The Life Changing Power Of Functional Mushrooms: Immunity, Metabolism, Dementia, Gut Health, & More, with Tony Shields
Jun 5, 2023
auto_awesome
Tony Shields, CEO and co-founder of FreshCap Mushrooms, discusses the power of functional mushrooms in boosting immunity, managing stress, preventing dementia, and supporting workout performance. He explains the best types of mushroom supplements and the proper extraction process for maximum effects. Listeners also get insights on mushroom stacks, psilocybin strains, and the benefits of gourmet mushrooms.
Functional mushrooms, such as Lion's Mane, Maitake, Reishi, Turkey Tail, Chaga, and Cordyceps, offer specific health benefits, ranging from cognitive enhancement to immune system support.
Choosing high-quality mushroom supplements involves considering factors such as the source of the mushrooms, the extraction process, and the concentration of active compounds.
Lion's Mane promotes neurogenesis and cognitive function, Maitake supports the immune system and aids in cholesterol reduction, and Reishi has calming effects, boosts the immune system, and acts as a potent antioxidant.
Deep dives
The Power of Functional Mushrooms
Functional mushrooms have gained popularity due to their powerful health benefits. Lion's Mane is known for promoting neurogenesis and improving cognitive function. Maitake is both a gourmet and functional mushroom that supports the immune system and aids in reducing cholesterol. Reishi is a woody mushroom with calming effects and is used for stress relief and immune support. Turkey Tail is a immune superpower due to its high concentration of beta glucans. Chaga is a potent antioxidant and supports digestion. Cordyceps is popular for its energy-boosting and endurance-enhancing properties.
The Unique Properties of Each Functional Mushroom
Lion's Mane contains compounds that can cross the blood-brain barrier and induce the growth of neurons. Maitake is rich in fungal beta glucans, which modulate the immune system and support digestion. Reishi has calming effects, strengthens the immune system, and is a powerful antioxidant. Turkey Tail is an immune system modulator and rich in beta glucans. Chaga is a strong antioxidant and promotes lung health. Cordyceps aids in energy production and endurance.
Understanding the Different Types of Mushrooms
Functional mushrooms are distinct from edible gourmet mushrooms. Lion's Mane, Maitake, Reishi, Turkey Tail, Chaga, and Cordyceps are examples of functional mushrooms. Each mushroom offers specific health benefits, ranging from cognitive enhancement to immune system support. Lion's Mane and Reishi are edible gourmet mushrooms as well. Turkey Tail can be brewed into a tea. Chaga is often used as a coffee replacement.
The Impressive Health Benefits of Functional Mushrooms
Functional mushrooms offer a wide range of health benefits. Lion's Mane promotes neurogenesis and cognitive function. Maitake supports the immune system and aids in cholesterol reduction. Reishi has calming effects, boosts the immune system, and acts as a potent antioxidant. Turkey Tail modulates the immune system and is rich in beta glucans. Chaga is an antioxidant and aids in digestion. Cordyceps enhances energy and endurance.
Importance of Quality in Mushroom Supplements
One important consideration when choosing mushroom supplements is the quality and source of the mushrooms. While it may seem obvious to avoid products grown in China due to environmental concerns and heavy metal contamination, it's not as straightforward. Some of the best mushrooms in the world actually grow in China, and they have been cultivated for centuries. On the other hand, there are also low-quality supplements from the US that lack high concentrations of active compounds. It's crucial to look for mushrooms that are grown in a clean environment, have a chain of custody, and are thoroughly extracted to ensure high levels of active compounds.
What to Look for in Mushroom Supplements
When choosing mushroom supplements, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, look for products made from whole fruiting bodies of mushrooms, as they contain all the active compounds. Avoid supplements that are primarily made of grain, as they may have low concentrations of active compounds. Additionally, it's important to choose organic mushrooms that have undergone thorough extraction to release the locked compounds. Dual-extracted mushrooms, obtained through both hot water and alcohol extraction, are especially effective for mushrooms with non-water-soluble compounds. Lastly, check the product labels for information on active compound levels to ensure their presence and effectiveness.
Tony Shields, CEO and co-founder of FreshCap Mushrooms and the host of the FreshCap YouTube Channel, joins Jillian this week to talk about the power of functional mushrooms on everything from immunity to neurogenesis, serenity to energy, gut health to a source of anti-oxidants. We explore reishi’s ability to help manage stress and boost mood; turkey tail’s benefit to the microbiome and the up-regulation of our immune system against diseases like cancer; the Stamets mushroom stack (lions mane, kibensis, and niacin) for preventing dementia and overall cognitive function; the power of cordyceps to power our workouts; chaga’s ability to support healthy cholesterol levels and lower LDL. Tony explains which types of mushroom supplements are best, from the fruiting body to mycelium, and the proper mushrooms extraction process so we buy the best quality product for the greatest effects. Plus, Tony answers listener questions on the best mushroom stacks, psilocybin strains, mushroom coffee, the benefits of gourmet mushrooms like maitaki and enochi, whether or not mushrooms have an actual language, and so much more!
Guest Links:
Twitter: @freshcaptony
Instagram: @freshcapmushrooms
YouTube @freshcapmushrooms
Website: freshcap.com
For 25% off The Fitness App by Jillian Michaels, go to www.thefitnessapp.com/podcastdeal
Follow us on Instagram @JillianMichaels and @MartiniCindy
