7 Mushrooms to Boost Your Immune System
In schools, workplaces, and many others places we go to, the common cold and flu spread easily. To protect ourselves and our immune systems, we should turn to nutritious foods and vitamins. There are many foods that have disease-fighting powers that can help strengthen our systems. Did you know one of those foods is mushrooms?
Adding mushrooms to your smoothies, tea, and lunches is a great way to consume them daily. There are thousands of different types of mushrooms in the fungi family and only about 20 of them are used for culinary dishes. Many studies have shown daily mushroom consumption helps to ward off sickness and improve immune response. Read about one such study in 2015 from University of Florida.
Mushrooms can be consumed both as functional foods and dietary supplements. They contain many nutrients, including:
What mushrooms can you add to your daily routine? These 7 mushrooms will help boost your immunity while adding different flavours to your meals and/or beverages for better enjoyment!
1. Reishi
Reishi mushrooms are best for bringing calm into your life. Commonly used to treat anxiety and depression, they are great for the immune system and nervous system and can also help with reducing stress and improving sleep. You’ll feel refreshed with more energy. From a medical standpoint, Reishi may help with lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.
How to consume: Chop Reishi mushrooms and boil them in water. You can add them to a dish or drink it in delicious tea and watch the benefits kick in!
2. Chaga
Chaga mushrooms contains many vitamins and minerals to balance your immune system. In other words, they strengthen it when it needs support and also relax it when it is overstimulated. Recent studies have linked Chaga mushrooms to fighting cancer cells and slowing tumour growth as well.
How to consume: Chaga tea is very popular and many have relied on it for centuries around the world. Boil Chaga chunks, strain it, consume hot to boost your immunity.
3. Shiitake
Shiitake mushrooms are the most popular mushrooms worldwide. These mushrooms are great for immune health while also increasing white blood cells which helps your body fight off infection and disease. Shiitake mushrooms are also great for exfoliating skin. Studies show they can help to reduce sunspots and acne scarring while brightening your skin for a nice glow.
How to consume: Do not eat or consume uncooked Shiitake mushrooms. It is best to dispose of the stems as they are tough and then cook the mushroom caps in boiling water. Once cooked, add these mushrooms to stir-fry or soup and enjoy!
4. Maitake
High in antioxidants, Maitake mushrooms are beneficial to your physical and mental health. They are linked with brain and cognitive benefits, as well as lowering blood glucose levels. This makes them great for managing and treating diabetes.
How to consume: Maitake is simple to cook. Simply grill it in butter and serve. For great flavour, add this mushroom to pasta, pizza, or an omelette to give your body and brain extra love.
5. Turkey Tail
It is important to keep a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut. Turkey tail mushrooms are great for digestive health as they help reduce toxins, which in turn improves your energy levels and promotes weight loss.
How to consume: Simmer Turkey tail in boiling water and serve as a drink. It is also available as a powder and you can add it to food for taste or flavour. Either way, you can reap the numerous health benefits!
6. Lion’s Mane
Lion’s Mane mushrooms are packed with benefits. Studies show it can help protect against dementia and Alzheimer’s, repair damaged nerves, and fight against anxiety and depression. Both immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory, Lion’s Mane is linked to reducing heart disease and ulcers while being very beneficial to cognitive health.
How to consume: Lion’s Mane has a seafood-like taste. You can enjoy it raw, cooked, grilled, or steeped in tea.
7. Oyster
Oyster mushrooms have anti-tumour, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and cholesterol-lowering properties which make them great for the immune system. They also contain high levels of iron, almost twice as much as other mushrooms, as well as zinc, potassium, and calcium.
How to consume: Oyster mushrooms are best when cooked, grilled, or added in a stir-fry. Do not eat it raw. They are known to absorb liquids and provide a good texture to any meal.
Tip: Mushrooms for Pets
Did you know mushrooms are also great for your dog’s health? Studies have shown Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake, and Turkey Tail mushrooms can boost their health while preventing future disease. Like in humans, these mushrooms can help boost immunity, support the digestive, urinary, and respiratory tracts, protect the liver, fight off cancer, and can alleviate some of the effects from chemotherapy in your canine best friend.
Conclusion: Mushrooms for Better Health
Each mushroom listed above provides numerous benefits to your physical and mental health. Try them today and start to reap the rewards of adding mushrooms to your daily routine! Do your research and see what mushroom best fits your lifestyle. Whether you steep it in tea or add it to your plate, mushrooms are a great way to keep your immune system strong and keep you feeling your best.
At Green Schools Green Future, we support fresh foods for healthy living, especially for our children.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/best-medicinal-mushrooms-to-try
https://wholeearthsea.com/en-ca/blog/six-mushrooms-to-help-keep-your-immunity-in-check/
https://fullscript.com/blog/mushrooms-for-immune-health
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/04/150416112826.htm
https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/medicinal-mushrooms-for-dogs-multi-dimensional-healing/
