One of the latest fads in the health industry is mushroom powder. It comes in many varieties, with species including lion’s mane, reishi, turkey tail, and more. Some brands even sell carefully curated mushroom blends, such as the mushroom powders by VidaCap.
Blends can be fantastic because they give the user a dose of multiple mushroom types in one go. And powders themselves are ideal because of their versatility.
But what exactly is it that has made mushroom powder so popular?
This guide explores mushroom powder in detail to find out why it has become so sought after.
Mushroom Supplements and What They Do
Mushroom supplements, in general, are designed to support an otherwise healthy and active lifestyle. However, their exact effects vary depending on the type of mushroom powder you use.
Medicinal mushrooms, or functional mushrooms, have been used for thousands of years throughout the world – particularly in Eastern civilizations. These days, the power of functional mushrooms has spread to the Western world, where people are using daily mushroom supplements for a variety of reasons.
Notably, mushroom supplements do not use the same fungus species as the ones you find in a grocery store. Instead, they are specific types of mushrooms that may have therapeutic benefits.
Here are some of the most common varieties and what they do:
· Reishi: Associated with longevity, reishi mushroom is thought to benefit the immune system. Alongside its vitality-boosting properties, reishi may also aid in weight loss and lead to better sleep.
· Lion’s Mane: Typically, people use lion’s mane for mental clarity and focus. In general, it’s a great mushroom for brain health.
· Chaga: Most of the time, chaga supplements are advertised as immune-boosting options. This mushroom is packed with antioxidants, leading to its many benefits.
· Cordyceps: Of all the functional mushrooms, cordyceps is the renowned energy booster. It can help the body to better utilize oxygen, enhancing athletic performance.
These are not the only types of functional mushroom. There is also shiitake, turkey tail, and many more.
If you are looking to try mushroom powders, you should look into the different types to find out what works for your needs.
Why Choose Mushroom Powders?
Alongside all the different species of mushroom, there are also numerous consumption methods. As is often the case with mushrooms, you might expect that you can eat them. Shiitake, for example, is a delicious mushroom with some therapeutic benefits.
However, many of the functional mushrooms do not taste as good. Chaga, for example, tastes famously of tree bark. Traditionally, many of them were harvested, dried, and ground down into powder. Alternatively, they were brewed into tea.
Nowadays, it’s possible to take mushrooms in the form of a tasteless capsule. These are great if you really hate the taste of mushrooms.
However, powders are a much more versatile option. They can be added to teas, shakes, smoothies, soups, stews, and even baked into desserts. The notion might sound strange, but with a small dose of mushroom powder, you can barely taste it.
The result is a delicious meal or snack that you can consume to reap all the benefits of functional mushrooms, without the taste.
What Makes Mushrooms So Powerful?
Mushrooms are chock full of a variety of nutrients. Again, the exact nutritional profile depends on the mushroom species.
Most mushrooms contain a handful of antioxidants, molecules that can combat oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress can contribute to the visible signs of aging, alongside more serious issues within the body. As a result, consuming dietary antioxidants can be extremely beneficial.
Antioxidants aside, mushrooms may also contain polysaccharides and polysaccharopeptides, which can be excellent immune boosters. Some species are also packed with B vitamins and minerals such as selenium, potassium, and copper.
Of course, most mushrooms also have some other nutritional benefits, such as small amounts of plant-based proteins and a decent amount of fiber. Nevertheless, they remain low in calories and are often an ingredient of choice for those on a weight loss mission.
All in all, mushrooms are a nutritional powerhouse that everyone should include in their diet.
Final Thoughts: Why Mushroom Powders Are Beneficial for Health
Mushroom powders are an excellent way to sneak mushrooms into your daily diet. While eating mushrooms every day is unrealistic, powders provide a straightforward method of consuming them on a daily basis as part of a routine.
They are extremely easy to cook with and can even be blended into a shake or dissolved in coffee for quick and easy consumption.
It’s no wonder mushroom powders are becoming so popular in the health sector. If you want to give them a try, though, it’s vital to find a trustworthy brand. Find a company that offers lab reports and plenty of information on its products, such as VidaCap, and you should be onto a winner.