Anatomy of a Mushroom
Anatomy of a mushroom
Did you know humans share about 40% of our DNA with mushrooms, making them more similar to us than the plants they help to grow? So, maybe we should get to know them a little better…
Mushrooms are made up by both visible and invisible elements. The part we above ground see has a cap, stalk and gills – but underneath it forms a mass of threadlike strands called mycelium, that make up the fungus. Mycelium is often the material that is being formed into vegan leather and alternatives to polystyrene.
Even as science expands our knowledge of all the amazing properties mushrooms have, the main way for identifying these earthy treats is often very lo-fi, using online guides like those by the Woodland Trust or comprehensive identification guides. Knowing the difference between poisonous and benign ‘shrooms is essential!
Incorporating more mushrooms into your diet is an easy switch to make with powdered supplements. If you want to know the different elements that products like Antioxi Mushroom Capsules have to offer then look no further…
Six mushrooms and their benefits:
Lion’s Mane
Beat brain fog with this beast. As one study has shown, Lion’s Mane can help boost your memory. The test discovered that in a small group of older adults taking a Lion’s Mane (or Yamabushitake) supplement led to improved cognitive impairment.
The gains made dropped once the supplement was no longer being used by the group. Ongoing research is examining what this could mean for Alzheimer’s disease. In some areas of the world, increased demand for the benefits of Lion’s Mane have led it to becoming an endangered species.
Greenhaus have done extensive research in the mushroom space and are growing our handpicked range of products, Lion’s mane is one of our personal favourites, check out our range here.
Turkey Tail and Maitake
If you suffer with tummy troubles – Turkey Tail and Maitake are for you. With prebiotics and antioxidants, these mushrooms are known to help with the digestive system and reduce inflammation. With its high amount of fibre, Turkey Tail balances bacteria and looks good whilst doing it. Maitake also helps with sensitive stomachs and can help to control blood sugar levels.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps are nature’s natural energy boosters. They are a great caffeine replacement for anyone looking to cut down their daily intakes. Cordyceps work by increasing maximal oxygen uptake in our body by increasing ATP availability.
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) is essential in energy delivery throughout our muscles and is the reason for cordyceps’ energy boosting properties. We recommend using cordyceps earlier in the day rather than the evening, as their energy boosting properties can keep you awake for up to 4 hours after ingestion.
Kaapa Cordyceps (30ml) is our go to! We recommend starting with a low dose and mixing the tincture with a drink. You can find more details on our Kaapa Cordyceps (30ml)
Chaga
Chaga is widely known for its immune supporting properties, containing the highest level of antioxidants per gram of any medicinal fungi. Growing abundantly on birch trees and often touted as the king of mushrooms, Chaga has been used for centuries due to its healing properties. These properties includes; antioxidant, anti-aging, immune and digestion support, whilst bringing balance to blood sugar levels.
Shiitake
Good for the heart. Native to mountain regions of Japan, Korea and China the Shiitake mushroom (or lentinula edodes) has a high amount of natural copper and a good source of iron – which supports blood vessels, bones and immune support.
Rich in polysaccharides like lentinans and other beta-glucans, which are sugars found in the cell walls of the fungi. These are the kind of carbohydrates that help store energy from food. Plus, they taste real good.
Reishi
Super queen of the scene, Reishi mushrooms are a staple in Traditional Chinese Medicine. These immune-boosting babies can help protect the body from disease. They are also known as the ‘elixir of immorality’ – and whilst we can’t promise you’ll live forever if you take these as a supplement we can get behind the range of benefits they offer.
Packed with the compound triterpene, they also offer calming properties to help with anxiety and sleep. With their regenerative, neuroprotective and calming qualities these really are the queen of mushrooms.
Oyster Mushrooms
The return of the beta-glucans – the sugars that are claimed to have benefits for blood sugar management and immune-system boosts. Oyster mushrooms may help to lower cholesterol and as a fiber-rich vegetable can also help your metabolism.
There is lots of benefits on our website and readily available online, however, the scientific research has not been done by ourselves, we will leave that to the professionals!*
Remember: follow the advice on the back of any supplement you buy. Around 1-2 tablespoons per day should be enough. As with all health benefits, more scientific research is being done all the time to back up the claims. And if you do fancy foraging, always use an official guide.