Functional Mushrooms: What Are They & What Do They Do?

Have functional mushrooms taken over your Instagram ad feed? In recent years, mushroom supplements have appeared in the form of coffee substitutes, teas, and capsules, all boasting health benefits and promising that you’ll never want a cup of coffee again (something that this writer can’t even fathom thanks to his tasty CBD coffee).

While the idea of a mushroom optimizing your life sounds neat and convenient, how plausible is it? What are? Are they actually effective? What do they do?

In this post, we’ll answer these questions and more, such as:

• What kinds of functional mushrooms are there?
• How do you take them?
• Are they safe?

What Are Functional Mushrooms?

Sometimes referred to as medicinal mushrooms, are fungi that may offer a range of health benefits, including improved focus, reduced stress, and better sleep. These mushrooms are not a new concept; some cultures have been using fungi in herbal medicine for thousands of years.

Ancient Medicinal Mushrooms

While we can’t definitively claim that functional mushrooms have medicinal uses, it’s interesting to note that humans have been using mushrooms medicinally for millennia. The ancient Greeks, Chinese, and American Indigenous Peoples utilized various mushrooms for their anti-inflammatory and healing properties. The first known use of the functional amadou mushroom was by the famous Ice Man, Otzi, who lived more than 5,000 years ago. Anthropologists discovered traces of the fungi in his leather pouch.

Adaptogenic Mushrooms

Adaptogenic mushrooms are a type of functional mushroom with adaptogenic properties. Adaptogens help neutralize and prevent the formation of free radicals in your body—unstable atoms that can cause damage if left unchecked, potentially leading to cardiovascular disease, cataracts, various cancers, and more.

Functional…Not Hallucinogenic

Putting aside personal beliefs and growing evidence of the benefits of psilocybin (“magic”) mushrooms, they are not considered functional because they lack adaptogenic properties, have no recorded physical health benefits, and can have unique negative side effects if not used properly.

What Makes Mushrooms Functional?

Not all mushrooms are functional. Some, like baby bells and portobellos, simply taste good. A functional mushroom contains certain compounds that may help with alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression, lowering cholesterol, increasing energy levels, decreasing cancer risk, and protecting brain health.

Are Functional Mushrooms Safe?

Functional mushrooms are considered safe for most people. However, it’s important to note that adaptogenic mushrooms don’t have passive effects and may exacerbate certain conditions. For example, people with generally low blood pressure should avoid mushrooms that lower blood pressure further. Other groups who should avoid include:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
• People with type 1 diabetes
• Individuals with low blood pressure or blood sugar

Different Types

While there are many functional mushrooms, six have quickly grabbed consumers’ attention:

Reishi (Ganoderma Lucidum)

• Contains bioactive compounds like triterpenes and beta-glucans.
• Supports a healthy immune system, reduces inflammation, and promotes relaxation.
• Used in Japanese and Chinese herbal medicine since 100 B.C.

Lion’s Mane (Hericium Erinaceas)

• Believed to help maintain and improve cognitive health.
• Contains erinacines and hericenones, compounds that may stimulate nerve growth and myelin sheath maintenance.

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)

• Commonly found in East Asian cuisine.
• Thought to bolster the immune system and support cardiovascular health.

Chaga (Inonotus Obliquus)

• Grows almost exclusively on birch trees.
• Contains antioxidants like melanin and polyphenols.
• Used to boost the immune system, protect cells from oxidative stress, and increase energy levels.

Cordyceps (Cordyceps Sinensis)

• Known for enhancing endurance and boosting energy levels.
• Contains cordycepin, adenosine, and other compounds that help use oxygen more efficiently.

Turkey Tail (Trametes Versicolor)

• Named for its appearance, resembling a turkey tail feather.
• Contains beta-glucans and polysaccharopeptides, believed to support the immune system and promote overall well-being.

How Do You Take Functional Mushrooms?

If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, don’t worry—many functional mushrooms need to undergo an extraction process to make their beneficial compounds more bioavailable. Here are some popular ways to consume them:

Mushroom Coffee

• Mixed with water or milk, functional mushroom powders can taste almost like coffee.

Functional Mushroom Gummies

• Pre-dosed and great-tasting, functional mushroom gummies are a popular option.

Functional Mushroom Capsules

• Affordable and convenient, though they may have a funky aftertaste.

Adaptogenic Teas

• Can be processed into tasty teas for a quick adaptogenic benefit.

Adaptogenic Tinctures

• Extracted with ethanol, adaptogenic tinctures provide an alcohol-soluble option.

How Often Should You Take Them?

How much and how often you take your functional mushroom supplements depends on your product. Always follow the dosage schedule on your label and do not exceed it. Unlike CBD, you can overdo functional mushrooms.

Functionally Different

Before adding to your supplement regimen, identify your needs, research the different types of fungi, and find a reputable company that’s transparent about its product and mushroom sources.

Related: What Are Cordyceps Gummies And What Do They Do?

FAQs

What are the health benefits of functional mushrooms?

• Functional mushrooms may improve focus, reduce stress, enhance sleep, boost the immune system, and protect brain health.

How should I consume functional mushrooms?

• Can be consumed in various forms, such as coffee, gummies, capsules, teas, and tinctures, depending on your preference and desired benefits.

Are there any side effects of taking?

• Functional mushrooms are generally safe but may exacerbate conditions like low blood pressure. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals and people with certain health conditions should avoid them.

Which functional mushroom is best for boosting energy?

• Cordyceps mushrooms are known for enhancing endurance and boosting energy levels by helping the body use oxygen more efficiently.

Can functional mushrooms help with anxiety and depression?

•  Like Reishi and Lion’s Mane, contain compounds that may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.