By Dr. Linda J. Dobberstein, DC, Board Certified in Clinical Nutrition
Functional mushrooms are the buzz! Mushrooms have been used for thousands of years by many cultures for health and healing. Certain mushrooms show promising health benefits for immunity, focus, energy, and more. At Wellness Resources, we have used two specific mushrooms, Maitake and Cordyceps, for many years. Learn how these amazing functional mushrooms can benefit your health and vitality!
Maitake Mushroom
Maitake (Grifola frondose) is an edible mushroom found frequently in the forests of eastern North America, Europe, and Asia. Maitake means “dancing mushroom.” Common names for it include sheep’s head, king of mushrooms, hen-of-the woods, or cloud mushroom.
Maitake mushrooms are a good source of prebiotic fibers, protein, carbohydrates, vitamin D2, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, calcium, and magnesium. They also contain several bioactive polysaccharides like beta glucan which are associated with numerous health benefits. Beta glucans are a type of soluble prebiotic fiber and are considered a highly significant bioactive metabolite with multiple health benefits.
Beta Glucans for Immune Health
Emerging evidence shows that beta glucan found in Maitake mushrooms offers several immune benefits. Beta glucan helps activate and modulate the antimicrobial and inflammatory activity of macrophages, monocytes, and neutrophils in your immune system. Beta glucan also helps your body make red blood cells during times of stress.
When beta glucan is absorbed in the small intestine’s lymphatic system, it is picked up and processed by macrophages, monocytes, etc. and then transported to the spleen and other immune organs. This assists in training your innate immune system’s defense mechanisms and recognition of bacteria, fungal/Candida, viruses, parasites, and other rogue cells.
Furthermore, beta glucans can absorb mycotoxins such as ochratoxin A, aflatoxin B1, and others. Beta glucans also act as a prebiotic fiber aiding in cholesterol and blood sugar metabolism.
Wellness Resources Super Immune Booster contains Maitake mushroom extract standardized for a high amount of beta glucan. This product also contains colostrum, arabinogalactan, and olive leaf extract. It is a stellar natural supplement for immune health and much more. It has been a customer favorite for decades.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps sinensis is another highly prized functional mushroom with benefits for energy, stamina, and immunity. It is also known as the “caterpillar fungus.” Cordyceps sinensis grows primarily in meadows above 11,000 feet in Himalaya and Tibet.
Cordyceps sinensis contains many bioactive compounds. These include cordycepin, numerous types of plant-sterols, polysaccharides like D-glucan, galactomannan, and D-mannitol, proteins, vitamins B1, B2, B12, E, and K, several minerals, fatty acids, beneficial organic acids, and nucleic acids. The magnificent blend of compounds found in Cordyceps makes it world renowned in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for numerous health benefits.
Cordyceps has been used in TCM and in western cultures for respiratory/lung function, pulmonary and heart health, liver and kidneys, immune system, and various aches and pains. It is often given to those who feel weary and fatigued as it enhances energy and stamina due to its ability to increase the production of ATP. It has been used as an aphrodisiac to support low libido and may increase sperm count.
Cordyceps has a modulatory effect on the immune system. It can activate as well as inhibit various aspects of the immune system bringing a balancing effect to white blood cells, thymus, spleen, cellular immune responses, and more. Cordyceps also contains compounds that naturally block the growth of non-beneficial bacteria but do not affect beneficial bacteria.
Other benefits include increased insulin sensitivity and healthy management of liver glycogen stores. In the kidneys, cordyceps protects tubular cells positively affecting sodium pump activity and calcium management. In the lungs, cordyceps causes bronchodilation and modulates the effects of histamine thereby opening airways and supporting respiratory function.
Cordyceps contains adenosine which helps bring oxygen to tissues and supports healthy blood flow in the heart and circulatory system. It supports blood vessel dilation and acts as a tonic to strengthen the heartbeat and its rhythm. The effects of these world-renowned mushrooms go beyond this brief synopsis.
Wellness Resources Adrenal Helper contains Cordyceps mushroom extract standardized for 7% cordyceptic acid. Adrenal Helper also has other highly sought after adaptogenic herbs including holy basil, rhodiola, eleutherococcus, and gamma oryzanol. This formula increases vitality and helps your body adapt to the demands of stress.
Super Immune Booster and Adrenal Helper are favorites of Mary Elle, co-founder of Wellness Resources, myself and other team members, as well as thousands of our customers. Give them a try!
