Blog

The Power of Mushroom Powder: 5 Types to Boost Brain and Body Function

Did you know that mushrooms are technically not plants? Their DNA is more closely related to animals, but they’re in a separate taxonomic kingdom. Today, mushrooms are gaining notoriety as incredible superfoods. The ancient cultures in China, Greece, and the Americas learned the powerful benefits of mushrooms and their extracts long ago, and have utilised them in various medicinal practices. Why not take advantage of this long-existing knowledge and give medicinal mushrooms a try?

Although medicinal mushroom properties are still relatively new to modern Western medicine, preliminary results show that certain mushrooms contain valuable compounds that can boost your health and brain function and help combat the symptoms of various medical conditions.

An easy way to include these fantastic health supplements into your diet is through the meticulously selected mushroom powder options at The Herbal Connection. The following are some of our favourites that also feature certified organic options:

Maitake

Maitake (pronounced my-tah-kee) roughly translates to “dancing mushroom” in Japanese because people danced for joy when they first found it growing in the wild. Maitake mushroom powder contains various immunity-boosting nutrients, including vitamins B and C, potassium, folate, and fibre. Some research shows this medicinal mushroom to be beneficial for balancing and supporting gut health by helping create compounds that protect the intestinal lining and improve the growth of healthy bacteria.

A recent study in rats yielded interesting results: consumption of this mushroom showed positive effects on balancing blood glucose levels. For those with insulin and blood sugar issues, maitake mushroom powder would be an excellent addition to your diet for potential assistance in combating insulin resistance and stabilising blood sugar.

Shiitake

Shiitake (pronounced shee-tah-kee) mushrooms are very popular in the culinary world for their savoury flavour and buttery meat-like texture as a vegan substitute. It’s no wonder these low-calorie mushrooms are the third most-cultivated in the world. Shiitake mushroom powder contains many of the same amino acids found in meats and appears to assist in various functions for fighting inflammation and circulatory problems.

In 2013, researchers conducted a study on rats and mice eating high-fat diets to test how these mushrooms helped. The results demonstrated that the animals who received dried shiitake had reduced amounts of fat in their livers, less plaque accumulation in their arteries, and lower LDL (sometimes called “bad”) cholesterol levels. Further research is on the way to demonstrate the actual effectiveness in humans. Still, these seem to be promising indications that some tasty umami shiitake mushroom powder in your next stir-fry meal could also help your circulatory system and organs.

Reishi

Reishi mushrooms were named the “mushroom of spiritual immortality” by Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners. Historically, these practitioners found reishi helped support a calm mind and alleviate problems with sleep. More recently, preliminary studies in humans have indicated that reishi mushroom powder supplements reduced experiences of anxiety, fatigue, and depression while improving the overall quality of life in breast cancer patients. Another study showed that nutrients in reishi mushrooms might positively support the adrenal glands and combat the effects of imbalanced stress hormones.

Reishi mushroom powder is an easier way to ingest these wonderful potential health benefits because the mushroom has a woody flavour and texture that’s not suitable for eating whole unless prepared in specific ways.

Chaga

Chaga mushrooms are found in colder climates like Siberia, Northern Europe, Korea, and Alaska and are known for being antioxidant powerhouses. They look similar to a chunk of burnt charcoal with a soft, orangey core and have a bitter taste with hints of vanilla. The people of these regions traditionally grated it into a chaga mushroom powder and drank it in warm teas to combat inflammation and fight infections.

One study on mice found that lung cancer tumours were reduced in size by 60% after three weeks of implementing a chaga extract. Another study suggests chaga contains properties that boost the specialised proteins that regulate the immune system, increasing the success in fighting off viral and bacterial infections. Consider adding some immunity-fortifying Chaga mushroom powder to your next cup of chai.

Lion’s Mane

Lion’s mane is a unique mushroom in more ways than one. Its distinctive fluffy white look is full of brain-boosting neurotrophic properties and antioxidants. It also has a seafood-like flavour that makes it popular in many Asian cuisines. Lion’s mane mushroom powder is frequently seen in mushroom powder blends for enhancing memory and mental clarity.

Lion’s mane is sometimes called “nature’s nootropic” for its cognitive-enhancing abilities. It contains two important compounds, erinacines and hericenones, that promote the production of myelin and nerve growth factor (NGF). Supporting myelin and NFG is crucial for diminishing the effects of cognitive decline as we age. Additionally, some research suggests that Lion’s mane extract may help speed up recovery from brain and spinal cord injuries. If you’re dealing with mental fog, Lion’s mane mushroom powder may be able to give you the breakthrough you need.

Important Notes

Emerging research shows that mushroom powders from these fantastic fungi can benefit the brain and body tremendously. However, it is vital to remember that the majority of these studies were not conducted in humans. Further research is ongoing to show more concrete evidence and potentially create effective treatments utilising mushroom powders and other extracts.

Like any other medicine, some mushrooms may have harmful interactions with other medications you take. It is crucial to consult with your doctor before adding any of these mushroom powders to your diet.

At The Herbal Connection, we have over four decades of experience selling certified organic wholesale herbal products. If you need high-quality Chinese mushroom powders with no additives or fillers for your business, check out our selection today!