When Life Gives You Mushrooms

Want to gain an upper hand in your health and well-being?

Want to feel more in control of your body? Take a look at mushrooms. We aren’t talking about the portobello mushrooms at your local grocery, though those are delicious in their own right! Adaptogenic mushrooms.

These mushrooms have been harvested for thousands of years for many different reasons from illness remedies to phycological benefits. But for the average consumer, these mushrooms can be confusing and scary. Some can be poisonous while others are psychedelics.

Many are very beneficial for your health and well-being when properly consumed! You can brew them as a tea (some tasty, some more so not) or take them in a supplement form. You’ll enjoy your new love for mushrooms…just don’t go picking them off logs yet.

Below I’m going to run through five mushrooms we enjoy and trust in our Mushroom Latte. Hold your questions until you finish reading and email us if you have questions. We will try our best to answer.

Lions Mane Mushroom

Do you struggle with brain fog or memory loss? Lion’s mane mushrooms are increasingly studied for their neuroprotective benefits and have shown promising results (1). Lions mane stimulates the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This protein can stimulate new brain cells and even strengthen existing ones. Studies also show their help to relieve mild symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Reishi Mushroom

These guys can relax your mind as needed through its adaptogenic function. The triterpenes found in this mushroom have a calming effect on the brain and helps the body handle stress. A superpower behind reishi is its ability to increase the activity of your white blood cells to enhance immune function and help fight infection (2). One of its nicknames has been deemed, “mushroom of immortality”.

Cordyceps Mushroom

Coined the “anti-ager” of the mushrooms. One study discovered that the extract was able to dramatically increase antioxidants superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase and increase decreased pro-inflammatory monoamine oxidase and lipid peroxidation (3). In simple terms that should help slow down aging.

Those struggling with adrenal fatigue can look at cordyceps as a hormone balancer to help balance hormones and stamina. This extract is thought to deliver energy to muscles and improve the way your body uses oxygen during physical activity by increasing the body’s production of adenosine triphosphate(ATP). Overall improving physical abilities, endurance, and stamina.

Turkey Tail Mushroom

This mushroom looks exactly like its name. Turkey tail is known for its potent polysaccharides which supports a healthy immune response while managing inflammation (4). It hosts numerous natural compounds that benefit your gut health by encouraging the growth of good bacteria which directly affects your health.

Fo-Ti Mushroom

Starting to watch your hair grew thinner or start greying? Well, fo-ti mushrooms can treat early greying and encourage hair health by significantly inducing melanin synthesis, which can have a positive effect on hair and skin pigment (5).

Fo-ti also helps increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) which is the body’s super antioxidant! Over time you lose the ability to fight free radicals when these antioxidants are produced less by our body.

Review

Overall we believe our “Mushroom Latte” supports many daily functions while promoting a feeling of healthy well-being (wonder why). The above ingredients are also paired with MCT powder for added energy and beneficial fat, organic cacao and cinnamon for flavor, and lucuma for your sweet tooth. Our simple recipe recommendation is to blend the two tsp. with a banana and 8 oz of oat milk (or a milk of your choosing).