Mushroom Benefits

Everyone is looking for the next best thing and it’s easy to just jump on the bandwagon. However, the next best health trend …believe it or not…is mushrooms!

Our advice? Don’t dismiss it out of hand and read on to see why there is definitely something more to ‘magical’ mushrooms than meets the eye!

Plant based, vegan and sustainability - some of the the latest buzz words but interest in these are growing in popularity at a phenomenal rate. For a variety of reasons - to become more eco-conscious, animal welfare, social and economic responsibility, for health and the list goes on…

Adopting healthier practices such as eating more plant based foods, moving more and having better mental health is key these days. Building in some positive, healthy changes incorporating these principles can have great effects on your body and mind!

While mushrooms are often classed as a ‘superfood’, many are adaptogens and can be used as an excellent meat substitute for vegans (or indeed anyone keen to introduce plants into their diet) with great nutritional packed recipes available everywhere online. They are also incredibly sustainable with a significantly smaller carbon footprint than other proteins and incredibly nutritious with complete essential amino acids.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10088739/

Mushrooms are now readily available in speciality coffees and many people incorporate mushroom ‘stacking’ (pairing them with other adaptogens) into their daily routine often opting for the supplemental route which is becoming more and more popular amongst natural health devotees.

Why are Mushrooms Classed as a Superfood?

There are many varieties of edible mushrooms that can be packed with over a dozen vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins like folate, D, Zinc, Potassium, Magnesium, Selenium and Copper. Mushrooms contain antioxidants thought to lower effects of cell damage and deterioration, including selenium and glutathione.

Corresponding Benefits?

These include potential improvements in

•    Bone health
•    Immune health
•    Cardiovascular health
•    Cognitive/mental health
•    Blood sugar regulation

What are Adaptogens?

Adaptogens are active ingredients in certain plants and mushrooms. Although continuing research is needed, these are reported to have an impact on how your body copes with fatigue, stress and anxiety.

The goal of adaptogens is to restore the body to homeostasis (balance) This is particularly relevant to stress as the adaptogens lower cortisol levels that can become raised as a result.

Whilst mushrooms may be a very versatile and delicious food, not everyone likes them and they may not be something you wish to eat every day. This is where supplementation can help. Some supplements, such as Ashwagandha capsules from Vitality Rocks blend quality ashwagandha root with mushroom extracts to provide an adaptogenic effect that may help reduce the stress on your body.