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Are Japanese Mushrooms Both The Past And Future Of Wellness?

29th January 2021

29th January 2021

By Shivraj Bassi

Mushrooms are the stuff of fairy tales. They pop up in your garden, the rainforest or the fields almost overnight. Some of them are merely edible, some are a rare delicacy, some can kill you and yet others can make you healthier. There are thousands of varieties, some of which humans don’t even know about yet. 

Evolutionarily speaking, funghi, which produces mushrooms as a fruiting body, are more closely related to humans than plants are. This biological proximity allows humans to benefit from mushrooms and how they have evolved to survive and thrive. Many of the components and tactics which mushrooms use to defend themselves against enemies, disease or predators also work on us, as they support and work in tandem with the body’s own defense mechanisms.

Mushrooms are a very legitimate way to improve your health, wellbeing and immune system, and the more we discover about them the more we find of interest. 

Mushrooms have been eaten and used as medicine by humans for centuries. The ancient Egyptians believed that eating mushrooms brought long life (and judging by how long the Pyramids have lasted, they know what they’re talking about). Asian countries in particular have been using mushrooms heavily in both their diet and their arsenal of remedies for thousands of years. Chinese medicinal texts show that as far back as 206 BC, reishi mushrooms were being noted for their anti-ageing properties. 

How do healing mushrooms work?

Photo by Andrew Ridley on Unsplash

All mushrooms contain hefty amounts of beta glucans, which have been proven to help strengthen the immune system and help to fight inflammation. Beta glucans are a type of polysaccharide, or dietary fibre, which are linked to increasing the strength and effectiveness of your immune system, helping heart health and even positively affecting cholesterol levels. 

It’s thought that mushrooms also protect against cancers, particularly breast and other hormone-related cancers, due to the fact that they inhibit an enzyme named aromatase which produces estrogen. Additionally, there’s a high number of lectins in mushrooms. Lectins are a type of protein which bind to carbohydrates and can be strongly beneficial. The kind found in mushrooms recognises cancer cells, and helps to prevent them from further growing and dividing. 

Health benefits of Shiitake mushrooms

Japan has historically been one of the biggest supporters of medicinal mushrooms. Shiitake mushrooms were discovered to be health powerhouses in Japan in the 1960s, after epidemiologists discovered two remote districts of japan where cancer was practically unheard of. Researchers discovered that the health of the residents was down to the consumption of shiitake mushrooms in that area, which locals both ate and grew as a primary industry. In 1969, the drug Lentinan was extracted from shake mushrooms, and it’s now the third most prescribed anticancer pharmaceutical worldwide. As if that wasn’t enough, shiitake have a delicate flavour and delicious texture, and are packed with other nutrients. Japan accounts for 80% of the world’s shiitake production 

Health benefits of Reishi mushrooms

One of the most popular medical mushrooms, reishi can help with weight loss, supporting the immune system and potentially even fighting off cancer cells. It also has significant calming properties and can help to dissipate anxiety, support with depression and go some way to helping you get a good night’s sleep. These great benefits are why we included it in our The Health Protein, which was formulated to boost your health, immune system, and support muscle growth and repair. 

Health benefits of Lion’s mane mushrooms

Looking like a huge feathery pom pom, Lion’s Mane mushrooms have some striking characteristics. Found in The Relax Capsules, as well as being stuffed with antioxidants and supporting the immune system this medicinal mushroom can help you to achieve mental clarity and acuity. It helps to increase the production of a nerve growth factor called bioprotein and an insulation around nerve fibres called myelin, both of which are essential to good brain health. Thus Lion’s Mane contributes to improved cognition and concentration and reduces irritability and anxiety. You can get all of these benefits and more in The Relax Capsules, daily nootropic capsules formulated to promote relaxation, improve clarity and reduce stress.

Health benefits of Chaga

The Health Protein is a powerhouse of powerful medicinal mushrooms, containing as it does chaga mushrooms as well as multiple other beneficial ingredients to help you feel, think and perform at your absolute best. Chaga mushrooms, a dark, black mushroom, have multiple benefits to different parts of the body. They may help to stop or slow cancer, they lower the ‘bad’ kind of cholesterol and for all you skincare nerds out there, they’ve been found to help combat oxidative stress, which is linked to skin ageing. 

Health benefits of Cordyceps

Also found in The Health Protein, Cordyceps are excellent for when you feel low in energy or need a boost before a workout. It’s known for stimulating the body and making you feel on top of the world. Cordyceps have been shown to improve performance during exercise and to speed up muscle recovery post-workout. Additionally, this mushroom can help the body to use oxygen more effectively, and to enhance blood flow to the body. 

