What are the healthiest mushrooms that you can eat? Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Chaga, Reishi, Turkey tail, Shiitake, Maitake, and Portobello mushrooms are some of the healthiest medicinal mushrooms you can add to your diet. 

 

The benefits of each mushroom species differ, but all of them are superfoods that offer high nutritional values. Let’s get to know the healthiest mushrooms that may be the key to better overall health.

 

 

What Are Healthy Mushrooms?

Healthy mushrooms or functional mushrooms are superfoods that contain high nutritional value. It offers benefits that may help boost the body’s immune function, brain function, and gut health and relieve soreness, to name a few.

 

Mushrooms are a fungus that has been in health medicine for years. Traditional Chinese herbalists have used it to improve the condition of their tribe.

 

Are All Mushrooms Healthy?

Not all mushrooms are healthy. Experts claim that some varieties of mushrooms are poisonous. For example, wild mushrooms may cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, cramping, and diarrhea. 

 

 

What Are The Healthiest Types Of Mushrooms?

Let’s see the healthiest mushrooms that are good for your health.

 

Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Lion’s mane mushrooms are large, white, and shaggy mushrooms that resemble a lion’s Mane as this mushroom grows. It has been helpful in the culinary and medical industries for years. For many reasons, mushroom consumers call it the “smart” mushroom.

 

Vitamin & Mineral Content

Lion’s Mane contains nutritious vitamins like thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin. The primary active compounds are hericenones and erinacines. Both components are responsible for improving brain functions by producing Nerve Growth Factor. This mushroom is also a good source of minerals such as manganese, zinc, and potassium. 

 

Protein & Fiber Content

A 100-gram serving of dry Lion’s Mane offers approximately 35 grams of calories and 7 grams of carbohydrates with a decent amount of potassium and iron. It has an average of 22 grams of protein.

 

In addition, it has an incredible amount of essential amino acids, antioxidants, and beta-glucans. This content, when combined, offers health benefits that may boost brain health and improve the immune system.

 

Health Benefits

Regarding health benefits, there’s no shortage of Lion’s Mane. Here are some of the benefits it provides.

 

• Mental Clarity – This functional mushroom may aid brain fog symptoms for better mental clarity.

 

• Memory and Learning – Lion’s Mane may promote better neuron formation, essential in improving memory and boosting your learning abilities.

 

• Concentration – Boost your focus since Lion’s Mane has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

 

• Cognitive Enhancement – Lion’s Mane may help create new healthy neurons, enhancing cognitive functions.

 

• Nervous System Health – This functional mushroom has properties that may support the nervous system by repairing damaged cells.

 

Cordyceps Mushroom

Cordyceps mushrooms have brown or bright orange, spindly shapes, and a small head on top. This mushroom has been in traditional Chinese medicine for its energy-boosting properties.

 

There are two types of Cordyceps – Cordyceps Sinensis and Cordyceps Militaris. Cordyceps Sinensis grows between 4 to 10 cm long, is yellowish if fresh, and goes brown or black as it dries out. On the other hand, Cordyceps Militaris produces a fruiting body that is easy to cultivate. It grows between 20 to 50 mm tall and resembles Cheetos’ looks.

 

Vitamin & Mineral Content

Cordyceps have high levels of Vitamins E, K, B1, B2, and B12, along with other essential amino acids essential for good health. In addition, consumers can absorb active minerals such as potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, selenium, silicon, nickel, and vanadium.

 

Protein & Fiber Content

Cordyceps contains 21.46% protein, 1.80% fat, 6.40% fiber, and 55.68% carbohydrate. In addition, it also contains peptides and polyamines that help transport oxygen and other substances within the body. 

 

Health Benefits

Cordyceps are popular as performance mushrooms, which mainly help boost physical performance and muscle recovery. Here are some of the benefits of this functional mushroom.

 

• Increased Energy – Cordyceps may increase the oxygen sent to the muscles, which helps boost endurance and recovery.

 

• Promotes Muscle Recovery – This functional mushroom promotes faster muscle recovery after a long game or heavy workouts.

 

• Improves Healthy Sleep Patterns – Cordyceps may promote a healthy sleeping pattern by reducing sleep-wake cycles and improving good-quality sleep time.

 

• Complements Sexual Performance – Cordyceps may boost testosterone and libido levels to improve sexual performance.

 

• Promotes Heart Health – Cordyceps Sinensis and Militaris have natural properties that help prevent heart disease.

 

Chaga Mushroom

Chaga mushrooms are known for their burnt charcoal. It may look unusual, but it offers benefits that may boost your overall health. This fungus is a woody mushroom or polypore that grows on a birch tree and other tree trunks. Other experts and mushroom growers call it a clinker polypore, cinder conk, or birch canker polypore.

