Are you looking for ways to boost your health and well-being in ? If you haven’t yet, incorporating functional mushrooms into your life is an easy and effective way to get proactive about your health – and best of all, it doesn’t take much effort to get started.
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But how does functional mushrooms work, and how can you be sure your chosen mushroom supplement is as effective as the marketing promises? In this article, we’ll give you a crash course in how functional mushrooms work, what to look for in an effective supplement, and a quick checklist for getting the most out of your functional mushrooms.
We live in a stressful, polluted world, and while you might be used to it, your body still feels the effects. Stress, as well as things like air pollution, cigarette smoke, and various medications release compounds called free radicals in your body.
Free radicals are compounds that attack molecules in various parts of your body, causing oxidative stress – and over time, this may lead to cell damage and a range of degenerative health conditions. In short, free radicals and oxidative stress has a negative impact on your general health and well-being, and may lead to larger health issues down the line if left unchecked.
However, antioxidants and adaptogens can help the body to fight free radicals and thus improve your general well-being. Antioxidants are found in many fruits and vegetables, and those with the most concentration of beneficial nutrients and antioxidants are often referred to as superfoods.
Functional mushrooms are considered superfoods – in fact, they’re some of the best. Also known as adaptogenic mushrooms, functional mushrooms are jam-packed full of powerful antioxidants and nutrients that boost your immune system, help fight free radicals, and improve your overall well-being.
If you want to dig into the research behind functional mushrooms and their proven effects, check out this comprehensive guide to research studies on the effects of mushrooms like Reishi, Turkey Tail, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Chaga and Maitake.
Now that we’re clear on why you should make functional mushrooms part of your healthy habits in , let’s dig into how to find quality mushroom supplements that actually work.
The fact is, not all mushroom supplements are created equal. But when wading through the range of brands and products online, all claiming to be the best, it’s difficult to know which supplements actually work and why. So, what makes a mushroom supplement effective? Here’s what to look for before buying.
When we speak about mushrooms, we often talk about the mycelium and the fruiting body. The fruiting body is the part of the mushroom that you can see – the traditional cap and stem, if you will. The mycelium is the connected network of spores that grow underground, as a type of root system.
To get the most out of your functional mushrooms, you want a supplement packed with as many beneficial nutrients and antioxidants as possible, which is why it’s important to check if a supplement is made only from the mycelium, the fruiting body, or both. In most adaptogenic mushrooms, you’ll find majority of the beneficial compounds in the fruiting body, and any quality mushroom supplement will contain at least some of the fruiting body.
However, it’s a common misconception that mycelium is entirely useless and only included as filler. There are actually many beneficial compounds in the mycelium too, and these adaptogens may differ from the adaptogens in the fruiting body. In other words, if your supplement contains only the fruiting body, you may miss out on some of the benefits found in the mycelium. The best supplements will contain both, to give you as wide a range of antioxidants and adaptogens as possible.
There are also some sustainability considerations for supplements that only use the fruiting body – learn more about ethical and sustainable mushroom sourcing here.
The beneficial compounds you want from your adaptogenic mushrooms are locked away tight inside their cell walls, which are made from chitin – it’s an organic polymer that is stronger than cellulose, and impossible for your body to break down on its own.
This is important, because a supplement that simply grinds a mushroom into a powder may contain all of the beneficial compounds you’re looking for, but they’re still a waste – your body won’t be able to absorb them. Instead, you should opt for mushroom supplements that have extracted the adaptogens from inside the mushrooms to make them bioavailable.
Some of the nutrients in functional mushrooms are water-soluble, while others are alcohol-soluble. This is why you should always opt for supplements using a double-extraction method, meaning they extract nutrients using both alcohol and water. Otherwise, you may not get the full effect of your mushroom of choice.
Mug on bedside table with mushroom-infused hot drink.
Saying your supplements are effective is one thing – proving it is another. Any mushroom supplier worth their salt will third-party test their final product’s nutrient density, to ensure that the quality remains high and consistent, and that they can actually deliver the benefits they promise.
Most commonly, companies will (and should) test their supplements for beta-glucans, a highly beneficial compound found in the cell walls of mushrooms. Beta-glucans boost the immune system, improve heart health, and a variety of other important functions in your body.
If you ask your supplier, the test results should be available for you to see, so be wary of a company that doesn’t test their products' nutrient density or hesitate to share the results.
How much are you getting per serving? It should be clearly listed on any supplement how many mg of extract it contains per serving, so that you know you’re eating enough per day to get the desired effect.
Most studies testing the efficiency of functional mushrooms have test subjects consuming between -mg of extract per day, and it’s generally agreed that less than 500mg of extract per day won’t give any real results.
Apart from the nutrient efficiency of your mushroom supplements, it’s important to look for organic and clean products that have been produced and harvested sustainably. Mushrooms easily absorb toxins in their surroundings, and if grown in poorly controlled environments they may contain heavy metals, pesticides, and other pollutants that you don’t want anywhere near your body.
Want to learn how to find non-toxic, sustainable, and ethical mushroom supplements? Check out this article that deep-dives on mushroom production and clean sourcing.
