6 types of mushrooms that are good for your immune system

There are many types of mushrooms that are good for health, help improve the immune system and prevent many chronic diseases. Good mushrooms that you should consume such as: Ganoderma lucidum, lion's mane mushroom, Chaga mushroom, shiitake mushroom, reishi mushroom and cordyceps.

Medicinal mushrooms have been used in oriental medicine for thousands of years. It is usually ground into a powder (not eaten raw). One of the easiest ways to consume mushrooms is to add 1 tablespoon of mushroom powder to anything on the menu, be it smoothies or stir-fries.
Medicinal mushrooms bring a lot of health benefits. It can be brain booster, hormone support, antioxidant,... But each mushroom has its own health benefits.
Note, the use of medicinal mushrooms is not a cure. In fact, research on mushrooms is still relatively new to Western medicine, so more research is needed on the effects of mushrooms. So use them first as a booster for your immune system, or as an aid against stress, inflammation, and cancer.

Ganoderma lucidum is one of the most popular medicinal mushrooms. It has many uses such as: Supports weight loss, protects the immune system and fights cancer cells. However, what makes this mushroom special is its nerve-soothing properties - thanks to the compound triterpene. This is a compound that helps boost mood, relieve anxiety, depression and stimulate the body to sleep better. To use, you can mix 1 tablespoon of reishi powder into 1 cup of hot tea or add it to your favorite dessert.
MORE: 15 best supplements to boost your immune system during pandemic

People with brain fog syndrome? You can use lion's mane mushrooms to naturally clear your mind. This mushroom is rich in antioxidants and boosts the immune system.
It supports the production of bioprotein nerve growth factors (NFG) and myelin (insulation around nerve fibers). Both NFG and myelin are very important components for brain health. An imbalance of these two factors can cause neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis. Therefore, lion's mane is a very good brain food. In addition, this miracle mushroom has also been shown to improve cognition, increase concentration and reduce anxiety. To use, you can add 1 teaspoon of lion's mane mushroom to Yerba Mate tea. Right after that, you've got a cup of tea packed with antioxidants, which boosts energy and clears the mind.

Chaga mushroom is considered an antioxidant powerhouse, fighting free radicals and inflammation. This fungus has a dark black color, fights oxidative stress (related to skin aging), helps prevent or slow the progression of cancer, lowers low-density lipoprotein (LDL) - the type of cholesterol bad. If you want to use it, add Chaga mushroom powder to your smoothie and use it in the morning.

Shiitake mushrooms are one of the ideal answers to the question "Which mushrooms are good to eat". If you regularly cook shiitake mushrooms, continue to maintain this habit. Not only does this popular mushroom taste delicious, but it's also exceptionally good for heart health.
Study in rats, shiitake mushrooms reduce LDL cholesterol levels. At the same time, they contain compounds that inhibit the absorption and production of cholesterol in the liver. In addition, this mushroom also contains phytonutrients, which help prevent the accumulation of plaque in the blood vessels, maintain healthy blood pressure and circulatory system. From there, it ensures heart health. To use, add 1 teaspoon of shiitake powder to your favorite dishes.

Most of the medicinal mushrooms on this list have anti-cancer properties due to their high antioxidant content. And shiitake mushrooms are even better.
Ganoderma lucidum contains a compound called polysaccharide-K (PSK) that stimulates the activity of the immune system. It improves survival rates for people with certain cancers and improves the immune system in patients undergoing chemotherapy. If you want to use it, add 1 tablespoon of shiitake mushrooms to your smoothie to boost your immune system.

If you feel low on energy or need an energy boost before a workout, cordyceps is the mushroom for you. This mushroom is known for its ability to boost energy and libido.
Cordyceps can help the body optimize its ability to use oxygen and enhance blood flow. Therefore, it is very useful for athletes or people who regularly exercise. This mushroom has been shown to not only improve exercise performance but also speed up muscle recovery after exercise.
To use, add 1 teaspoon of cordyceps to your diet before or after exercise to increase energy or restore energy faster.
Adding 1 tablespoon of mushroom powder to your favorite recipes is one of the great ways to reap the magical health benefits of mushrooms. You need to pay attention to use mushrooms with a sufficient dose of 1-2 spoons/day. Also, you should talk to your doctor before deciding whether to add medicinal mushrooms to your diet, especially if you are taking medication or are pregnant. Some mushrooms can cause side effects such as stomach upset or allergies, so you need to be careful.

Reference source: healthline.com