So you have noticed we now offer a new product containing not only our Full Spectrum CBG but also…functional mushrooms? Let us welcome you to the captivating world of functional mushrooms and unpack their benefits! As these remarkable fungi steadily gain recognition for their powerful health benefits, more and more people are discovering their transformative potential. From boosting immune function to enhancing cognitive abilities and reducing stress, functional mushrooms offer a wealth of wellness benefits.
This article will explore their rich history, unveil the specific advantages of the two varieties we have chosen to use, Lion's Mane and Cordyceps, and discuss how to incorporate them into your daily routine. This journey into functional mushrooms promises to be both enlightening and enriching. By the end of this post, we think you’ll see that functional mushrooms are like full spectrum CBD in that they both enhance your well-being in the most natural way.
History and Traditional Uses
Functional mushrooms have been used as both food and medicine in cultures around the world for thousands of years. Functional Mushrooms such as Reishi and Cordyceps can be read about in ancient Chinese texts where they are described, with reverence, as “elixirs of life”, and associated with bestowing ageless vitality. For centuries, functional mushrooms have been used in Asia to treat fatigue, respiratory problems, liver disease, and digestive disorders. Similarly, the Native American peoples and the Scandinavians recognized the benefits of various functional mushrooms, utilizing them for both food and their beneficial medicinal properties. We could not begin to unravel the full history and interconnectedness between various cultures and functional mushrooms, but it only takes some brief research to see functional mushrooms are intertwined with the wisdom, traditions, medicine, and recreation of cultures all across the world throughout history.
No, They are not Psychoactive Mushrooms
Functional mushrooms are not to be mistaken for psychoactive mushrooms. These do not contain Psilocybin, the active compound found in what many people call Magic Mushrooms, and therefore will not produce any psychoactive effects.
The Benefits of Functional Mushrooms
Various fungi are categorized as functional mushrooms because, as their name suggests, they support the optimal functioning of your body and overall wellness. Various mushrooms are heralded for having health benefits beyond their nutritional value. Supporters of functional mushrooms point to them containing compounds that can boost energy levels, and improve immunity, cognitive performance, sleep, and gut health. Functional mushrooms may help people manage their stress levels as well. For this reason, many functional mushrooms are classified as adaptogens
What are Adaptogens?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, adaptogens are the active ingredients in certain plants and mushrooms that may help your body respond to stress, anxiety, and fatigue. To qualify as an adaptogen, a plant must not be toxic in normal doses, and must help your body manage stress and help it return to homeostasis. Certain plants and mushrooms provide adaptogenic processes, meaning they can either increase or decrease a chemical reaction that is occurring in the body. For example, if you are in a heightened stress state and your cortisol levels have increased, an adaptogen would respond by decreasing cortisol levels.
As research expands and interest increases, functional mushrooms will continue to rise in popularity for their beneficial adaptogenic traits. They will eclipse something as widely recognized as a beneficial adaptogen like turmeric!
Specific Functional Mushrooms
Lion's Mane
The Lion's Mane mushroom, distinguished by its cascading shaggy appearance, similar to that of a mane on a lion, is not only visually striking but also revered for its adaptogenic and neuroprotective properties. This mushroom has gained popularity recently due to its potential to support cognitive function and promote nerve regeneration, making it an exciting subject of research in the fields of neurology and medicine.
Studies have indicated that Lion's Mane can stimulate the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a protein essential for the maintenance, survival, and regeneration of neurons. One pivotal study published in the journal Biomedical Research found that taking Lion’s Mane daily led to significant improvements in cognitive function among older adults diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. This suggests promising applications for Lion's Mane in potentially mitigating the progression of neurodegenerative diseases and supporting daily brain health.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps mushrooms have a peculiar origin, primarily thriving as parasitic fungi that grow on the larvae of insects. Because of this, they are sometimes called caterpillar mushrooms. However, the most commonly used form in products today is cultivated on plant-based substrates, ensuring a sustainable and ethical source. One of the most intriguing characteristics of Cordyceps is its ability to enhance energy levels and boost athletic performance. This is attributed to the mushroom’s capacity to increase the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a molecule that is integral to delivering energy to the muscles.
Furthermore, Cordyceps has been associated with cognitive benefits, improving memory and focus. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology revealed that Cordyceps supplementation may enhance cognitive functioning, particularly in tasks related to memory and learning. This research underscores the mushroom's potential as a natural aid for mental clarity and cognitive health.This unique combination of properties makes Cordyceps a valuable addition to a holistic wellness regimen, supporting both physical and mental vitality.
How to Incorporate Functional Mushrooms Into Your Diet
We’ve got you covered on this! Mushrooms like Lion's Mane or Cordyceps can be difficult to cook with, hard to measure, and many tincture forms of these functional mushrooms taste unpleasant or cause mild stomach aches. We’ve solved these problems by putting the extract of these mushrooms into our delicious all-natural Mixed Berry vegan gummy!
Using natural flavors, the mushroom flavor is undetectable. With each gummy containing approximately 150mg of Lion’s Mane and 100mg of Cordyceps, along with Full Spectrum CBG and B12, it is easy to get your daily needed amount of functional mushrooms. No need to make drastic changes or prepare anything. Just pop a delicious gummy in your mouth and take on the day with a more focused mind.
Choosing Quality Mushroom Products
As with any product, there is a large spectrum of quality available on the market. As more people realize the benefits of functional mushrooms, foul players will try to take advantage of their rise in popularity and put out subpar products. To combat this issue, we encourage you to always do your research and only purchase from reputable brands you trust.
Further Research
We encourage all of our readers to go beyond this article and do their own research on functional mushrooms. There is a wealth of information available on Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, and many other beneficial functional mushrooms we have not discussed. In addition to research, we encourage you to speak with professionals in the mushroom field or join conversations that explore these fascinating fungi. You will be amazed by their potential!
Conclusion
Now that you are familiar with the wonderful world of functional mushrooms, we hope you agree the potential benefits are undeniable. Functional mushrooms have been used in cultures for thousands of years and are recognized as an effective mainstream health and wellness remedy. Research will continue to illuminate the potential benefits and applications, only further supporting our position that functional mushrooms are a critical component to natural wellness.
We’ve explored functioning mushrooms together, now it is time for you to experience their benefits for yourself, by trying our Mixed Berry FOCUS Mushroom & CBG gummies! It may be very different from Full spectrum CBD, but they share the characteristic of bringing more calm, joy, and wellness to the world.
Sources/Further Reading
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5874985/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29775778/
- https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-are-the-health-benefits-of-lions-mane-mushrooms
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/lions-mane-mushrooms-benefits
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10675414/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5987239/
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/cordyceps-benefits
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/cordyceps
- https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.jafc.5b02914
