Top 10 Best Mushrooms To Eat For Health (Fact Checked)
If you are are looking for the best mushrooms to eat for health, you are in the right page of the internet.
Fact Checked
In this article, we are going to talk about the top 10 mushrooms that have been a part of human diets across the world for thousands of years and have been proven to offer tremendous health benefits upon consumption.
Not only are they delicious and versatile, but they also boast a wide range of health benefits that make them a valuable addition to any diet.
But with so many different types of mushrooms out there, it can be hard to know which ones are the best for you.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top 10 best mushrooms to eat for health. From boosting your immune system to improving your brain function, these mushrooms are packed with nutrients that can help you feel your best.
So, whether you’re a mushroom lover or just looking to up your nutritional game, keep reading to learn about the amazing health benefits of these fungi.
Best Mushrooms To Eat For Health
- Best for Brain Power – Lion’s Mane Mushroom
- Best for Gut & Immunity Support – Turkey Tail Mushroom
- Best for Metabolic Health – Maitake Mushroom
- Best for Heart Health – Shiitake Mushroom
- Best for Mood & Immunity Support – Reishi Mushroom
- Best for Energy – Cordyceps Mushroom
- Best for Cellular Health – Chaga Mushroom
- Best for Cholesterol – White Button Mushroom
- Best for Antioxidants – Black Mushroom
- Best for Liver Support – Royal Sun Mushroom
1. Lion’s Mane Mushroom – Best For Brain
Lion’s Mane Mushroom has been shown to potentially boost brain function and promote nerve growth.
Research has indicated that this mushroom may provide cognitive benefits, including improving memory and focus, and may even have the potential to treat neurological diseases. [1]
Lion’s Mane Mushroom contains beta-glucans and hericenones, which may stimulate the growth of nerve cells and protect against cognitive decline. [2]
Additionally, Lion’s Mane Mushroom has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the brain and support overall brain health. [3]
Related: 12 Lion’s Mane Mushroom Health Benefits Based On Science
2. Turkey Tail Mushroom – Best For Gut
Turkey Tail Mushroom is well-known for its potential to support gut health.
This type of mushroom contains compounds called polysaccharides, which may help to improve the balance of good bacteria in the gut. [4]
This, in turn, can help to boost the immune system and promote overall digestive health. [5]
Additionally, Turkey Tail Mushroom has prebiotic properties, which means that it can help to feed the good bacteria in the gut and support their growth. [6]
Research has also indicated that Turkey Tail Mushroom may help to reduce inflammation in the gut, due to Krestin (PSK) and Polysaccharide Peptides (PSP) – which is beneficial for those with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). [7]
3. Maitake Mushroom (Grifola frondosa) – Best For Metabolic Health
Maitake Mushroom (Grifola frondosa) also known as the “dancing mushroom” (because of the way its overlapping caps resemble a dancing figure) or “Hen of the woods”, has been shown to have a number of benefits most notably in terms of metabolic health.
For example, it’s been found to help regulate blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. This is because Maitake mushroom contains beta-glucans, which can help slow the absorption of carbohydrates and prevent spikes in blood sugar. [8]
Maitake Mushroom has also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for people with metabolic syndrome. [9] [10]
ℹ️ WHAT IS METABOLIC SYNDROME?
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that can include high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels. These conditions can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.
By reducing inflammation in the body, Maitake Mushroom may help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of developing metabolic syndrome.
Additionally, the Maitake mushrooms they too contain antioxidants, which can help protect the body against damage from free radicals.
4. Shiitake Mushroom – Best For Heart
Shiitake mushrooms are are commonly used in many types of cuisine and they are best known for their ability to help with heart health issues.
This is because Shiitake mushrooms contain beta-glucans (again), which have been shown to help lower cholesterol levels in the blood. [11]
High levels of cholesterol in the blood can be a risk factor for heart disease, so anything that can help to lower cholesterol levels can be beneficial for heart health.
In addition to their beta-glucan content, shiitake mushrooms also contain other compounds that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can also be beneficial for heart health.
Some studies have also suggested that shiitake mushrooms may be able to help lower blood pressure, another risk factor for heart disease. [12] [13]
5. Reishi Mushroom (Ling Chih) – Best for Mood Enhance
Reishi mushrooms (Scientific Name: Ganoderma lucidum) have become an increasingly popular natural remedy for a variety of health concerns, including mood disorders like anxiety and depression. [14]
One of the ways that Reishi mushrooms can help to improve mood is by reducing inflammation in the body. Reishi mushrooms contain compounds called triterpenoids, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. [15]
By reducing inflammation in the body, Reishi mushrooms can help to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
In addition to their anti-inflammatory properties, Reishi mushrooms also contain beta-glucans that can help to support the immune system.
