It should be no surprise to anyone that mushrooms have some great health benefits. They’ve been used medicinally by many cultures for thousands of years. The Ancient Egyptians valued their healing properties so much that the Pharaohs classed them as a ‘royal food’ that the commoners weren’t allowed to touch, let alone eat.

There’s a long list of health benefits associated with eating mushrooms from immune-boosting properties to healthy digestion and cognitive function. But it’s important to remember that each mushroom is different and has its own health benefits. 

To get a better understanding, we’ve compiled a list of some of the world’s most health-boosting mushrooms to help you learn more: 

1. Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum/Ganoderma lingzhi)

There are plenty of reasons why Reishi is one of the trendiest mushrooms at the moment. From its ability to help boost the immune system by affecting white blood cells to help fight infections, to aiding in weight loss and even helping to fight cancer cells (though more research is needed on this). On top of all of this, Reishi mushrooms are also lauded for their calming properties. Known as ‘Nature’s Xanax’, Reishi mushrooms have been found to help reduce stress, ease anxiety and improve sleep. So if you’re looking for a way to help feel calm and boost your immune system at the same time, try some Reishi powder in your tea or find a natural supplement that works for you.

2. Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

Lion’s Mane is another mushroom that’s great for improving your immune system, partly because it's packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, but also for another unique reason. Animal studies have found that Lion’s Mane increases the activity of the intestinal immune system, which fights the pathogens that enter the gut.

Lion’s Mane has also been linked to improving brain health. This miraculous mushroom helps stimulate the production of “Nerve Growth Factor” (NGF) and myelin. NGF is a bioprotein that is necessary in stimulating the growth and regeneration of neurons in the brain and myelin is an insulating layer around nerves that helps nerve impulses travel quickly. Both NGF and myelin have crucial roles in maintaining a healthy brain and Lion’s Mane fosters the production of both. So if you’re looking to improve your immune system and maintain a healthy brain then Lion’s Mane has been found to help improve concentration, ease irritability and it may help improve memory and mental clarity.

3. Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)

Chaga mushrooms are packed full of nutrients and antioxidants. Antioxidants have been found to help decrease levels of LDL or “bad” cholesterol in your body and lower blood pressure which may reduce the risk of heart disease. Studies have also found that Chaga mushrooms support the immune system by promoting the production of cytokines. These cytokines help stimulate the white blood cells that are vital for fighting illnesses and keeping you healthy. 

Chaga could also be helpful in reducing inflammation. Long-term inflammation can have serious effects on your health like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and Crohn's disease, which is why Chaga mushrooms can be a great addition to your diet. 

It’s important to note that most current studies done on this mushroom have only been conducted on mice and human cells - but the results are promising.

4. Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)

Shiitake mushrooms have been found to be particularly good for your heart. They’re a great source of natural copper, which is known to help support healthy blood vessels and good immune function as well. Shiitake mushrooms also contain a compound known as eritadenine, which can help lower levels of cholesterol in your blood. They also contain phytonutrients which help to stop plaque building up inside our blood vessels. This helps maintain good blood pressure and circulation, which is all great for the heart as well.

5. Maitake (Grifola frondosa)

Maitake mushrooms can have a great impact on the overall function of our immune system as they’re rich in antioxidants, beta glucans, Vitamins B & C, copper, potassium, fibre and amino acids and they can help lower cholesterol too. They’re also a type of adaptogen, which helps the body fight against any type of physical or mental stress and helps to adjust any bodily mechanisms or systems that have become unbalanced.

The Naturality Lab has harnessed the power of these magical mushrooms by combining them in this potent immunity blend and adding; Astralagus Root - to help reduce stress and promote energy and vitality, Acerola fruit - to help your body fight disease and infections, and Black Pepper to increase absorption in one convenient easy to take capsule.

The highest quality ingredients have been used, organically certified by the Soil Association which means no toxic pesticides or fertilisers, which ensures they maintain their bio-availability and keeps them nutrient dense. 

Sources: Adbel-Azeem A et al (2016) The Conservation of Mushrooms in Ancient Egypt through the Present; Xiang-Yu Cui et al (2012) Extract of Ganoderma lucidum prolongs sleep time in rats; Dudhgaonkar D, Thyagarajan A & Silva D (2009) Suppression of the inflammatory response by triterpenes isolated from the mushroom Ganoderma lucidum; Sheng X et al (2017) Immunomodulatory effects of Hericium erinaceus derived polysaccharides are mediated by intestinal immunology; Kolotushkina E V, Moldavan M G, Voronin K Y & Skibo G G (2003) The influence of Hericium erinaceus extract on myelination process in vitro; Ko S, Jin M & Pyo M (2011) Inonotus obliquus extracts suppress antigen-specific IgE production through the modulation of Th1/Th2 cytokines in ovalbumin-sensitzed mice;