Mushrooms are some of the most versatile crops in the world. You can use them in drinks, eat some raw, or cook them with your food. They’re low in fat, cholesterol, and even sodium, yet they boast many health benefits. They provide B vitamins, a small amount of vitamin D, and a cup of mushrooms contains about two grams of protein. What are the top mushroom types you should know? Check out our list below.
Shiitake
Shiitake mushrooms, also known as Lentinula edodes, are extremely popular for their savory taste and versatility. You can even blend them up to use in drinks. They were found throughout East Asia, where people in China first started cultivating them, then later spread to Japan. Compounds in shiitake can help fight cancer, boost your immune system, and support overall heart health. They grow naturally on decaying hardwood trees, and different dietary supplements include them as an ingredient. In addition to this, they offer a good amount of fiber. They also help promote healthy bones, blood vessels, and the immune system.
Portobello
Portobello mushrooms or Agaricus bisporus are technically overgrown cremini mushrooms and contain many vitamins and minerals. Like most of our entries, they’re low in fat and high in fiber, along with anti-inflammatory properties. One cup of portobellos contains three grams of protein, so this is perfect for adding some nutrients to a meal. Portobellos are low in energy density, having far fewer calories than most foods. This makes them good for losing weight while still feeling full and can be a much-needed addition to your dietary regimen. If you want to start eating healthy, this is a perfect place to start.
Lion’s Mane
Lion’s mane mushrooms or Hericium Erinaceus are white, globe-shaped fungi with long spines. They are typically eaten or used in supplements. They improve the development and function of nerves and protect them from damage. This can help prevent anxiety, memory loss, and Parkinson’s disease. It can also protect the mucous membrane layer of the stomach to make digestion go more smoothly and encourage good gut bacteria. However, use with care if you’re on blood thinners as it can slow the blood clotting process.
Poria
Poria is traditionally used to make medicine. The chemicals it contains can reduce swelling, improve the immune system, and reduce cancer risk. Overall, it’s great for anxiety, fatigue, and other conditions. It has a long history of use in Asian countries like Japan, Korea, and Thailand. As such, it’s a common ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine as an anti-inflammatory and carrier of antioxidants. It makes a perfect addition to your repertoire after buying your first mushroom kits online
for cultivation.
Turkey Tail
Turkey tail or Coriolus Versicolor is a medicinal mushroom. It contains polysaccharide peptides which we use in modern medicine. It’s called ‘turkey tail’ due to its color scheme. It’s packed with antioxidants that inhibit oxidative stress and can enhance your immune system and boost your health. They also improve immune function in people with different cancers by suppressing cancer cells found in the colon. Incorporate this mushroom as a supplement to traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. It’s a beneficial mushroom for you to know
to assist in treating symptoms from various forms of long-term illness.
Chaga
Chaga, also known as Inonotus obliquus, is a woody canker growing in the Northern Hemisphere’s cold regions. It grows primarily on birch trees, and the compounds inside the mushroom, like botulin and betulinic acid, are absorbed from the tree itself. The mushrooms contain high amounts of melanin that can improve skin health. While they are good for you, they are high in oxalates, increasing the risk of kidney stones. People with a history of kidney stones or at risk should not take chaga.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps, also called the “caterpillar fungus”—because it grows on caterpillars—is found in the mountainous regions of China. It’s a wonderful supplement to treat the common cold because it can help with coughs, chronic bronchitis, respiratory disorders, dizziness, and fatigue. Oddly enough, it’s also one of the few mushrooms on this list known to help curb addiction, particularly opioid addiction. It can improve the body’s immunity by stimulating cells and specific chemicals in the immune system. It’s also known for its capacity to shrink the size of tumors in people with lung and skin cancers.
Maitake
The maitake, also known as “hen of the wood,” means “dancing mushroom” in Japanese. Why is it called this? It’s said that it got its name after people danced with happiness in the wild because of its amazing healing properties. Urban legends aside, the mushroom functions as an adaptogen, which helps the body fight against several types of physical and mental difficulties. Because of this, it’s considered a medicinal mushroom and grows in Japan, China, and North America at the bottom of Oak, Elm, and Maple trees. They’re rich in antioxidants, beta-glucans, small amounts of vitamins B and C, and potassium.
Psilocybe Cubensis
This is probably one of the most popular species of mushroom. Commonly known as shrooms, and magic mushrooms the cubensis was considered a holy fungi by ancient cultures. After digesting them, people develop hallucinations. Potency varies, but many people who take it claims that Psiocybe mushrooms can elicit a religious experience.
Reishi
Last but certainly not least, we have reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum. Reishis typically grow in hot and humid locations across Asia. As such, it’s been a staple of Eastern medicine. It’s said to do everything, including boosting the immune system, and contains anti-cancer properties. It also has estrogen-increasing effects, making it excellent for female hormonal health. It’s considered an adaptogen that helps your body respond to stress and fatigue.
Mushrooms hold many health benefits that you might overlook if you’re not well-versed in the various varieties. If you aren’t incorporating mushrooms into your diet, you’re missing out on many health benefits. Start incorporating mushrooms into your diet today. You won’t be disappointed.
