MUSHROOMS

When most of us think of fungus, we imagine mushrooms sprouting out of the ground. Those mushrooms are in fact the “fruit” of the fungus, while a majority of the fungal organism lives in the soil interwoven with tree roots as a vast network known as mycelium. Mycelia are an incredibly tiny “thread-like” network of the greater fungal organism that wraps around or bores into tree roots. Taken together, mycelium composes what’s called a “mycorrhizal network,” which connects individual plants together to transfer water, nitrogen, carbon, and other minerals between plants. German forester Peter Wohlleben dubbed this network the “wood wide web,” as it is through the mycelium that trees “communicate.

In healthy forests, each tree is connected to others via this network, enabling trees to share water and nutrients. For saplings growing in particularly shady areas, there is not enough sunlight reaching their leaves to perform adequate photosynthesis. For survival, the sapling relies on nutrients and sugar from older, taller trees sent through the mycorrhizal network.

The mycorrhizal network plays a distribution role to keep the mycelium-connected trees alive and healthy and the fungi’s supply of carbon consistent.

Mushroom mycelium is the metabolically active and longest living structure of the mushroom and contains numerous novel compounds that have been shown to have benefits in human health and wellness.

Mushrooms are a type of fungal organism with a three-stage lifecycle that is like the different stages of plants. Mycelium, which consists of a myriad of intricate filaments one cell thick is the primary stage of the mushroom lifecycle and is the longest living part of the organism. Mycelium grows for months, years and potentially centuries navigating a hostile ecosystem making it quite hardy. It can extend its network in the habitat filled with millions of competing microorganisms while communicating chemically with the surrounding environment, navigating complex challenges to survive and thrive.

Mushroom fruit has many beneficial properties that have been used for centuries to support human health. From cognition and memory to energy and stamina, from sleep and cardiovascular support to support for liver health and the microbiome. These beneficial mushroom mycelium and fruit bodies all engage and support modulated immune responses.

How Do We Define Mycelium Mushroom and Fruit:

Mycelium is the highly dynamic stage of the mushroom life cycle. Mycelium is the primary “plant” portion of said mushroom, while the fruit body is the flowering part of the life cycle that releases spores for reproduction.

Mycelium is the longest living part of the organism. The mycelium can remain highly dynamic and metabolically active for roughly 95% of the life cycle, while the fruit is only 5% of the life cycle.

Mycelium serves as the immune response of the fungus supporting health and vitality of the entire organism and the surrounding ecosystem. When used in conjunction with other remedies in wellness plans, supplements of mycelium have substantial health benefits for human beings.

Mushrooms like Agarikon are power houses for your immune system. The beta glucans present in them prevent diseases from entering the body. Other polysaccharides in Agarikon activate important immune cells such as cytokines, T cells, and natural killer cells which boost the immune system

Agarikon

Chaga mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and may have several potential health benefits. Though more research is needed, some studies suggest that chaga mushrooms may be beneficial for lowering cholesterol levels, slowing cancer growth, supporting immune function, and reducing blood pressure.

Chaga

Cordyceps is a fungus that has long been used in in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Some people use it to try to boost energy and strength, improve immunity, enhance kidney function, and improve sexual dysfunction. It has also been used to treat cough and fatigue. Cordyceps is known as an adaptogen, which means it may help your body adapt to stress.

Cordyceps

Lion's mane mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Modern science suggests the mushrooms may have health benefits, including fighting dementia, treating nerve damage, managing diabetes, and preventing ulcers.

Lion's Mane

The polysaccharides in maitake can reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol without affecting your triglyceride or HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Along with supporting heart health, beta glucan can help improve your immune system. D-fraction in maitake mushroom has a strong effect on the immune system.

Maitake

Reishi mushrooms offer a range of potential health benefits. Consuming them regularly may help support the immune system, reduce inflammation, promote relaxation, improve sleep and manage stress and anxiety. Additionally, Reishi mushrooms may promote heart health and offer antioxidant properties.

Reishi

Studies suggest that the compounds in turkey tail mushrooms can contribute to balancing gut bacteria, potentially aiding in digestion and overall health. Scientific investigations have revealed that turkey tail mushroom consumption may boost nervous system function and support overall well-being.

The turkey tail mushroom and its extracts boost the immune system and are effective in combating several types of cancer. It may also have additional benefits, like fighting off viruses, protecting the liver, and improving brain function.

Turkey Tail

Let's take a look at some of the different types of mushrooms and their benefits

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.