If you’re ready to start incorporating functional mushrooms into your healthy habits, there are a couple of things to bear in mind so you actually reap the benefits from your efforts.
As you can tell from above, not all mushroom supplements are created equal, so do your research and choose one that is truly effective, clean of any toxins, and that supports your personal health goals and needs.
Different mushrooms contain different adaptogens, and are typically used for different health-boosting effects – for instance, Lion’s mane is best known for focus and brain health, while Reishi is best known for its calming effects. If you’re unsure about which mushrooms are best suited for the effects you’re looking for, check out this guide to functional mushrooms and their proven effects.
It’s simple math – if you don’t consume enough adaptogens, you’re not going to get the effect you’re hoping for. So make sure to pick a supplement that is rigorously tested for its nutrient efficiency, and that it contains enough mg of extract per serving.
Most studies measuring the effects of adaptogenic mushrooms look at subjects consuming between mg and mg of extract per day – to see real results, you should try to consume at least mg of extract per day, but anything below 500mg is unlikely to get you results.
Consistent consumption is an important key to see results from adaptogenic mushrooms. Just like with vitamins, if you stop eating them, their effects wane. Free radicals are consistently released in the body, and so adaptogens must also be consistently consumed – they’re not stored up for life, but used up as fuel for your body.
Research finds that it usually takes about two weeks of consistent consumption before you start to feel the effects of functional mushrooms. It also finds that if you stop eating them for a longer period of time, their effects cease.
If you’re looking for a way to incorporate functional mushrooms into your daily life, coffee is one of the easiest and most delicious ways to go about it. Coffee is already a natural part of your life, so you don’t need to add on yet another thing to your routine to enjoy the benefits of functional mushrooms – all you need to do is switch up your beans.
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Even better, coffee infused with functional mushrooms is kinder on sensitive stomachs, and can relieve the jitters and caffeine crashes that so many of us struggle with. This is because the antioxidants in functional mushrooms can balance out the effects of caffeine and acidity in your body – in other words, switching to mushroom coffee is healthier and makes you feel better.
If you’re looking for a quality mushroom coffee to try, look no further than Peak State Coffee. Our coffees are 100% organic, Fair trade certified, and shade-grown for maximum sustainability and nutrient efficiency.
It’s also the world’s first whole bean coffee infused with functional mushrooms, through our unique, patented infusion process. We use both mycelium and fruiting body from U.S. grown mushrooms, a double-extraction method, and third-party test all our products for beta glucans. Each 8oz cup of Peak State coffee contains 500mg of mushroom extract, to ensure you get enough throughout the day to get the desired effects.
Curious to give it a try? Get a free sample of your preferred roast shipped right to your front door, or try our variety pack to see which roast and flavor suits you best!
When looking for effective mushroom supplements, there are a few key things to put on your checklist. A quality mushroom supplement should consist of at least part of the mushroom’s fruiting body, but preferably both fruiting body and mycelium. The mushrooms should be double-extracted to ensure the beneficial adaptogens can be absorbed by your body, and the supplier should third-party test their final products for beta-glucans as well as toxins.
For more considerations about ethical and clean mushroom sourcing, check out this article that deep-dives into mushroom sourcing and its pitfalls.
To get the most out of functional mushrooms, make sure you’re getting about mg of mushroom extract per day or more – anything less than 500mg won’t yield any real results.
Consistent, daily consumption is also key – like with vitamins, if you stop consuming them, the effect wanes.
If you’re looking to incorporate functional mushrooms into your healthy habits in , coffee infused with functional mushroom extract is one of the best ways to do it. Most likely, coffee is already part of your daily routine, so you won’t have to change much to get the added benefits. Besides, the adaptogens actually balance out the jittery effects of caffeine and makes the acidity kinder on sensitive stomachs.
The mushroom powder is a finely ground dried medicinal mushroom into a dissolvable powder form. Our shop bottles the magical health properties of medicinal mushrooms to promote wellness and vitality.
Whether you want to add a nutrition boost to your daily smoothie or are looking for bulk supplies, we’ve got you covered.
Bulk and Wholesale Mushroom Powders
For those needing larger quantities of mushroom powders, we have made available various high-quality options in bulk quantity from reputable suppliers. Bulk mushroom powders can provide great value for manufacturers, businesses, or anyone looking to buy large amounts.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom Powder
This is one natural supplement you don’t want to miss out on. This mushroom has taken the world by storm due to its remarkable ability to support brain health and cognition.
Clinical studies have demonstrated that Lion’s Mane can help improve memory and focus while reducing brain fog. It is proven to help with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in some patients.
There’s more! The unique elements in this mushroom nourish the brain, nerves, digestive system, and heart unlike other supplements on the market today.
Reishi Mushroom Powder
Revered for millennia in ancient Chinese medicine, the Reishi mushroom is now a must-have supplement for anyone seeking optimal immune support. Reishi mushroom powder supports the immune system, heart health, sleep, and more.
