The Benefits of Functional Mushrooms For Mind, Body, & Spirit

Functional mushrooms are nothing new. Mushrooms have been utilized as medicine in China since 100 A.D.³⁹ Theyʼre an ancient, natural technology.

Relatively speaking, modern science is just starting to catch up with what traditional cultures have long since known – that these beauties are potent medicine, promising antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, and antiviral properties.²

Some researchers argue that functional mushrooms represent one of the world's greatest untapped nutritional resources. And while they may not come with magic wands that tap you on the shoulder, the myriad of benefits they provide can, over time, act like a kind of faerie dust of the forest floor – protecting you from harm with almost magical fervor.✨

What Does ‘Functional Mushroomʼ Mean, Anyway?

Medicinal, functional, adaptogenic... It's all pretty confusing.

When we talk about functional mushrooms – or any so-called “functional foodˮ – weʼre talking about mushrooms that have been studied for their health benefits beyond basic nutrition.

Vitamins, minerals, and calories are all great – you wouldnʼt be reading this if they werenʼt; but functional foods have been proven to do more than the bare minimum of keeping us alive. If we think of foods with a kind of “Maslowʼs Hierarchy of Needsˮ framework in mind, functionals are a little higher up in the pyramid.) Their high antioxidant activity can also accelerate metabolism, help fight obesity, and slow down the aging processes.³⁶

The Health Benefits of Functional Mushrooms

We can thank their bioactive compounds for that. The polysaccharides alpha and beta glucans are two such bioactive compounds. Their long chains of glucose molecules are credited with giving functional mushrooms their superhero celebrity.

These bioactive compounds are present in both the fruiting body and the mycelium of the mushroom. (Weʼre use to both in our blends).

Mushrooms considered to be functional – like lionʼs mane, chaga and cordyceps – have adaptogenic (stress-modulating) properties and medicinal properties, hence the names 'adaptogenic mushroomʼ and ‘medicinal mushroomʼ.

Research shows that the bioactive compounds contained in functional mushrooms demonstrate anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects.³⁷ They act as “biological response modifiersˮ – promoting positive responses in the body and eliminating negative ones.

They can also accelerate metabolism, fight obesity, and slow the aging process due to their high antioxidant content.³⁶ Whew. And the best part is unless youʼre allergic to mushrooms, they're virtually side-effect free.³⁷ Itʼs almost as if the mushrooms want the best for us. Go figure.

Taking Functional Mushrooms for Energy & Vitality

Ahh, energy. That elusive building block of life we canʼt seem to get enough of – and never seem to have. And while functional mushrooms can definitely promote energy, theyʼre not stimulants like caffeine and guarana.

So how is it then that mushrooms “giveˮ us energy?

Letʼs think of energy a little differently. Itʼs not something you “getˮ or obtain – itʼs something you already have within you. Itʼs life force, or what, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is referred to as chi. But when it's blocked, we have problems.

Itʼs not uncommon to turn to solutions like caffeine and other supplements when youʼre feeling sluggish – ignoring the first sign that your body is in overdrive and may need a break. These solutions provide a quick burst of energy, artificially boosting the bodyʼs natural production of dopamine and adrenaline, but the effects peter out over time.

Functional mushrooms, especially those in the cordyceps genus work a little differently. Some are vasodilators, meaning they increase the amount of blood that can flow through our blood vessels, reaching our heart. This can lead to an increased sense of energy. Functional mushrooms also improve sleep by influencing the bodyʼs stress response. And we all know, a well-rested body and brain perform better – which can feel like more energy following morning.

Functional mushrooms are not drugs like pharmaceuticals (thank goodness). Because of the slow, subtle ways they work with – not against – the body, they take time, patience, and consistency to achieve stellar results.

Our Tip For Feeling The Benefits of Functional Mushrooms

By far the simplest and most effective way to feel the long- and short-term benefits of functional mushrooms is by turning them into a habit. Habits are like the compound interest of self-improvement.³⁸ Integrating functional mushrooms into your diet as a habit may help boost energy, improve digestion, and enhance overall well-being. What may seem insignificant at first can become pretty powerful over time.

Functional mushrooms like Lionʼs Mane, Shiitake, and Maitake are becoming more widely available at the grocery store. Sub them for basic creminis in your favorite mushroom recipes. But a far easier way to enjoy them daily is by subbing one habit for another: Invite them over for coffee (or tea) and give your usual cup of joe break.

Weʼre Here To Support Your Mushroom Habit.

Our (insanely) easy-to-prepare instant mushroom lattes include a full daily dose of functional mushrooms in each serving. And while frothing is a nice touch – itʼs not necessary. Our blends dissolve easily in hot water.

Each bag is designed to be decanted. Thatʼs why we package in 100% compostable bags. Leave a jar out on your countertop so that you see it first thing in the morning, or when youʼre grabbing that glass of water shortly before bedtime.

We love blending Golden Milk and Cocoa Chai into a simple smoothie recipe, too – each of our flavors pair well with banana, almond butter, milk, and a scoop of ice.

The Benefits of Functional Mushrooms For Mind, Body, & Spirit