5 reasons why you could use more mushrooms in your life
If you eat mushrooms regularly, you're on the right track. Mushrooms are fungi that contain a large amount of healthy substances that can support our mental, emotional and physical health. More and more research is being done into the positive effects of mushrooms. In this blog we give you 5 reasons why you should mushrooms should use.
These are 5 reasons to use mushrooms every day
Are mushrooms really that healthy? Of course! For such a small organism, they contain a surprising amount of vitamins, minerals and especially polysaccharides that are good for our body and mind. Don't you like mushrooms? At the bottom of the blog, you will find how to solve that. Below, you can read what mushrooms are good for.
1. Healthy gut for a healthy life
The basis of your health lies in your intestines and especially in the intestinal flora. Did you know that there are more microbes in your body than there are stars in the universe? That's probably why they have such a big impact on your health. For example, the microbes in your gut produce 95% of the serotonin in your body. This important neurotransmitter influences your mood and the activity of your intestines.
In addition, the microbiome produces hundreds of other substances that regulate processes, such as your memory, your emotions, your resistance and your learning ability. And what can mushrooms contribute to that? Some of the medicinal mushrooms can promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut (they can be considered prebiotics). This is because they contain all kinds of polysaccharides. These can also suppress the bad bacteria.
Examples of these mushrooms are Lion's Mane, Reishi, Turkey Tail en Maitake.
2. Benefits in mental disorders
Mushrooms can also contribute to our mental health. Research shows that psilocybin(the mind-altering substance in magic mushrooms) can be used in therapy in the treatment of, for example, depression, PTSD, anxiety disorders, addictions and cluster headaches. These kinds of conditions are common and some cannot be treated properly with regular medication. Therefore, treatment with psilocybin would be a solution for many people.
Do you have any of the above complaints? It is wise to first consult with your treating doctor whether the use of psilocybin is safe and appropriate in your situation. But it is good to know that magic mushrooms are one of the safest psychoactive substances. They have few side effects and are not addictive. If you are taking a mind-altering drug for the first time, start with a low dose and choose a mushroom that is not too powerful, such as the Mexican or the Cambodian.
Don't feel like going on a trip? Then microdosing might be a good option for you. You take a very small dose of magic mushrooms or truffles, so that you do not hallucinate. But you can still benefit from the subtle effects of psilocybin. Microdosing could relieve pain and have a positive effect on mood.
3. More energy with mushrooms
Mushrooms are full of valuable nutrients. For example, they contain vitamin C, a large number of van the B vitamins (such as B1, B2, B5) and cyanocobalamin, a precursor of vitamin B12. They also contain minerals such as selenium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc and calcium. These substances can all be easily absorbed if you use mushrooms, such as mushrooms, shiitake or portobello, in your meal.
They are also rich in proteins, contain few fats and are rich in polysaccharides. All these substances are important to feel fit and energetic. They support the immune system, can regulate your emotions, stimulate blood flow and promote the proper functioning of your organs. At fatigue and stress, it is therefore a good idea to use more mushrooms.
4. Support of the immune system
For immune system support, mushrooms are also great. They contain a lot of polysaccharides (which are complex, long-chain carbohydrates) in their cell walls. Research shows that polysaccharides, especially the beta-1,3-glucans, can strengthen immune system against viruses, various cancers and autoimmune disease. This is possible because they can activate various immune cells, such as NK cells, B cells, phagocytes and T cells.
Another substance in medicinal mushrooms that has a powerful effect on the immune system are terpenoids, especially the triterpenes. These have anti-inflammatory properties and rebalance an overactive immune system. Together with beta-d-glucans, triterpenes can regulate the body and immune system during times of illness, stress and fatigue. Examples of mushrooms that can help with complaints related to the immune system are Reishi, Shiitake, Cordyceps and Maitake.
5. A boost for your brain
Several studies have been done on the effects of medicinal mushrooms, such as Lioin's Mane and magic mushrooms, which indicate that they are good for the brain. For example, they could stimulate cognitive functioning and neurogenesis. The latter means that the brain can create new brain cells. This allows people to recover from traumatic brain damage, for example. It can also stimulate communication between different parts of the brain, which can boost creativity, learning and memory.
Using more mushrooms: this is how you do it
Do you also think: those are a lot of benefits that mushrooms bring, I want to use them more? But you may also be wondering how to do that. Medicinal mushrooms can be purchased as a supplement, just look in our shop, you will see a wide range of extracts and capsules.
But also "ordinary" mushrooms that we use in the kitchen are very healthy, even the everyday mushroom. And take a look at other types that you rarely use, such as the portobello mushroom, oyster mushroom, chestnut mushroom, beech mushroom or chanterelle. Mushrooms have a somewhat earthy, but also neutral taste. If you don't really like them, use them in a dish with sauce or combine them with another, strong-tasting vegetable, so that they are less noticeable. And who knows, you might get used to the taste. At least you know that with mushrooms in your meal, you are working hard on your health!