 

Vitamin & Mineral Content

Chaga is rich in vitamins and minerals; it includes calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, sodium, sulfur, and zink. It also has Vitamins K, B1, B2, B3, and beta glucan.

 

Protein & Fiber Content

Chaga mushrooms contain high levels of antioxidant content. On average, two teaspoons of raw Chaga chunks consist of 0 grams of fat, 7 grams of carbohydrates, and 7 grams of fiber.

 

Health Benefits

Chaga is a superfood with various potential benefits that help in boosting overall body health.

 

• May Reduce Stress – Chaga is a powerful adaptogen that interacts with the adrenal system, which helps in keeping your stress at bay.

 

• Anti-inflammatory & Antioxidant – This mushroom helps in boosting your body’s defense against free radicals and may help prevent soreness.

 

• May Promote Healthy Blood Sugar Levels – Chaga may help promote healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels in the body, which may help people avoid diabetes.

 

• Better Immune Support – Chaga mushroom extracts have natural properties to enhance the body’s immune system and combat bacteria.

 

• Healthy Gut – Chaga may help prevent intestinal problems like stomach ulcers while inhibiting bad cytokines that promote a healthy gut.

 

Reishi Mushrooms

Reishi mushroom features a cap with a shelflike and semi-circular shape. It has a complex and shiny texture with dark red to dark brown hues. This mushroom has also been used in traditional Chinese medicine, which is known as one of the immune function mushrooms.

 

Vitamin & Mineral Content

Reishi mushrooms are abundant in vitamins and minerals like potassium, magnesium, selenium, phosphorus, calcium, and copper. In addition, it consists of terpenoids, phenols, nucleotides, glycoproteins, and polysaccharides.

 

Protein & Fiber Content

Did you know that oyster mushrooms offer the most protein content per-weight basis? One serving of oyster mushroom may contain 3.31 grams of protein. On the other hand, the protein content of Reishi is about 19.5 mg per 100 grams of serving. It also contains 8% fat, 28% carbohydrates, and 32% fiber.

 

Health Benefits

Like other medicinal mushrooms, Reishi offers benefits that may boost overall wellness.

 

• May Boost The Immune Support – Reishi has natural properties that may alter soreness and fight infections and even cancer in the body.

 

• May Help Fight Fatigue and Depression – This mushroom has the potential to reduce fatigue and depression, which is essential to improve the quality of life.

 

• May Help Maintain Blood Sugar Levels – Reishi may help regulate high blood pressure.

 

Turkey Tail Mushroom

Turkey Tails mushrooms have been in traditional herbal medicine for their impressive benefits. This mushroom is a polypore, which releases spores from its tiny pores instead of gills. Its underside has a white color with small and uniform pores. 

 

Vitamin & Mineral Content

Turkey Tail is rich in vitamins B3 and D, vital in boosting immunity and helping promote better digestion. It is an excellent source of potassium, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, and even copper.

 

Not to mention, this mushroom has a low sodium content, is free from cholesterol, is low in calories, and is gluten-free. 

 

Protein & Fiber Content

Turkey tail mushrooms contain 20.9 grams of fat and 20.8 grams of protein. It’s one of the healthiest mushrooms to add to your diet.

 

Health Benefits

Here are some of the benefits of Turkey Tail mushrooms.

 

• High antioxidant Levels – This mushroom contains a wide range of antioxidants that may help prevent oxidative stress and cell damage.

 

• May Help Improve Immune System – Turkey Tail has immune-boosting compounds that activate the immune cells and suppress soreness.

 

• Gut Health Promotion – This functional mushroom has compounds that may help decrease bad bacteria and promote better digestion.

 

• May Boost Energy Levels – Turkey Tail has properties that may help fight fatigue and boost energy which is essential for people with active lifestyles and athletes.

 

 

Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms are known for their umbrella-shaped cap with wide veils and tan grills. You can also notice its curved steps. It’s a popular ingredient for its earthy and smoky flavor. But this mushroom also has a reputable medicinal value. 

 

Vitamins & Mineral Content

Shiitake mushrooms are a good source of several vitamins and minerals. Like Enoki mushrooms, it is rich in vitamin D, B6, copper, selenium, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, potassium, manganese, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus.

 

Protein & Fiber Content

Shiitake mushrooms contain 1 gram of protein and 2 grams of fiber for a 15-gram serving. In addition, it also contains 11 grams of carbohydrates and 44 calories for the same serving size.

 

Health Benefits

Shiitake mushrooms offer the following benefits to the body after regular consumption.

 

• May Aid Heart Health – Shiitake mushrooms, like Porcini mushrooms, have compounds that may boost heart health by lowering cholesterol levels in the body.

 

• May Boost The Immune System – Regular consumption of this mushroom may reduce inflammation and boost the body’s immune support.

