Currently, a lot people are looking for natural supplements to support their overall health and wellness rather than solely relying on prescription drugs or conventional medicine. The high demand for natural supplements increased the supply, and, as a result, the market now has a lot of different options to offer. While having a diverse range of supplements is exciting, finding the right one for your needs can take some time and energy.
One supplement that has been gaining popularity in recent years is mushroom supplements. Did you know people have been using edible mushrooms for health benefits since
450 B.C. Today, even more are choosing edible mushrooms as their favorite functional food, but how do they compare to other natural supplements for overall health and wellness? Let's take a closer look.
Natural Supplements - Are They The Real Deal?
Natural supplements are popular for those seeking to support their health and wellness. These supplements are made from natural sources, such as plants and minerals, and contain various vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds. Based on multiple types of research, natural supplements have the following benefits:
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Supporting overall health: Natural supplements contain various nutrients that can help support overall health and wellness. For example, vitamin C boosts the immune system, while omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation.
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Providing essential nutrients: Many people need more essential nutrients from their diet. Natural supplements can provide these nutrients in a convenient and easy-to-take form.
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Supporting specific health conditions: Some natural supplements have been studied for their potential to support particular health conditions. For example, curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce symptoms of arthritis.
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Fewer side effects: Natural supplements are generally considered safe and have fewer side effects than prescription drugs. However, speaking with a healthcare provider before taking supplements is still essential.
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More sustainable: Natural supplements, such as plants, are often made from renewable resources, making them more sustainable than synthetic supplements.
Although natural supplements cannot fully replace conventional medicine or prescription drugs, they can benefit your healthy lifestyle.
What Are Mushroom Supplements?
Now that you understand the benefits of natural supplements, let’s focus our attention on
mushroom supplements in the UK.
Mushroom supplements are made from the fruiting body or mycelium of various types of mushrooms. The most commonly used mushrooms for supplements are the Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Shiitake, and Turkey Tail mushrooms.
Mushroom supplements are available in several forms for ease of use:
Capsules and tablets: These supplements usually contain dried mushrooms or mushroom extracts. You can take them with or without food; the dosage can vary depending on the supplement.
Powders: This is a popular option for those who prefer to consume mushroom supplements as part of their daily routine. You can add the mushroom powder to smoothies, oatmeal, soups, and more.
Tinctures: Mushroom tinctures are made by steeping dried mushrooms in alcohol or another solvent. You can adjust the dosage depending on the supplement.
Tea: Mushroom tea steers dried mushrooms in hot water, much like traditional tea.
Comparing Mushroom Supplements to Other Natural Supplements
So far, we’ve seen that natural supplements have some expected benefits for a healthy lifestyle. But what makes mushroom supplements stand out from the rest, and how can we explain the increasing popularity of this functional food? Even though there is no definite answer, we tried to compare mushroom supplements to other natural supplements, and here is the result:
Bioactive Compounds
Mushrooms contain many bioactive compounds that can provide numerous health benefits. For example, Reishi mushrooms contain triterpenes with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Cordyceps mushrooms contain cordycepin, which has anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory effects. Shiitake mushrooms contain lentinan and boost the immune system.
Lion's mane mushroom supplements may support cognitive function and memory recall.
Natural Source of Vitamin D
Mushrooms are one of the few natural sources of vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for strong bones, a healthy immune system, and proper muscle function. However, many people need more vitamin D from their diet or sunlight exposure. By consuming mushroom supplements, individuals can increase their vitamin D intake and improve their overall health.
Adaptogenic and Immune-supporting Properties
Mushroom supplements are known for their adaptogenic and immune-supporting properties. Mushrooms contain various bioactive compounds that help support immune function, reduce inflammation, and improve cognitive function, among other possible uses.
A Sustainable Option
Mushroom supplements may be a more sustainable option compared to other supplements. Mushrooms can be grown in controlled environments using renewable resources, making them more eco-friendly than supplements requiring more resources.
The Bottom Line
In comparison to other
natural supplements, mushroom supplements provide unique health benefits. They contain various bioactive compounds, are a natural source of vitamin D, and have other significant health benefits, such as boosting the immune system and fighting cancer. While they are generally safe, you should speak with a healthcare provider before taking mushroom supplements. Mushroom supplements are an excellent addition to a healthy lifestyle and may help support overall health and wellness.
