Mushrooms 101

Education and resources to shareand discuss important topics of theever expanding world of mushrooms.

Overview of Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms

Medicinal mushrooms are antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral in nature

The compounds that medicinal mushrooms produce, give the mushrooms an advantage in the microorganism community. These compounds discouragecompetitive organisms, yet have a pronounced effect on the human body. They ward off viruses, bacterial infections, and ‘bad’ fungal overgrowths such as candida. Medicinal mushrooms are antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral in nature. Humans and animals have evolved alongside these fungal communities, and this benefits our immune system regulation. Polysaccharides are the main compound found in these mushrooms. These polysaccharides help to downregulate the proinflammatory immune response for individuals with compromised immune systems. Therefore, there is a reduction of overall inflammation in the body, and a modulation of the immune system.

Some immunological changes triggered by mushroom polysaccharides include:

  • Activation of immune macrophages, neutrophils, and monocytes
  • Increased antibody production
  • Increased interferon production
  • Increased immune activity against many different cancers
  • Inhibition of tumors
  • Reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines
  • Inhibition of prostoglandin synthesis

Many of the mushrooms that are considered medicinal, are also delicious tasting! And the health benefits remain, even after cooking. Each medicinal mushroom family has different medicinal effects. Below is a review of three edible, medicinal mushroom types, and the role they can play in our health.

Education

Beta-glucans are sugars that are found in the cell walls of bacteria, fungi, yeasts, algae, lichens, and plants, such as oats and barley

What Are Beta-Glucans ?

What are Beta-Glucans? One of the key elements in mushroom and fungi extracts are Beta Glucans, a complex polysaccharide which are biologically-active fibers. In animal and human based clinical studies Beta-Glucans are known to have anti-tumor, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-osteoporotic, and immunomodulating benefits. Beta-Glucans are found in the cell walls of fungi, cereals and yeast. Beta-Glucans assist in modulating humoral and cellular immunity while stimulating the immune system, providing beneficial effects in fighting infection, including bacterial, fungal, parasitic and viral diseases.