Mushrooms have been around for ages. For centuries people have been using mushrooms for their medicinal benefits. You’ll be surprised to learn mushrooms improve brain function and can help with memory.
Complementary medicine has focused on the use of medicinal mushrooms for the longest time. Lately, the same concept has been gaining momentum in the modern world. Stick with us, and let’s explore different kinds of mushrooms and their therapeutic benefits.
Research shows that edible mushrooms help to combat MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment). When cognitive impairment happens, it precedes Alzheimer’s. MCI has certain symptoms that are indicators of the illness.
You start to experience memory loss, speech problems, and spatial orientation. However, these symptoms aren’t extreme. Therefore, you can still go about your day but with a little difficulty. According to research[1] done at the NUS (National University of Singapore), mushrooms can help with these symptoms.
Older people who consume mushrooms have better cognitive capabilities as a result. You don’t have to consume loads of mushrooms for this to happen. Even a little at a time proves beneficial.
Truly, medicinal mushrooms aren’t a cure for any illness. But, they do have loads of benefits that help reduce symptoms. Like in cognitive impairment, you can have better memory and focus when you consume specific mushrooms.
You end up with more mental clarity and focus, which is crucial for continued productivity. In this article, you can learn all about four types of mushrooms that improve brain health and their many more benefits.
4 Best Mushrooms for Brain Health (benefits and how to consume)
1. Lion’s Mane (Hericium Erinaceus)
Have you ever come across a large, white, hairy mushroom and thought it resembles a lion’s mane? This is known as the Lion’s Mane mushroom.
The Lion’s Mane mushroom is quite a sought-after cuisine in Eastern countries. Many people enjoy the extracts of this therapeutic mushroom in supplements.
You can consume the Hericium erinaceus raw, cooked, or dried, depending on your preferences. It has numerous health benefits that are worth noting.
Here are the benefits of Lion’s Mane:
Improves Mental Function
As you grow older [2], it’s not uncommon for your cognitive function scale to decline. The brain tends to have less focus, and you can even experience memory loss. By consuming Lion’s Mane mushrooms, you can improve your mental function.
Lion’s Mane contains erinacines and hericenones, which are crucial compounds [3] that can boost brain cell growth. Growing new brain cells is a great way to improve your brain health and protect against Alzheimer’s.
Consuming it for some time helps improve your mental function and clarity. In addition, you have fewer symptoms of memory loss that are synonymous with old age.
Prevents Stomach Ulcers
The digestive tract is crucial to your body since all the food you eat is working for you. But, the digestive tract is vulnerable to certain illnesses such as ulcers.
Ulcers form in the stomach when there’s damage to the protective mucus layer. Or because of the H-pylori bacteria. By taking Lion’s Mane mushrooms, you can protect your stomach[4] lining by preventing mucus membrane damage. The mushrooms also inhibit the growth of H-pylori.
Lion’s Mane helps to protect our stomach against ulcers, even those caused by excessive alcohol intake. It’s even an effective way of treating IBD [5] (Inflammatory Bowel Diseases) such as Crohn’s Disease. Your quality of life improves with continuous intake, and you can even start feeling better in 3 weeks.
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Inflammation is a leading cause of many of the illnesses you might experience today. This is in collaboration with oxidative stress.
Thankfully, there’s research [6] that shows the Lion’s Mane mushroom has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. The inflammatory response is essential when it comes to preventing illnesses such as cancer and heart illnesses.
In addition, the Lion’s Mane mushroom can heal the nervous system from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. It does this by regenerating nerves [7] in older people. Having better neuronal health is crucial as you age.
2. Reishi Mushrooms (Ganoderma Lucidum)
One of the most known and popular therapeutic mushrooms is Reishi.
Reishi mushroom is quite beneficial for your health and wellness. You can eat them fresh or take them in powder form as a supplement.
Boost the Immune System
Perhaps the most notable benefit of the Reishi mushrooms is to boost immunity. The mushrooms increase the production of white blood cells [8] that protect your body against diseases. In addition, they prevent any inflammation pathways from occurring that block these essential cells.