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Top 5 Benefits of Mushroom Coffee | Meet The Wellness Blend
Introducing The Wellness Blend, a revolutionary mushroom-infused coffee blend designed to elevate your daily coffee ritual. This unique concoction combines premium Arabica coffee with a carefully curated selection of adaptogenic mushrooms, creating a powerful blend that not only boosts energy but also enhances overall wellbeing. Why do you need mushroom coffee?  In today's fast-paced world, prioritising optimal health can be challenging. But don’t worry, mushroom coffee is here to help with this. With its unique blend of six adaptogenic mushrooms, chaga, reishi, maitake, shiitake, cordyceps and tremella, The Wellness Blend offers a huge range of health benefits. From immune support and stress reduction to improved cognitive function and athletic performance, mushroom coffee provides a holistic approach to wellness. What makes The Wellness Blend different is its unique ability to provide sustained sustained energy without the typical coffee crash. Thanks to the adaptogenic properties of mushrooms, The Wellness Blend not only provides an energy boost but also helps the body adapt to stress, promoting a more balanced and sustained energy throughout the day. So, whether you need a morning coffee boost or an afternoon pick-me-up, The Wellness Blend can make for a healthier, more practical alternative to your daily coffee. The benefits of using mushroom coffee blends: 1. Immune Support: Chaga and reishi, two mushrooms in our blend, are the dynamic duo behind fortifying your immune system. Chaga mushrooms boost the immune system by activating immune cells. They stimulate antibody production and exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, enhancing the body's ability to defend against invaders. Reishi enhances the immune system. Its bioactive compounds, such as beta-glucans and triterpenes, modulate immune responses, promoting defense against pathogens.  2. Stress Reduction: Reishi takes the spotlight when it comes to promoting relaxation and stress reduction. Packed with bioactive compounds such as beta-glucans and triterpenes, reishi has been prized for centuries for its adaptogenic properties. By integrating reishi into your routine, The Wellness Blend provides a natural remedy to navigate the demands of modern life, helping you find your balance and calm amidst the chaos. 3. Skin Care Tremella works to support cognitive function. Known for its natural moisture-retaining properties, Tremella contributes to skin health and hydration. It also contains bioactive compounds believed to support the immune system and beneficially impact cognitive health. By including tremella in The Wellness Blend, we've crafted a unique elixir that not only supports better skin but also nurtures brain health. 4. Heart Health: Cordyceps, a mushroom known for its incredible health benefits, takes centre stage in promoting cardiovascular health. This mushroom has been renowned for centuries in Eastern medicine for its ability to enhance stamina, endurance, and energy levels. By incorporating Cordyceps into The Wellness Blend, we've harnessed its power to not only improve athletic performance but also to support your cardiovascular system, ensuring your heart stays strong and resilient.  5. Gut Health: Certain mushroom varieties, like lion's mane, have been linked to improved gut health, potentially aiding digestion and promoting a healthy microbiome. Benefits of The Wellness Blend: The Wellness Blend offers a myriad of benefits. Chaga and Reishi bolster immune function, Cordyceps enhances athletic performance, while Lion's Mane supports cognitive function. Additionally, the adaptogenic properties of these mushrooms help the body adapt to stress, promoting overall resilience and well-being.Chaga mushrooms are renowned for their immune-boosting properties. Rich in antioxidants, Chaga helps strengthen the body's defense mechanisms, protecting against infections and illnesses. Reishi, often referred to as the "Mushroom of Immortality," is prized for its ability to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Its adaptogenic properties help the body cope with physical and mental stressors, supporting overall well-being.Cordyceps is another key ingredient in the Wellness Blend, known for its performance-enhancing benefits. This mushroom has long been used in traditional medicine to improve stamina and endurance, making it a popular choice among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. By increasing oxygen utilization and energy production, Cordyceps helps boost athletic performance and recovery. How much mushroom blend do you need? The optimal amount of mushroom blend in your coffee depends on personal preference and the specific blend you choose. Mushroom coffee products often come with recommended serving sizes, ensuring you get the right balance of coffee and mushroom goodness. Experimenting with different ratios can help you find the perfect mix that suits your taste buds and health goals. How can you get started with mushroom coffee? Ready to experience the benefits of mushroom coffee for yourself? Head to our product page and discover the Wellness Blend today. With its convenient powder form, it's never been easier to incorporate mushroom coffee into your daily routine. Elevate your coffee experience and embrace a healthier, more balanced lifestyle with The Wellness Blend. Read more
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