Mushrooms have been consumed in traditional cultures for thousands of years. Recently they have become popular in Australia due to their potential health benefits.Â
Yet some brands of functional mushrooms are of questionable origin and have a number of other reasons why they don’t give particularly good results.
In this article learn about our top 5 mushrooms – when to take them, what they do and what to consider before purchasing functional mushrooms.
Select the functional mushroom you want to learn about
Lions Mane Mushroom
What’s it for?
Lion’s Mane is believed to help with the brain. Some people report feeling less brain fog and more productive.
What’s in it?
The active compounds; hericenones and erinacines are believed to be responsible for the brain boosting benefits found in Lions Mane.
Note: Erinacines are only found in the mycelium of the mushroom and the hericenones are found in the fruiting body.
What should I look for before purchasing?
If you want the best results ensure you purchase a Lion’s Mane that is:
- Grown in Australia – Mushrooms can absorb heavy metals and pollutants.
- Contains the mycelium – This ensures you get both of the active compounds
- A whole food – Avoid extracts which do not contain the entire spectrum of nutrients and vitamins found in nature.
- Freeze Dried – Freeze drying locks in more nutrients than other drying methods.
How to consume?
Lion’s Mane can be quite energising so we recommend taking it in the morning. After your first meal is best (as this helps with absorption). Start with a quarter of the recommended serving size and work your way up gradually over a week to the full serving size
What’s the difference between “Yarra Valley Lions Mane” and “Australian Lions Mane”?
Some people believe that the best Lions Mane contains just the fruiting body, so we have the Yarra Valley variety available. Our preference is for the Australian Lions Mane that is freeze dried + includes the mycelium.
Turkey Tail Mushroom
What’s it for?
Turkey Tail Mushroom is believed to assist with improving gut health as well as supporting the body’s natural defenses.
What should I look for before purchasing?
If you want the best results ensure you purchase a Lion’s Mane that is:
- Grown in Australia – Mushrooms can absorb heavy metals and pollutants.
- Contains the mycelium – This ensures you get both of the active compounds
- A whole food – Avoid extracts which do not contain the entire spectrum of nutrients and vitamins found in nature.
- Freeze Dried – Freeze drying locks in more nutrients than other drying methods.
How to consume?
Both capsules and powder have the same efficacy – it’s just a personal preference. Turkey Tail can be consumed at any time of day. Start with a quarter of the recommended amount and work your way up to the full serving size over a week.
Reishi Mushroom
What’s it for?
Reishi Mushroom is believed to assist with helping the body to rest better. It has a number of other benefits that you can find by researching online.
What should I look for before purchasing?
If you want the best results ensure you purchase a Lion’s Mane that is:
- Grown in Australia – Mushrooms can absorb heavy metals and pollutants.
- Contains the mycelium – This ensures you get both of the active compounds
- A whole food – Avoid extracts which do not contain the entire spectrum of nutrients and vitamins found in nature.
- Freeze Dried – Freeze drying locks in more nutrients than other drying methods.
How to consume?
Reishi is best taken an hour before going to bed. Both powder and capsules have the same efficacy. Start with a quarter of the recommended amount and work your way up gradually (over a week) to the full serving size.
Cordyceps Mushroom
What’s it for?
Cordyceps is believed to help improve energy and endurance.
What’s in it?
The active compound in Cordyceps is cordycepin.
What should I look for before purchasing?
If you want the best results ensure you purchase a Lion’s Mane that is:
- Grown organically – Mushrooms can absorb heavy metals and pollutants.
- Whole pieces – This ensures you get exactly what you are paying for
- A whole food – Avoid extracts which do not contain the entire spectrum of nutrients and vitamins found in nature.
- Freeze Dried – Freeze drying locks in more nutrients than other drying methods.
How to consume?
Cordyceps is best taken in the morning or before a work out as it can be quite energising.
I like to consume 3 – 5 pieces in tea. Steep for 10min before drinking and eat the pieces after you finish (taste is very mild).
Chaga Mushroom
What’s it for?
Chaga is one of the richest food sources of antioxidants. It can help with a wide range of issues.
What to look for when purchasing?
Chaga that originates from Canada is the highest quality available. Ensure it is 100% pure and harvested sustainably.
How to consume?
Chaga can be consumed in capsules or as a tea at any time of day. I like to mix Chaga + Cordyceps in hot water (steep for 10 minutes before drinking).
For over a decade, Forest Super Foods has been committed to providing you with the highest quality functional mushrooms on the planet.
Our Lion’s Mane, Reishi and Turkey Tail are all Australian Grown, freeze dried and include the mycelium.
Our Chaga Mushroom is Canadian and harvested sustainably. Our Cordyceps is freeze dried and grown organically.
All of our mushrooms are whole foods so they contain the full spectrum of nutrients, vitamins and active compounds found in nature. If you want to find the super you, it has to be Forest Super Foods.
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