Today we are looking at some mushrooms for immunity, from psilocybe to lion's mane and cordyceps. Mushrooms have key constituents for a healthy lifestyle
Psilocybin mushrooms have had an important place in human history. They have been used ceremoniously and medicinally for centuries by indigenous tribes, from 9,000 B.C. in North Africa and ancient Egyptian pharaohs to the Monarchs of Europe and the Shamans of Central America. These mushrooms have even been examined in psychological therapy for such ailments as depression, addiction, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. So what are the health benefits stemming from mushrooms? Here are five benefits of mushrooms for immunity.
1. They Have Anti-Inflammatory Properties
All mushrooms, both psilocybin and ‘normal,’contain the element beta-glucan, which fights inflammation and actively aids the immune system. As we age, our immunity naturally slows down, becoming less effective in fighting off infections and disease. Mushrooms can give our immune systems a much-needed boost in both activity and immune vitality. There’s also evidence to suggest that the immune cells become more responsive to infections in the body than ever before. One particular study found that Chaga mushroom extract administered to mice for 24 days had the number of white blood cells increase in their bone marrow.
2. Mushrooms for Immunity: Mushrooms Have Powerful Antioxidants
High levels of free radicals destroy cells, causing all sorts of health problems. Decreasing the levels of free radicals can drastically improve one’s health for the better. Mushrooms contain two essential antioxidants, ergothioneine and glutathione. What’s more, mushrooms seem to have the highest source of these two anti-oxidants as dietary sources are concerned. If you’re curious about trying psilocybin mushrooms for their health properties, an excellent place to start would be edible treats or extracts.
3. Maintain Blood Sugar
Are you diabetic and looking for a way to manage your blood sugar? Components from mushrooms like cordyceps, a parasitic mushroom, have proven to maintain and support healthy blood sugar levels. After being administered to diabetic mice, cordyceps mushrooms drastically lowered their blood sugar levels. Researchers also note that the mice’s plasma glucose levels were stable with lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. For those with diabetes, there’s a possibility of developing nephropathy, which can lead to malfunctioning and even failed kidneys. However, cordyceps provided results showing a massive reduction in renal failure and kidney degradation.
4. Mushrooms for Immunity and Fighting Substance Abuse
At John Hopkins University, a small research study provided smokers with psilocybin (the naturally occurring psychedelic compounds in over two hundred species of mushrooms) therapy to improve their ability to abstain from tobacco. The results suggest that psilocybin mushrooms can help treat addiction for cigarettes and other substances such as alcohol and cocaine. There are currently a studies looking into the effects of psilocybin therapy for the treatment of cocaine addicts.
5. Mushrooms for Immunity and The Brain
Has your head been feeling a bit murky? Lion’s mane contains a specific protein element necessary for maintaining and growing neurons—known as the “nerve growth factor” or NGF. Lion’s mane stimulates neuron regrowth and triggers the process by which neurons maintain optimal health and proper functioning to power electrical messages effectively. A 16-week study in Japan had participants with mild cognitive impairment ingest Lion’s Mane three times a day. The subjects' cognitive abilities improved drastically. For instance, by the fourth week, the cognitive levels decreased. From consuming mushrooms like Lion’s mane, we can delay cognitive dysfunction and potentially prevent the degradation of short-term memory and visual recognition.
Mushrooms for Immunity: Conclusion
The advantages and variety of mushrooms are vast, with many proven health benefits. All mushrooms (psychedelic or not) share the same advantages to our health. Besides the above properties, mushrooms have cancer-fighting agents, are high in fiber, contain vitamin B and D, can maintain heart health, and revitalize your body. If your curiosity is piqued about this trending psychotropic craze, try the methods of edible chocolates or extracts mentioned earlier. Be sure to research your state/country’s laws as well as the manufacturer’s reputability and its products. Always purchase one hundred percent organic mushroom extracts, supplements, and edibles. Now eat those mushrooms. Your brain and body will be grateful for it.
Interested in more information about mushrooms and nutrition?
We love sharing the myriad of information on mushroom nutrition when we can, and that's not just info on mushrooms for immunity. The following articles are some of our favorites that discuss mushrooms and their nutritional value. Read them to learn more about mushrooms for immunity and overall well-being.- Mushroom Nutrition: Protein, Amino Acids, & Vitamins Are Only the Beginning
- Calories in Mushrooms: Nutritional Info for Eating Mushrooms
- Carbs in Mushrooms: Understanding the Nutritional Value of Mushrooms
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