Finally, Reishi mushrooms contain compounds called polysaccharides, which have been shown to have neuroprotective properties. [16]
This means that they can help to protect the brain from damage and improve cognitive function, which can also have a positive impact on our mood.
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6. Cordyceps Mushroom – Best For Energy
Cordyceps mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years as a natural remedy for their ability to boost energy levels.
One of the ways that Cordyceps mushrooms can help to boost energy is by increasing the production of ATP in the body. ATP is a molecule that the body uses to store and transport energy, and when we have more ATP, we have more energy to use. [17]
Cordyceps mushrooms contain a compound called cordycepin, which has been shown to increase the production of ATP in the body. This can help to increase energy levels, improve endurance, and reduce fatigue. [18]
In addition to their ability to boost ATP production, Cordyceps mushrooms also contain compounds that can help to improve oxygen uptake in the body. [19]
This means that they can help to increase the amount of oxygen that’s delivered to the cells in our body, which can also help to boost energy levels.
Finally, Cordyceps mushrooms contain beta-glucans as well, that can help to support the immune system.
7. Chaga Mushroom – Best for Cellular Health
Chaga Mushroom is best known for its potential to promote cellular health.
Chaga Mushroom grows on birch trees in cold regions like Siberia, Canada, and Alaska. They contain a variety of beneficial compounds, including beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and antioxidants, that can help support healthy cellular function.
One of the main benefits of Chaga Mushroom is its ability to support the immune system. because of the beta-glucans found in it.
Additionally, the polysaccharides found in Chaga Mushroom have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can also help support the immune system.
Chaga Mushroom is also rich in antioxidants like melanin and superoxide dismutase (SOD), which can help protect cells from oxidative stress and support healthy aging. [20]
Finally, Chaga Mushroom may also have anti-cancer properties. Some studies have suggested that Chaga Mushroom may be able to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and even induce cancer cell death. [21]
Related: Health Benefits of Wild Chaga Mushroom
8. White Button Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) – Best for Cholesterol
White Button Mushrooms are a great food to incorporate into a heart-healthy diet. They too contain beta-glucans, which have been shown to help lower cholesterol levels.
Beta-glucans work by binding to bile acids in the digestive system, which helps to remove them from the body. [22]
Bile acids are made from cholesterol, so when the body needs to replace the bile acids that have been removed, it uses up more cholesterol from the blood. This helps to lower overall cholesterol levels.
In addition to the beta-glucans, White Button Mushrooms also contain other compounds that can be beneficial for heart health.
For example, they are a good source of potassium, which can help to lower blood pressure, and they contain antioxidants that can help to reduce inflammation in the body. [23]
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9. Black Mushroom (Auricularia Polytricha) – Best for Antioxidants
Black mushrooms, also known as “wood ear” mushrooms, are a popular ingredient in Asian cuisine and are often used in soups, stir-fries, and salads. Not only are they delicious, but they also have a reputation for being a good source of antioxidants.
WHAT ARE ANTIOXIDANTS?
Antioxidants are compounds that help protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can harm our cells and DNA. Eating foods that are high in antioxidants can help neutralize these free radicals and reduce our risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.
So, are black mushrooms packed with antioxidants? Yes, they are! In fact, they are one of the best vegetable sources of antioxidants.
According to some studies, black mushrooms contain a high amount of polysaccharides, which are a type of carbohydrate that has been linked to antioxidant activity. [24]
Additionally, black mushrooms are also a good source of other nutrients like vitamin D, iron, and fiber. Plus, they are low in calories, which makes them a great addition to any weight loss diet.
10. Royal Sun Mushroom (Agaricus blazei) – Best for Liver Support
Royal Sun Mushrooms, also known as Agaricus blazei, are native to Brazil. They contain beta-glucans, which have been shown to have liver-protective properties. [25]
Beta-glucans help to stimulate the immune system and reduce inflammation in the liver, which can help to prevent liver damage and improve liver function.
In addition to their liver-supporting properties, Royal Sun Mushrooms are a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect the body from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals.
They also contain vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins and potassium.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking to add some variety to your diet while reaping some incredible health benefits, mushrooms are definitely worth considering.
With their rich umami flavor and versatile texture, mushrooms can be incorporated into countless dishes and provide a range of essential nutrients.
From the antioxidant-rich shiitake to the liver supporting Royal Sun mushrooms the Top 10 best mushrooms to eat for health offer something for everyone. So why not give them a try and see what they can do for your overall wellbeing?
Adding mushrooms to your diet can be a fantastic way to boost your health and wellbeing. With so many different varieties to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
You can also take them as a supplement form. We suggest checking SHROOMS by Perpetua Life since it is the only supplement that includes ALL the above mentioned mushrooms in one easy to consume gummy supplement.
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