 

• Has Potential Anticancer Properties – Shiitake may offer anticancer effects, which help fight tumors. It has natural killer cells to fight toxins and tumors.

 

• May Strengthen Bones – This medicinal mushroom is a good source of vitamin D, which is essential in building strong bones.

 

Maitake Mushroom

Maitake mushrooms are native to China, northeastern Japan, and North America. Wild Maitake can grow at the base of oak, elm, and maple trees. But some growers cultivate this mushroom indoors. Maitake features brown caps with white edges that resemble a sitting hen’s ruffled feathers.

 

Vitamin & Mineral Content

A 70-gram serving of Maitake offers 143 mg of potassium, 52 mg of phosphorus, 20 mg of vitamin D, 7mg of magnesium, and 0.5 mg of zinc. In addition, it consists of various B vitamins and folate.

 

Protein & Fiber Content

Maitake mushrooms contain 1.4 g of protein and 1.9 g of dietary fiber for every 70 grams of serving. In addition, it has 0.1 g of fat, 1.5 g of sugar, and 4.9 g of carbohydrate.

 

Health Benefits

Maitake, one of the healthiest mushrooms, offers benefits that may improve the body’s overall wellness.

 

• Provides Adaptogenic Support – This functional mushroom may help increase the body’s ability to overcome stress.

 

• Promote Healthy Blood Sugar Levels – Maitake may help support metabolic health by regulating sugar levels, resulting in better insulin response.

 

• May Improve Gut Health – This functional mushroom contains prebiotic fiber that helps in promoting good bacteria in the body.

 

• Support Weight Management – Maitake supports healthy weight management by promoting a healthy metabolism.

 

• Better Immune Health – Thanks to beta-glucans, eating mushrooms may help ward off pathogens that may weaken the immune system.

 

 

How To Incorporate The Healthiest Mushrooms Into Your Diet?

You can incorporate the healthiest mushrooms into your in the form of powder, capsules, gummies, and tinctures. Some consumers prefer powder since they can add it to their favorite food or beverage. Each method gives you convenience in taking your daily dose of these mushrooms.

 

Beneficial Value Of Adding Mushrooms To Recipes

Adding mushrooms to your favorite meals adds more flavor. For some vegetarians, it’s also a great alternative to meat. Functional mushrooms may help regulate blood pressure, promote healthy weight management, boost the immune system, and provide other cognitive benefits.

 

What Are Some Popular Healthy Mushroom-Inspired Recipes?

Set some time on the weekend to cook and try these mushroom recipes at home.

 

• Crispy Roasted Mushrooms – Roasting brings out mushrooms’ deep and earthy flavors, making it a perfect side dish or snack.

 

• Tofu and Mushroom Larb – Here’s a meatless Thai salad you need to try.

 

• Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta – Cook a healthier version of your favorite creamy chicken pasta.

 

• Crispy Mushroom Reuben Sandwiches – Make your sandwich gooier with mushrooms

 

• Mushroom Soup – Start your meal with a bowl of healthy soup.

 

Beneficial Value Of Taking Healthy Mushroom Supplements

Taking mushroom supplements offers convenience. You don’t need to cook the mushrooms before taking them. Take these herbal supplements along with your other multivitamins regularly, and you’ll feel the effects of functional mushrooms after weeks of taking them.

 

What Types Of Healthy Mushrooms Supplements Are There?

Fortunately, there are many ways to take healthy mushroom supplements.

 

• Mushroom Gummies – It tastes and looks like regular gummies, except that it contains mushroom extracts that may boost your overall health.

 

• Mushroom Capsules – You can take mushroom supplements like other multivitamins.

 

• Mushroom Tinctures – These mushroom extracts offer faster results when taken sublingually.

 

• Mushroom Powders – Powders give you more options to consume mushrooms – you can put it on your favorite meal or mix it with your beverage.

 

 

Where To Buy The Healthiest Mushroom Supplements? 

You can buy mushroom supplements in different health stores, but it’s easier and more convenient to shop for them online. You can purchase directly from the manufacturer – like Golden Bloom Mushrooms. Why shop around when you can get the best mushroom complex supplements which include Turmeric Curcumin plus cordyceps mushrooms here on Golden Bloom.

 

 

Why Choose Golden Bloom For Supplements? 

We offer premium mushroom supplements using natural ingredients and organic mushrooms. Our mushroom blends will give you the best results for a healthier lifestyle. In addition, we offer incentives like 20% off on your first order and another 20% discount when you sign up for our newsletter.

 

You can also get free shipping for a minimum order $65. Moreover, Golden Bloom offers a 100% satisfaction guaranteed return policy for your peace of mind.

 

 

Final Thoughts – Healthiest Mushrooms

As health enthusiasts, we all are looking for ways to improve our physical and mental health – and we often start by watching what we consume. Fortunately, there are several edible mushrooms that you can consume.