GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE THAT SWEAT!

Your immune system is essentially what an army is to a nation. It protects your body from internal and external threats that may hamper its efficient functioning. Similar to how a Nations continuously invests in improving its defense force, your body seeks several boosters that enhance your immune system. Mushrooms are one of them.

There are a plethora of immunity-boosting foods available such as citrus fruits, garlic, broccoli, and others. Among these, mushrooms have traditionally proven to be excellent boosters of the immune system.

There are a plethora of immunity-boosting foods available such as citrus fruits, garlic, broccoli, and others. Among these, mushrooms have traditionally proven to be excellent boosters of the immune system.

Mushroom and its benefits

Including mushrooms in your diet will help you to restore the balance of your immune system. Furthermore, it will regulate the oxygen flow, which will assist in the optimum maintenance of your blood sugar levels. As a result, you will experience lesser stress levels and enjoy a pleasant sleeping pattern.

Over the years, extensive researches have been conducted on determining the benefits of medicinal mushrooms in specific. A study from the archives of the US National Library of Medicines, National Institute of Health, has found that apart from providing high nutrition values, medicinal mushrooms possess anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties. Another study asserted that the natural components of these mushrooms might aid in future cancer therapy as well.

Among the wide variety of medicinal mushrooms available in the market, it is paramount to choose those which are best suited for the purpose of boosting your immunity. Listed below are five mushrooms that guarantee to strengthen your immune system.

1.  Lion’s Mane – The perfect fuel for your brain

Not to be fooled by its rather pom-pom appearance, the lion’s mane is a classic example of a medicinal mushroom that is rich in healthy antioxidants. The unique benefit associated with this mushroom in specific is its innate ability to activate the Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) production, which is an essential bioprotein. Moreover, it also contributes to the generation of myelin, which is responsible for creating a protective layer around the nerve fibers.

Abundant researches conducted on the neurotrophic properties of Lion’s Mane have concluded that owing to the regulated production of NGF and myelin, balanced brain health is maintained. As a result, the chances of contracting neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s significantly decrease.

2. Reishi – The unchallenged all-rounder

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One of the most popular medicinal mushrooms, reishi is known for being an all-in-one solution for a multitude of health problems. Not only does it assist in weight loss, but it also helps in optimum regulation of the immune system.

Consuming reishi does not exclusively benefit your physical health; it dramatically impacts your mental well-being as well. Its components are found to have positive implications towards a reduction of depression and anxiety along with improving the sleep cycle as well.

3. Shiitake – Your heart’s best friend

From all the possible essential vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, shiitake ranks among the favorites in the category of immunity boosters. Including shiitake in your diet, would ensure that your body receives the required amounts of Vitamin B, Vitamin D, along with seven essential amino acids.

Moreover, shiitake is known to have cholesterol-lowering properties. As per studies conducted by the US National Library of Medicines, the National Institute of Health, incorporating shiitake in your diet, would regulate the production of cholesterol in your liver, ensuring a healthy heart.

4. Cordyceps – Your instant dose of energy

If you ever feel too drained out or low on energy, cordyceps should be your go-to medicinal mushroom. It is known to extensively support the development of a healthy metabolism as it plays a determining role in the RNA and DNA synthesis.

Furthermore, cordyceps possess anti-bacterial properties that protect our body from any chances of bacterial infections or diseases. Additionally, it has also demonstrated anti-viral properties.

However, it is mostly preferred as it assists in energy generation. This is attributed to its ability to improve the blood circulation in the body as it ensures optimum utility of oxygen.

An example of the effectivity of cordyceps was witnessed in 1993 when Chinese women athletes broke previous records at unbelievable timings on frequent occasions. They credited the secret behind their success to be a generous consumption of cordyceps in their diet, which magnanimously boosted their energy, additionally making their immune system more resilient to diseases.

5. Chaga – the reservoir of antioxidants

By its appearance, a Chaga mushroom appears more like a lump of dirt. Expecting medicinal benefits from it might seem ludicrous at its first appearance. However, Chaga is dense in nutrients such as Vitamin D, rubidium, cesium, amino acids, fiber, zinc, iron, magnesium, calcium, and many others. Hence, it is a wholesome mushroom that caters to multiple metabolic needs of your body.

More importantly, Chaga is known for its antioxidant properties which again, have a holistic impact across varied areas in health and wellness. For instance, antioxidants significantly lower the blood pressure, which mainly rises due to an imbalance in the oxidative stress. This reduces the chance of acquiring any chronic heart diseases or cardiovascular health issues.

Inflammation is one of the leading causes of chronic health problems like rheumatoid arthritis. Chaga regulates the cytokinin production in your body, which prevents the increase of inflammation in your body, thus reducing your chances of contracting such chronic ailments. For more information on Foods rich in Nutrition Density, check out this article that helps you make conscious choices.

Things to keep in mind while consuming medicinal mushrooms

The primary question which might be bothering you at this point is whether medicinal mushrooms are safe to consume. They are 100% safe since they are known to have almost zero side effects.

However, since they are a type of fungi at the end of the day, it is highly advised not to consume them raw. The best way to consume them would be after cooking them, quite like you cook your regular daily meals and try to incorporate them with your daily dose of vegetables. This method is mainly applicable for mushrooms such as shiitake and lion’s mane.

Mushrooms such as reishi are more on the bitter side, and hence they cannot be eaten. Instead, it is suggested that you grind it into a fine powder and mix it with your tea or soup. This can be quickly done by mixing the ground powder with some warm water, and there you have your mushroom soup.

In Quick Summation

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