Top 5 Edible Mushrooms With Medicinal Benefits

Edible mushrooms have been consumed for thousands of years. From the ancient Greeks believing that mushrooms provided their warriors with immense strength in battle, to the ancient Romans believing that mushrooms were the ‘Food of the Gods.’

For centuries, edible mushrooms have been used in traditional healing as an alternative medicine in Chinese, Japenese, and Euro-Asian cultures. Traditional healers have reported beneficial effects of mushrooms for health and treatment of various diseases.

While the list of potential benefits of edible mushrooms is extensive, this article will focus on the Top 5 edible fungi that have significant medicinal value.

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

Lion’s mane is one of the edible mushrooms that offer potential health benefits which could revolutionize how the medical community approaches treating certain diseases.

The major medicinal benefits are as follows:

• Reduce Mild Forms of Anxiety & Depression
• Reduce Risk of Heart Disease
• Help Manage Symptoms of Diabetes
• Help Protect Against Dementia & Alzheimers
• Cancer Prevention & Treatment

Edible mushrooms like the Lion’s mane holds profound implications for healing some of our most sought after disease remedies.

Though most of the research to date has been in vitro and animal studies, there are plenty of ongoing human trials being investigated. These results can prove promising within the medical community.

One of the best Lion’s Mane extract supplements is Host Defense

Reishi (Ganoderma Lucidum)

The Reishi is probably the second most sought after edible mushrooms for its huge medicinal benefits. Reishi has natural adaptogenic properties that offer overall nourishing and supporting vital organ function.

The major health benefits are listed below:

• Cancer Killing Properties
• Immune System Booster
• Reduce Fatigue & Inflammation
• Combat Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Improve Nerve & Brain Function
• Supports Lung Stability & Function

As far as edible mushrooms go, Reishi offers not only a myriad of potential health benefits, but it’s also a culinary favorite for many.

Like other medicinal mushrooms, the research on the Reishi has mostly been done with vitro and mice. The positive results must be proven using human trials to validate the above mentioned findings, but the potential looks promising.

One of the best Reishi supplements on the market today is the Organic Red Reishi Mushroom Powder

Cordyceps (Cordyceps Sinensis)

The Cordyceps is another one of those edible mushrooms that offer a significant amount of health benefits to those who consume them. They are rare to find out in the wild, but can easily be grown inside a laboratory.

The Cordyceps is also a natural adaptogen, which makes its potential for healing quite significant.

A list of its potential benefits for treatment is as follows:

• Coughs & Chronic Bronchitis
• Respiratory & Kidney Disorders
• Male Sexual Problems
• High Cholesterol
• Liver Disorders
• Anemia
• Enhance Stamina & Reduce Fatigue

Edible mushrooms like Cordyceps can help to treat many common ailments and diseases. Though most of the data collected so far has been done through vitro and animal testing.

Further research using human trials will possibly validate the medicinal value of consuming Cordyceps.

One of the top supplements for this edible is by Now Foods called Organic Cordyceps Sinensis Mycelium Mushroom Powder

Turkey Tail (Trametes Versicolor)

Turkey Tail is another fungus within the family of edible mushrooms that has an impressive range of health benefits. For centuries, Turkey Tail has been consumed as a traditional diet and used for alternative medicine in Asia.

This edible contains powerful antioxidants and other compounds that may help to boost your immune system and fight certain cancers.

The major health benefits of the Turkey Tail mushroom are listed below:

• Prevents Common Cold & Flu
• Post Chemotherapy Support
• Combat Cancer
• Digestive Aid
• Help Patients with HIV/AIDS
• Treat Human Papilloma Virus
• Immune System Booster

Turkey Tail is one of the few edible mushrooms that have actual human trial research results. It is also currently used in pharmaceutical form to treat numerous types of cancer.

Turkey Tail has actually been used for 30 years in Japan as a treatment for cancer.

For those looking to take advantage of consuming this edible mushroom, there’s a great supplement out by Host Defense that’s organic and gluten free called Turkey Tail: Prebiotic For The Microbiome

Shiitake (Lentinula Edodes)

Shiitake is one of those edible mushrooms you’ll find in most Asian cuisines. It has been used for centuries throughout Asia as a natural remedy for many common ailments.

Modern research provides significant evidence that Shiitake mushrooms have promising health benefits used as an alternative medicine.

Nutritionally Shiitake is not particularly healthy, seeing that 1 cup roughly contains 21 carbohydrates. However, consumed in extract form as a supplement they offer many positive health benefits.

Below is a list of the most significant medicinal properties:

• Immune System Booster
• Treatment for HIV/AIDS
• Reduce Blood Cholesterol Levels
• Treatment for Prostate & Breast Cancer
• Treat Hepatitis B & Herpes
• High Blood Pressure
• Colds & Flu

While Shiitake belongs in the edible mushrooms family, it should not be consumed by mouth for medicinal benefits. Shiitake should be taken in extract form as a medicine due to it being possibly unsafe.

One of the best Shiitake supplements on the market that is Non-GMO & Gluten Free made by NusaPure is called Shiitake Mushroom Extract 9000mg.

Conclusion

The top 5 edible mushrooms highlighted above have massive medicinal properties to help you live a healthy lifestyle. The combination of adding some flavor to your favorite dishes and getting medicinal benefits by consuming them make edible mushrooms a no-brainer for your diet.

We have also provided some recommendations to the best organic supplements for each of the top 5 edible mushrooms.

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