5 REASONS WHY YOU COULD USE MORE MUSHROOMS IN YOUR LIFE

If you eat mushrooms regularly, then you are doing good. Mushrooms are fungi that contain a large amount of healthy substances that can support our mental, emotional and physical health. Consequently, more and more research is being done on the positive effects of mushrooms. In this blog, we give you 5 reasons why you should consume more mushrooms.

These are 5 reasons to use mushrooms every day

Are mushrooms really that healthy? Yes indeed! For such a small organism, they contain a surprising amount of vitamins, minerals and especially polysaccharides that are good for our bodies and minds. Don't you love mushrooms? Find out how to fix that at the bottom of the blog. Below you can read what mushrooms are all good for.

1. Healthy gut for a healthy life

The basis of your health lies in your gut and especially in the gut flora. Did you know that there are more microbes in your body than there are stars in the universe? This is probably why they have such a big impact on your health. For instance, the microbes in your gut produce 95% of the serotonin in your body. This important neurotransmitter affects your mood and gut activity.

In addition, the microbiome makes hundreds of other substances that regulate processes such as your memory, emotions, immunity and learning ability. And what can mushrooms contribute to this? Some of the medicinal mushrooms can promote the growth of the good bacteria in the gut (they can be considered prebiotics). This is because they contain a variety of polysaccharides. These can also suppress the bad bacteria. Examples of these mushrooms include Lion's Mane, Reishi, Turkey Tail and 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 to treat conditions such as depression, PTSD, anxiety disorders, addictions and cluster headaches. These kinds of disorders are common and some cannot be treated well with regular medication. Therefore, treatment with psilocybin would be a godsend for many people.

Do you have any of the above symptoms? It is wise to first discuss with your treating physician whether 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 bring few side effects and are not addictive. If you are taking a mind-altering drug for the first time, do start with a low dose and choose a mushroom that is not too potent, such as the Mexican or the Cambodian.

Don't fancy tripping? Then microdosing might be a good option for you. This involves taking a very small dose of magic mushrooms or truffles, which means you won't hallucinate. But it still allows you to 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 instance, they contain vitamin C, many of 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 high in protein, low in fat and rich in polysaccharides. All these substances are important for feeling fit and energetic. They support the immune system, can regulate your emotions, stimulate circulation and promote proper functioning of your organs. So when tired and stressed, it is a good idea to start consuming more mushrooms.

4. Immune system support

For immune system support, medicinal mushrooms are also great. They contain many polysaccharides (which are complex, long-chain carbohydrates) in their cell walls. Research shows that polysaccharides, especially the beta-1,3-glucans, can strengthen the immune system against viruses, for example. This is possible because they can activate different 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 in 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

There have been several studies on the effects of medicinal mushrooms, such as Lioin's Mane and magic mushrooms, which suggest that they are good for the brain. For instance, they could boost cognitive function and neurogenesis. The latter means that the brain can create new brain cells. This allows people to recover from traumatic damage to the brain, for example. It can also boost communication between different parts of the brain, which can boost creativity, learning ability and memory.

Using mushrooms more: here's how to do it

Now you're also thinking: those are a lot of benefits mushrooms bring, I want to start using them more. But you might also be wondering how to do that. You can buy medicinal mushrooms as supplements, just look in our shop, and you will see a wide range of extracts and capsules.

But "common" mushrooms we use in cooking are also very healthy, even the everyday mushroom. And look at other species you don't use much, such as the portobello, oyster mushroom, chestnut mushroom, the beech mushroom or the chanterelle. Mushrooms have a somewhat earthy, but also neutral flavour. If you don't really like them, incorporate them in a dish with sauce or combine them with another strong-tasting vegetable so that they stand out less. And who knows, you might even get used to the flavour. Either way, you know that with mushrooms in your meal, you are working hard on your health!