Mushrooms are the latest emerging trend in the natural wellness world.
And no, not the psychedelic kind that causes hallucinations or the culinary kind added to tasty recipes.
It’s the medicinal kind that provides an array of unique therapeutic effects.
Most medicinal mushroom species, also known as functional mushrooms, are different from the culinary varieties we cook with, and they are typically used in powdered form.
The mushroom powder is popping up in smoothies, coffee, capsules, gummies, and even beauty products.
In recent years, functional mushrooms have emerged as the breakthrough superfood in the western world.
There is a large range of varieties, some of the most popular being reishi, turkey tail, cordyceps, and lion’s mane. Each variety boasts unique therapeutic properties with different potential health benefits.
Lion’s mane mushroom powders are touted for their ability to support brain and cognitive health, while cordyceps are known to enhance energy levels.
Depending on the species, there is an array of purported uses for mushroom powder.
Below, we explore the facts.
1. Mushroom Powder Has Nutritional Value
Much like culinary mushrooms, functional mushrooms are packed with nutrients that support the immune system and promote good health.
Typically, such mushrooms are high in protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Moreover, they are low in sodium and offer a good source of fiber.
Perhaps most notably, mushroom powders crafted from specific medicinal mushrooms are higher in beta-glucans. Beta-glucans are polysaccharides found in fungal cell walls.
They are the primary immune-modulating constituents of medicinal mushrooms and promote healthy immune function in the gut.
Therefore, in addition to their unique therapeutic attributes, mushroom powder offers added nutritional qualities to boost health and wellness.
2. Mushroom Powder Has an Assortment of Health Benefits
As already touched on, there are many different mushroom species, each with its own health properties.
While most offer incredible nutritional value and support general wellness, different varieties provide different health benefits.
For instance, reishi can help reduce stress and promote sleep, lion’s mane can improve memory, focus, and mood, and cordyceps may provide a much-needed energy boost.
Therefore, when shopping for mushroom powder, you need to find a variety that suits your health needs.
Often, you can find mushroom blends, which incorporate several mushroom species into one formula. Such products allow users to reap the benefits of multiple mushroom varieties in a single supplement.
3. Mushroom Powder Is a Versatile Ingredient
There are a variety of ways to use mushroom powder.
It can be added to tea and coffee, though some species may have a pungent flavor that many find overpowering or unpleasant.
You could try adding a coconut creamer or oat milk to the mix to dilute the flavor a little. Another option is to add your mushroom powder to a smoothie recipe.
Alternatively, you can try cooking with mushroom powder.
Adding it to your everyday foods is an easy and effective way to reap the health benefits with minimal effort.
You can add it to oatmeal, stir-fries, soups, broths, and pasta dishes for added flavor or mix it into seasonings and sauces.
However, for those who don’t like the idea of adding mushroom powder to foods and beverages, there are other supplement options, such as capsules.
Mushroom powder capsules provide a precise dosage of mushroom extract compared to sprinkling it into foods and drinks.
Plus, capsules are easy and convenient to use. Companies simply infuse mushroom powder extract into specially crafted capsules to create such supplements.
4. Not all Mushroom Powders are Created Equal
As with any natural health supplement, it’s crucial to research a brand and read the product label before buying a mushroom powder.
Unfortunately, there are varying degrees of dedication among companies producing mushroom supplements.
Some are more interested in turning a profit than providing customers with high-quality products.
The best mushroom powders are non-GMO and certified USDA-organic. They should contain 100% mushroom extract and minimal additives.
Avoid mushroom powders that contain unnecessary fillers, flavorings, preservatives, and artificial ingredients.
Additionally, always check for a third-party lab report.
The most trustworthy brands have their products tested by an independent laboratory to verify purity, potency, and safety. These test results should be available for customers to view.
Final Thoughts on Mushroom Powders
Mushroom powders are a praised superfood with incredible nutritional power and a host of potential health benefits.
Different mushroom species have different therapeutic properties, so choosing a mushroom powder that suits your needs is important.
Moreover, there are multiple ways to use mushroom powder, so it’s about finding the delivery method that works best for you.
Perhaps you like the convenience of adding it to your favorite recipes or mixing it into your morning coffee or smoothie.
Alternatively, you may be looking for a tasteless and easy-to-administer option, such as mushroom powder capsules.
No matter which variety you opt for, ensure you buy your mushroom supplements from a trustworthy and reputable brand for optimal results.