Functional Mushrooms
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What are “Functional” Mushrooms?
Among the thousands of fungi known to be safe for consumption, there are about two dozen varieties recognized for their “functional” benefits. This term refers to mushrooms that, in addition to their nutritional value, have been shown to support the overall health and well-being of both the body and mind. The increasing popularity of Functional Mushrooms is supported by a growing body of scientific research that identifies specific active chemical compounds and their associated benefits.
Culinary mushrooms are rich in healthy nutrients, while Functional Mushrooms offer specific health benefits such as cognitive support, stress relief, immune enhancement, and increased energy. These mushrooms often act as effective adaptogens, helping to promote both physical and emotional resilience during stressful times.
Functional Mushrooms significantly affect our psychological well-being, and they are often confused with psychedelic mushrooms. However, Functional Mushrooms do not produce any drug-induced effects because they lack psilocybin and other psychedelic compounds.
Some delicious culinary mushrooms, like oyster mushrooms, also fall under the category of Functional Mushrooms. However, not all Functional Mushrooms are suitable for culinary use. For instance, Reishi and Turkey Tail mushrooms are quite woody and could pose a choking hazard if added to food.
History of Functional Mushrooms
While we in the West are just discovering the health benefits of mushrooms, the Chinese have been utilizing these botanical wonders for thousands of years. The first known written description of the medicinal properties of Functional Mushrooms can be found in an ancient Chinese medical text called the "Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica," which is estimated to date back over two millennia. This text provides detailed information on the health benefits of 365 herbs, including several mushroom species. Additionally, in another ancient text, the 5th-century alchemist Tao Hongjing mentions numerous therapeutic mushrooms and their benefits.
In Chinese medicine, Functional Mushrooms are classified as 'imperial' or 'upper herbs,' alongside tonic herbs like codonopsis, fo-ti, astragalus, and goji berries. These imperial herbs are highly regarded for their ability to address constitutional imbalances and strengthen core organ systems. One notable characteristic of tonic herbs and mushrooms is that they can usually be taken daily without adverse effects. Historically, before cultivation methods were developed, these imperial herbs and mushrooms were not accessible to the common people.
The Chinese developed cultivation methods for both medicinal and culinary mushrooms over 600 years ago to meet the growing demands of their population. Shiitake mushrooms have been widely cultivated since around 1000 AD. Currently, it is estimated that China accounts for over 70% of the world's mushroom production. However, many consumers prefer to purchase mushrooms grown in the USA due to concerns about heavy metal contamination, adulteration, and the common practice of treating mushrooms with sulfites by Chinese growers and exporters.
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Bioactive compounds extracted from both the mycelia and fruiting bodies of Functional Mushrooms contain unique and distinct beneficial properties. Therefore, utilizing both forms of the fungi is essential to fully harness the diverse benefits that Functional Mushrooms offer.
To ensure that the beneficial compounds in mushrooms can be absorbed by the human body, proper extraction is essential. Raw mushrooms contain chitin, a fibrous polysaccharide that forms the cell walls of fungi. While chitin is a good source of dietary fiber, it also obstructs the absorption of the beneficial compounds found in Functional Mushrooms unless they undergo proper extraction. As a result, taking capsules filled with dried mushrooms is unlikely to provide the same health benefits that are made bioavailable through methods such as Double Extracts. In fact, raw mushrooms offer minimal health benefits, yet powdered mushroom capsules are often sold online.
It is essential to understand that alcohol extraction yields different beneficial chemical compounds compared to water extraction. For optimal wellness benefits, Functional Mushrooms should be consumed as a double extract using a two-step method. In the first step, the mushrooms are steeped in high concentrations of alcohol for six weeks before being strained. The leftover mushroom material, known as the “marc”, is then boiled in water and strained again. Finally, the alcohol extract and water decoction are combined, resulting in a highly potent functional mushroom elixir that contains all the beneficial chemical compounds in a bioavailable form.
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This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.