Despite the challenges that the pandemic and the associated period of lockdown has brought it has also been an opportunity for many to boost their health and wellbeing by making lifestyle changes and when considering dietary modifications increasing consumption of mushrooms has many attractions.
With risk from Covid-19 infection rising strongly in those whose immune systems have been weakened by age or pre-existing health conditions, mushrooms’ ability to support immune function is reason enough for us to consume more. Especially delicious culinary mushrooms such as Shiitake and Maitake with proven immunological benefits.
As a valuable non-animal source of Vitamin D (D2) mushrooms also have a role to play in maintaining healthy levels of this important vitamin, particularly in those who are vegetarian and vegan (leave mushrooms in sunlight with the gills uppermost for 60 minutes after purchase to increase levels x10).
Despite the amazing technology helping us cope with the current restrictions it can still be difficult to maintain focus and energy and here again mushrooms can offer valuable support.
Lion’s Mane produces compounds that have been shown to help with nerve repair and is beneficial for a number of neurodegenerative conditions. It has also been shown to have a calming effect, helping with anxiety as well as delivering benefits for memory and mental focus.
As well as its immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory action Reishi is another calming mushroom that can help with anxiety and sleep disturbance. In relation to the current pandemic several compounds from Reishi have also been found to inhibit the formation of ACE-2, which the virus uses to enter host cells.
Traditionally collected from the Tibetan plateau, Cordyceps is used in Chinese medicine to support energy levels, lung and kidney function, indications supported by modern research. In addition cordycepin from Cordyceps militaris has been shown to protect the lungs from acute injury due to the type of inflammatory immune response seen in acute Covid-19 infections.
Enjoy!
Martin Powell is the formulator for Musrooms4Life supplements and author of Medicinal Mushrooms – A Clinical Guide and Medicinal Mushrooms – The Essential Guide published by Mycology Press www.mycologypress.com
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