Could mushrooms be the most overlooked superfood?

It’s been centuries since Hippocrates said to “let food be thy medicine.”

But his advice is just as relevant today as ever.

In fact, some of the most powerful medicine is hiding in plain sight—avocados, fatty fish, saffron, macadamia nuts, and more.

So, where do mushrooms fit into the equation?

Promising potential

Mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, but recent research is only beginning to reveal their potential in modern health.

For example, reishi is known for its immune-boosting properties, with studies showing it can inhibit tumor growth in mice.

Similarly, chaga has been linked to reducing inflammation and lowering blood sugar levels, while shiitake shows promise in cancer therapy and diabetes management.

Meanwhile, lion’s mane has gained attention for its potential cognitive benefits. And turkey tail is widely studied for its cancer-fighting properties.

That’s a lot of information—and quite the variety of mushrooms. But in my view, it’s great news to see such positive potential from a food source.

I should note that much of the research on medicinal mushrooms is still in its infancy. While lab and animal studies have yielded encouraging results, human clinical trials remain limited.

But that doesn’t keep me from wondering: could mushrooms be the most overlooked superfood of all?

Health-promoting components

Mushrooms aren’t usually thought of as a superfood, like blueberries or kale. But research into their bioactive components suggests they rank high on the scale.

See, mushrooms contain the amino acid ergothioneine—which has particularly powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

And since mushrooms are the richest food source of ergothioneine, it makes sense that eating them could help slow cognitive decline and ward off cancer.

Shiitake, oyster, maitake, and king oyster mushrooms have the highest ergothioneine content. But common varieties like white button, cremini, and portobello are just as valuable in a healthy, daily diet.

Of course, mushrooms also contain other compounds—like hericenones, erinacines, scabronines, and dictyophorines—that may increase nerve growth factor production and block Alzheimer’s-related compounds in the brain.

Not to mention other key nutrients, like selenium, B vitamins, and disease-fighting vitamin D.

I could go on, but I’ll leave you with this…

If you’re a mushroom lover, be sure to regularly incorporate them into your balanced diet. A quick online search will turn up plenty of tasty recipes to try.

If mushrooms on the menu isn’t your thing, consider a supplement. I often recommend 1,000 mg of lion’s mane mushroom extract two times per day.

Source:

“Turkey tail. Chaga. Lion’s mane. Do these mushroom supplements really help you?” National Geographic, 01/31/2024. (nationalgeographic.com/science/article/mushroom-supplements-chaga-reishi-lions-mane)