Patients with cancer can also benefit from the Reishi mushroom. It boosts the growth of natural killer cells [9], which are white blood cells that fight cancer. People suffering from these illnesses can see tangible results, and this can also be a preventive measure.
Fight Depression
Mental health is gravely affected when you suffer from fatigue and depression. By taking fresh mushrooms, you can improve your quality of life and be more productive.
In one study [10], 132 patients suffering from chronic fatigue, irritability and headaches took Reishi supplements. In 8 weeks, the patients in the treatment group were experiencing less fatigue and seemed less irritable than those in the control group. Having a better mood and not being too fatigued improved their quality of life.
Improve Blood Sugar Levels
Certain compounds in Reishi mushrooms can help reduce blood sugar. This is crucial for patients who have Type 2 Diabetes[11]. They require a specific sugar level, and it can affect their lives and overall health when it’s too high.
Therefore, you can add Reishi mushrooms to your meals to lower sugar levels. Take it as a supplement in powder form or fresh. But, ensure you speak to your doctor first to provide medical advice.
3. Chaga Mushrooms (Inonotus Obliquus)
Chaga mushroom is another type of effective therapeutic mushroom and brain food. These have also been in use for centuries for their numerous benefits.
You can take the mushrooms fresh, dried, in powder form, or as tea. The soothing effects will help you relax and carry loads of other benefits for your body like:
Reducing Cholesterol Levels
High cholesterol levels make you so vulnerable to heart diseases. Only by lowering your bad cholesterol levels can you protect your heart health.
Extracts from Chaga mushrooms are excellent when it comes to reducing levels of bad cholesterol[12] in your body.
Fighting Inflammation
Inflammation in the body has some benefits, but it can contribute to poor health in the long run. By taking Chaga mushrooms, you can prevent the long-term effects of inflammation in your body. It also works to combat harmful viruses and bacteria in your body.
The medicinal mushroom accomplishes this by boosting the production of white blood cells. These are the cells responsible for fighting bacteria and viruses [13]. So, you no longer have to worry about getting sick or developing chronic illnesses.
Prevents Cancer
Medicinal mushrooms continue to be a formidable force against cancer. Scientific research shows that Chaga consumption can prevent or slow down the growth of cancer cells[14] in your body.
The anticancer effect means your body gets optimum protection against these radical cells. You can consume the medicinal mushroom[15] as a preventive measure. It has high potent antioxidant properties that prevent free radicals from harming cells in your body.
4. Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus Ostreatus)
The fourth kind of therapeutic mushroom you can take is the Oyster mushrooms. There are over 30 varieties, all of which are edible and good for your health.
These mushrooms are packed with plant compounds that are quite powerful.
Some of the impressive benefits you can get from oyster mushrooms include:
Loads of Nutrients
If you need a reason why you have to take oyster mushrooms, how about increasing your nutrient intake? Oyster mushrooms are full of vitamins and minerals[16] that your brain and body need.
They have Zinc, Iron, Phosphorus, Folate, Potassium, Niacin, Fiber, Vitamin D, and Choline.
Improve Heart Health
Oyster mushrooms have fibers that can improve the health of your heart. Fibers such as beta-glucans [17] reduce bad cholesterol levels in your body. In addition, they have been shown to lower high blood pressure.
As a result, you have lower chances of developing chronic heart disease.
Normalize Blood Sugar Levels
You can regulate sugar levels by taking oyster mushrooms, especially if suffering from type 2 diabetes. The mushroom has compounds that boost the use of sugar in the body and reduce its production.
Final Takeaway
Mushroom consumption provides loads of plant compounds that improve your brain health. They help in improving memory, mental clarity, cognitive functions, and lower fatigue.
Apart from brain health, medicinal mushrooms also boost body health in many other ways, including boosting neuron health.
For instance, you can have better heart health, improve your immune system, regulate blood sugar, prevent neuronal cell death, and reduce bad cholesterol in the body. Functional mushrooms also have loads of minerals and vitamins that you need to live a better and healthier life.
Health Canal (2021)
Updated on December 2, 2021 – Written by Mitchelle Morgan, Health Writer
Medically reviewed by Kathy Shattler, MS, RDN
