The Conscious Mushroom

 

Mushrooms..... What fascinating little forms of life!  And the health benefits they offer us are plenty!  Not only are certain mushrooms super tasty to eat, but many of them contain numerous benefits to various areas of our health.

 

Medicinal mushrooms have been used throughout the ages.

The first "modern" discovery of beneficial properties in fungus, came in 1928 with the discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming.  Since that time, many other antibiotics and antiviral properties of fungi have been discovered.

 

Did you know, that mushrooms contain the same wide range of vitamins and minerals found in fruits and vegetables? Mushrooms produce Vitamin B and D which most other "plants" do not.  And therefore are a good way for vegan's to get those vital nutrients.

Mushrooms are a great source of fiber.  Fiber is essential in maintaining gut health.

Mushrooms are energy dense, and contain fewer calories in relation to the energy they provide.

They are high in antioxidants. 

 

Mushrooms contain Beta Glucan which stimulates the immune system, and may help allergies, asthma and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Mushrooms contain Polysaccharides which are long complex chains of molecules bonded together.  The polysaccharides found in mushrooms offer a wide range of benefits including anti-cancer, anti-obesity, anti-diabetes, and possess antibiotic properties.

Certain mushrooms have shown significant positive effects on certain cancers such as leukemia and tumors.

Mushrooms also help regulate antibody production in the body and increase DNA and RNA in your bone marrow where white blood cells and other immune cells are created.

Shiitake mushrooms among others, contain compounds called statins which are known for lowering blood cholesterol levels.  They also lower inflammation.

Mushrooms can improve physical fitness and help with energy.  They can reduce overall fatigue.

 One of the most exciting things, is mushrooms benefit to your brain health!  Medicinal mushrooms cause production of nerve growth, which is vital for the treatment of Parkinson's, Alzheimer's dementia and other brain-related illnesses.

Mushrooms have a hypoglycemic effect.  They increase the sensitivity of insulin receptors.