A strong immune system means fewer sick days and more time to enjoy life. The compounds in Reishi also promote heart health and even combat cancer cells. It’s a true medicinal mushroom packed with healing advantages.
Chaga Mushroom Powder
Chaga mushrooms are typically found in cold climates and have a rock-like appearance. These mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine to boost overall health.
This gift of nature can help boost immunity, reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol, and lower blood sugar. The rich concentration of antioxidants makes it a potent mushroom powder.
Cordyceps Mushroom Powder
This mushroom is a favorite in the athletic community and can give you the edge you need to perform at your peak. The secret lies in Cordyceps’ ability to increase blood flow and oxygen utilization.
More oxygen means more energy and stamina to push through your toughest workouts. Studies show Cordyceps helps the body better resist fatigue while enhancing lung function.
Loaded with antioxidants to boost immunity and support kidney health, taking it in the form of a blend or powder into smoothies can help you train harder, recover faster, and reach new levels of fitness.
Why Powdered Mushroom Supplements?
Convenience & Versatility: Mushroom powders are easy to add to smoothies, shakes, coffee, baked goods etc. No prep is needed, just scoop and mix.
Absorption: When grounded to powder the mushroom nutrients may be more bioavailable and easily absorbed by the body.
Shelf life: Properly stored powders often have a longer shelf life than raw mushrooms. Less waste and easier to buy in bulk.
Potency: Mushroom powders are very concentrated, allowing you to get a big nutritional punch in a small amount.
3 Ways of Using Mushroom Powder
Different mushrooms have different tastes which means you may like some better than others. Here are 3 ways of incorporating mushroom powder into your daily routine without compromising your taste buds:
Add it to your Daily Tea or Coffee
Add a teaspoon of mushroom powder like cordyceps or chaga to your coffee grounds before brewing for an infused mushroom coffee.
Stir or whisk mushroom powders like reishi or lion’s mane into hot coffee or tea to dissolve and blend the flavor.
Blend powders into milk, plant milk, or creamers first before adding to coffee/tea to distribute evenly.
For iced coffee/tea, shake or blend mushroom powder into the milk or plant milk you’ll be using.
Try foaming up mushroom powder-infused milk to top espresso drinks like lattes for an extra nutrient boost.
Sprinkle just a pinch of mushroom powder mix over espresso shots and let the crema incorporate as you drink.
Mix powders into cocoa powder or masala chai spice blend before making hot chocolate or chai tea lattes.
Add a scoop of mushroom powder to the milk frother when making foamy drinks.
Use a milk frother to blend mushroom powder into hot milk for lattes or steamers.
Whisk into coconut milk, oat milk, etc, and heat for mushroom-infused creamer.
Blend it with your Smoothies
You can start with small amounts of powder for example 1 teaspoon of powder per smoothie until you know how the flavor blends with other ingredients and increase gradually.
You can use mushroom powder with almost any of your smoothies but make sure that mushroom powder is first blended with any liquid ingredients like milk or yogurt to help dissolve before adding fruits and veggies.
Cocoa powder or peanut butter can help mask stronger mushroom flavor in berry or green smoothies. Chill smoothies well to allow flavors to blend, especially if the mushroom taste is strong. With some experimenting, you can easily add functional mushroom nutrition to your daily smoothies!
Cook With It
Think beyond your morning mug – mushroom blend powder can amp up the nutrition in all your go-to meals. Here’s how:
Simmer into soups and stir-fries for savory depth without notice.
You can also blend it into dressings, dips, and sauces then toss it in with salads, grains, and veggies.
You can even slip a pinch into pancakes, muffins, and cookies while baking.
Without a noticeable change in the taste, mushroom mix powder can make any dish more nutritious.
Mushroom Powder Vs. Mushroom Capsules
When it comes to getting your daily dose of functional mushrooms, Mushroom capsules, and powders, both offer convenience and concentration so what’s the difference?
Mushroom powders are very versatile, you can stir them into drinks, add them to recipes, or take them directly. However, some may dislike the natural earthy taste. On the other hand, Mushroom capsules offer standardized dosing and no flavor but lack flexibility.
For those sensitive to textures, capsules can be easier to take, while organic mushroom powder offers more nutrient density per serving with better absorption rates. If you enjoy adaptogenic teas, smoothies, or baked items, powders make a more seamless addition. Capsules certainly have their place for travel or for those who prefer zero-taste!
Why Choose Our Medicinal Mushroom Powder Products?
You can trust you’re getting the highest quality. At Dynamic Pure Our organic mushroom powders are tested for purity and potency by their manufacturers. Our partner brand sources from the best growers worldwide to meet the highest standards which means all our products are USDA certified.
Buying Guide for Mushroom Powders
Now that you know so much about different mushroom powders and their health benefit it becomes confusing when you’re out getting one for yourself.
Match the Mushroom to Your Goals
There are many medicinal mushroom varieties, each with unique benefits. Decide which you want to target first:
Brain health – Lion’s Mane
Immunity – Turkey Tail, Reishi
Energy – Cordyceps, Chaga
Stress relief – Reishi, Chaga
Heart health – Reishi, Maitake