7 Best Functional uk mushrooms For Good Health (UK)
Did you know that uk mushrooms are actually more closely related to humans than they are to plants?
This unique relationship means that mushrooms share many biological similarities with humans, including the ability to produce vitamin D in response to sunlight exposure.
Many ancient cultures understood that mushrooms had powerful healing properties, and modern science has since confirmed that some species of mushrooms contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and even anti-cancer properties.
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In fact, some of the most commonly used and effective medicines in modern healthcare, such as penicillin and cyclosporine, are derived from mushrooms.
In this blog post, we will dive into the world of functional mushrooms and explore the best functional mushrooms for health and where to buy them in the UK.
What are functional uk mushrooms ?
Functional uk mushrooms , also known as medicinal mushrooms, are a group of mushrooms that have specific health benefits.
They have been used for centuries in traditional medicine practices and are currently gaining mainstream recognition as a natural way to support various aspects of health and well-being.
Some examples of functional mushrooms include chaga, reishi, lion’s mane, and cordyceps, which are often consumed in supplement form, such as capsules or powders, or incorporated into foods like teas, coffees, and smoothies.
They are believed to offer a range of benefits, from boosting the immune system and improving mental clarity to reducing inflammation in the body – and modern research is backing this up.
Health benefits of functional uk mushrooms
Mushrooms are nature’s mini medicine factories and have been part of the human diet and used therapeutically for thousands of years.
While the use of mushrooms has deep cultural roots, modern science is only beginning to explore and explain just how useful they can be for our health.
Here are 6 proven health benefits of consuming mushrooms
1. Decrease the risk of cancer
A review of 17 cancer studies from 1966 to 2020 shows that eating just 18 grams of mushrooms (equal to about a 1/8-cup or two medium mushrooms) a day may lower your risk of cancer by as much as 45%. Mushrooms are a powerful source of ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage.
Some mushroom varieties (such as shiitake, oyster, maitake and king oyster) have higher amounts of ergothioneine. But researchers found that incorporating any variety of mushrooms into your daily diet will lower your risk of cancer.
2. Lower sodium intake
Sodium and high blood pressure often go hand in hand. Sodium causes the body to retain excess fluid, which can increase blood pressure. To decrease your sodium intake, consider adding mushrooms to your meals.
Mushrooms are naturally low in sodium – an entire cup of white button mushrooms has just five milligrams of sodium. They offer savory flavor that reduces the need for added salt to keep your blood pressure low. A study from the Culinary Institute of American and UC Davis shows that swapping half of the meat for mushrooms in a traditional ground beef recipe can maintain flavor while reducing sodium intake by 25%.
3. Promote lower cholesterol
Mushrooms make an excellent substitute for red meat while minimizing calories, fat and cholesterol. Research shows that shiitake mushrooms, in particular, help to keep cholesterol levels low. They contain compounds that inhibit the production of cholesterol, block cholesterol from being absorbed and lower the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood.
4. Protect brain health
Researchers continue to study the effects of eating mushrooms on mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI causes memory and language difficulties and is often a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease.
In a study in Singapore, participants who ate more than two cups of mushrooms a week had a 50% lower risk of developing MCI. Even those who ate only one cup saw some benefit. The mushrooms eaten by participants included golden, oyster, shiitake and white button mushrooms.
5. Provide a source of vitamin D
Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium to maintain and build strong bones. Many people rely on supplements or sunshine to get vitamin D, but if you’re looking to get this nutrient through your diet, mushrooms may be the answer. They are the only type of produce that is a source of vitamin D.
Like humans, certain mushrooms exposed to UV light or sunlight can increase their vitamin D amounts. White button, portabella and cremini mushrooms provide the most vitamin D after exposure to UV light or sunlight. To get the recommended daily amount, slice three mushrooms (or one portabella), expose them to sunlight for at least 15 minutes and enjoy. Eating a little more than one cup of maitake mushrooms achieves the same goal without the need for sun exposure.
6. Stimulate a healthier gut
The microbiome in your gut is home to organisms and bacteria that play a large role in your health and mood. One way to keep your gut healthy is to stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria in that space with the use of prebiotics, such as mushrooms.
Research shows that mushroom polysaccharides, their most abundant carbohydrate, stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria. While many foods break down with stomach acid, the polysaccharides found in mushrooms pass through the stomach unchanged and can reach the colon to encourage bacteria growth there.
