Mushrooms are fascinating. Since an immemorial time, they’ve been used as everything from fire starters to construction materials. However, mushrooms also have an illustrious history as immune boosters. So how do mushrooms boost our immunity and contribute to health? Read on to find out.
They Provide Nutrients and Antioxidants
Medicinal mushrooms can contribute to a healthy diet. They’re rich in B vitamins and aid in creating red blood cells. This keeps the body properly oxygenated. This is important since your cells require oxygen to make energy. Choosing a medicinal mushroom might be the way to go if you want to be more fit and vitalized. Mushrooms are also a great source of Vitamin C and choline. Both protect your body from free radicals, which can introduce harmful compounds that can cause digestive and viral issues. Overall, the nutritional value of mushrooms packs a serious punch. It might be wise to grow your own to have them on hand and reap the benefits.
Building the Immune System
Medicinal mushrooms modify something called cytokines. Cytokines are anti-inflammatory messengers secreted by the immune cells in your system. Various mushroom compounds can help support T cells, antibodies, and B cells to work more efficiently in the body. This, in turn, leads to anti-inflammatory cytokines working more efficiently in the body. Meanwhile, mushrooms also suppress inflammatory functions found within cytokines. This two-pronged approach makes mushrooms a powerhouse since their nutritional value is also off the charts. This is why they’re so helpful in boosting our immunity and contributing to our greater health.
How To Use Medicinal Mushrooms for Immune Support
Mushrooms are incredibly versatile. They’re very easy to add to your diet. You can find blends in tincture or powder form to add to a daily smoothie or, of course, your favorite cup of tea. Mushroom blends are also sold in pill form if you’re not a fan of the taste. Both Chaga and Reishi mushrooms are immunity powerhouses in their own right, so it’s good to have some on hand if you’re feeling under the weather. Of course, the most common way to incorporate mushrooms into your diet is by cooking them. Some mushrooms even help fight cancer cells!
In short, working with mushrooms is a blast, and it’s good for your health. Our fungal friends are certainly here to stay. It’s only right that you reap the benefits! We hope this has encouraged you to go out and learn more about mushrooms as a whole.
