mushrooms into your diet. All of our mushroom tea blends can help you with that, so head on over to our online store and pick up the blends that resonate with you the most.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