7. Support a healthy immune system
Mushrooms contain macronutrients that support a healthy immune system. According to the Mushroom Council, your immune system will benefit from mushrooms whose nutrients include:
- Selenium, which helps your body make antioxidant enzymes to prevent cell damage. Choose cremini or portabella mushrooms for the most benefit.
- Vitamin D, which assists with cell growth, boosts immune function and reduces inflammation. Maitake mushrooms offer an easy way to add vitamin D to your diet.
- Vitamin B6, which helps your body form red blood cells, proteins and DNA. Shiitake mushrooms are the best choice for vitamin B6.
7 best functional uk mushrooms
1. Lion’s mane
This funky-looking fungi has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, and for good reason.
First off, the lion’s mane mushroom is a superfood for your brain. It contains compounds that have been shown to stimulate nerve growth and protect against neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. So if you’re looking to keep your noggin sharp as a tack, this mushroom might be worth adding to your diet.
But that’s not all! Lion’s mane has also been shown to boost your immune system, fight inflammation, and even improve your gut health. Plus, it’s loaded with antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
2. Cordyceps
Cordyceps have been shown to boost your energy, improve your athletic performance, and even enhance your sex drive. Yep, you heard that right – they’re like a natural Viagra!
Cordyceps mushrooms also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce pain and swelling in your body. They’ve also been shown to improve your immune system, lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and even prevent the buildup of plaque in your arteries.
But wait, there’s more! Cordyceps mushrooms have also been linked to improved respiratory function, better digestion, and even a reduced risk of cancer.
3. Turkey Tail
Turkey tail muk mushrooms are well known to be great for your immune system. They contain compounds called beta-glucans, which have been shown to boost your body’s natural defences against infections and diseases.
They are also chock-full of antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. And they’ve been linked to improved gut health, thanks to their prebiotic properties that can help feed the good bacteria in your gut.
Turkey tail mushrooms have also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, and have even been studied for their potential to fight cancer, with some promising results.
4. Chaga
Chaga uk mushrooms has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce pain and swelling in your body.
They have also been linked to improved immune function and may have potential to prevent and treat cancer.
Chaga mushrooms have also been shown to have anti-aging properties, helping to keep your skin looking youthful and radiant. And they’re great for your gut health, thanks to their prebiotic properties that can help feed the good bacteria in your gut.
5. Reishi
Like many functional uk mushrooms, Reishi may hold some promise in preventing and treating cancer. They have also been shown to have anti-stress properties, helping to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality, and are great for your heart health, with some studies showing that they can lower cholesterol levels and improve blood flow.
And if you’re looking to boost your energy levels and improve your athletic performance, Reishi mushrooms might just be your new best friend. They’ve been shown to increase endurance and reduce fatigue, helping you to push harder and go farther.
6. Shiitake
Shiitake uk mushrooms s are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients and health benefits. They include supporting the immune system, lowering cholesterol levels and improving blood circulation, which can reduce the risk of heart disease.
Studies have also shown that shiitake mushrooms contain compounds that have anti-cancer properties. These compounds can help to prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Shiitake mushrooms also contain a compound called ergothioneine, which has been shown to support brain function and improve cognitive health. Ergothioneine has antioxidant properties that help to protect the brain from oxidative stress.
7. Maitake
Maitake mushrooms are a type of edible mushroom that is commonly used in traditional medicine practices in Japan and China.
They have been shown to increase the activity of immune cells, helping to improve overall immune function, as well as having anti-inflammatory properties and lowering cholesterol levels.
Maitake mushrooms may also have a beneficial effect on blood sugar levels, and some studies suggest that compounds found in maitake mushrooms may have anti-cancer properties.
Summary
The article explores the world of functional mushrooms and their health benefits. Functional mushrooms are a group of mushrooms that have specific health benefits and have been used for centuries in traditional medicine.
They include chaga, reishi, lion’s mane, and cordyceps. Some of the proven health benefits of consuming mushrooms are reduced depression risk, reduced risk of cancer, reduced risk of premature death, brain protection, improvement of gut health, and immune enhancement.
The article goes on to detail the seven best functional mushrooms, including Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, and Chaga, among others.
Overall, including uk mushrooms and mushroom supplements in your diet can have lots of health benefits and should be considered by anyone who wants a healthy and well-functioning mind and body.