Mushrooms have been around longer than Betty White. People have been consuming various types of fungi for hundreds of years, they’re nothing new to us. But what is new, is the idea that mushrooms are the underdog of superfoods.
Mushrooms aren’t only delicious to eat, but also contain a load of vitamins, nutrients, support immune health and have many other health benefits which makes them a part of the superfood family. These weird little fungi are most commonly known as the tasty addition to a meal in a sauce, soup or as a side, but when we talk about mushrooms as a whole, there’s a lot more that falls under that cap. Let’s unpack that!
1. Common Mushrooms
When we first think of mushrooms, we might think of them as a topping on a pizza or in a red wine sauce to top your steak with – YUM. Typically they’re used in recipes because they add amazing flavour, but have you considered the health benefits they offer?
The common fungi contains fibre, immune boosters, B-vitamins, and other bioactive compounds. These may just be the most underrated food you frequently consume.
Here’s 3 of the most common mushrooms used for cooking and what they’re actual benefits are!
Portobello Mushrooms
These guys are used as meat substitutes by vegans worldwide due to their hearty flavour and large size. Health benefits may include lowering cancer risk, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, B-vitamins, source of copper (metabolism support) and selenium (thyroid support).
Cremini Mushrooms
These small to medium sized, brown in colour, and have an earthy taste. Health benefits may include protection against cancer, protection of cardiovascular health, treats and prevents fatigue, and provides potassium.
Shiitake Mushrooms
Popular in Asian cuisine, these fungi pack a punch of added health benefits. They are antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal. They help to control blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, support immune function and so much more.
2. PSYCHEDELIC MUSHROOMS
Psychedelic mushrooms aka magic mushrooms or shrooms contain Psilocybin which is what makes them “magic”. Similar to cannabis, there’s many different strains of psychedelic shrooms. Over 200 actually! Psilocybin is the natural psychedelic compound found in these fungi that induces the stereotypical rainbows and unicorns type “trip”.
And although tripping on shrooms is nothing short of a good time, it’s not even close to their sole purpose. These fungi are actually being used to treat serious conditions such as end of life depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction.
In these Psilocybin therapy sessions, the patient is met in a comfortable room with their therapist. They’re given their dose of Psilocybin and lay down on a comfy couch with an eye mask and headphones to listen to music with their eyes closed and take a journey inward. Patients have reported remarkable results lasting months after their experience. See more from a Johns Hopkins study here.
Although a trip experience is what people think of when they think of magic mushrooms, Psilocybin doesn’t have to be taken in “trip” type doses. In fact, there’s quite a bit of evidence that shows that microdosing Psilocybin can provide great benefits. Essentially, you’re taking such a small dose that you’re not getting high, but you still get to experience benefits such as improved mood, relief from depression and anxiety, enhanced cognition, focus and a boost in energy. They weren’t kidding when they said magic mushrooms.
3. MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS
Medicinal mushrooms have been a hot topic of discussion just recently in our Western culture, although Asian cultures have been using fungi as medicine for centuries. People nowadays are rejecting pharmaceutical approaches to medicine, and opening their eyes to other possible healing modalities.
Some of the most common medicinal mushrooms are Reishi, Lion’s Mane and Chaga. All of these fungi have quite the list of health benefits including immunity support, improving cognition, hormonal support and a ton of antioxidants which are huge for anti aging. They’ve also been known to treat cancer, respiratory ailments, heart disease, diabetes and so much more.
We still don’t even know the full power of mushrooms as medicine, but what we do know is that their capabilities are pretty mind blowing. Fungi could quite possibly be the future of medicine… So they’re a bigger deal than when Kim K’s earring fell in the ocean.
We use a combination of medicinal mushrooms and Psilocybin mushrooms in our products that work together to serve you as many benefits as we could fit into a capsule. Below are all the medicinal mushrooms we use!
Reishi Mushrooms
Known as “Nature’s Xanax” Reshi Aids in weight loss, boosts immune system, fights cancer cells, boosts mood, helps with depression and anxiety, and aids in better sleep.
Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
Lion’s Mane mushrooms Help with brain fog, mental clarity, supports the immune system, contains antioxidants, improves cognition, concentration and relieves irritability. Think brain food.
Chaga Mushrooms
Chaga has Powerful antioxidants, combats inflammation, aging of the skin, and may slow cancer growth.
Cordyceps Mushrooms
Improves immune system and cognitive function, boost energy and libido, aids in athletic performance and muscle recovery.
Coriolus Mushrooms
Stimulates the immune system, fights infections, increases energy and treats chronic fatigue.
Maitake Mushrooms
Treats cancer, improves overall immunity, supports overall health and fights illness.
The bottom line
The list of benefits could go on and on but we think you get the point. The lineup of “fantastic fungi” we use in our products work together to create a perfect synergy of physical health benefits AND mental health benefits.
There’s so much more to mushrooms than pizza toppings or tripping out in the forest with your friends. There’s real health benefits. There’s real science. REAL results. Mushrooms are seriously changing lives! And that’s why we believe that all mushrooms are magic.
Shop our collection of magic and medicinal mushrooms on our site HERE.
