Supercharge Your Immune System with Mushrooms
The healthier your immune system is, the stronger it will be. Consistently nourishing the body with vitamins and minerals and keeping it hydrated will strengthen the immune system.
Also, using immune-boosters and immune-modulators may boost the immune system. In the case of immune-modulators, mushrooms stand out.
Ancient civilizations like Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Chinese used mushrooms to fight infections and various diseases.
Mushrooms provide nutrients like fiber, protein, vitamins B, C, D, E, and minerals such as potassium and selenium. In addition to these substances, mushrooms contain certain compounds that act as immune modulators, helping to modify or regulate the immune system.
One of these immune-modulatory compounds is β-Glucan, the first-class polysaccharide. It may enhance immune function, prevent or reduce infections, and potentially lower cancer risk because it interacts with various immune cells.
Some of the mushrooms with exceptional immune-modulation impact are described in more detail below:
SHIITAKE
Shiitake is a commonly consumed mushroom in Asia that provides a rich source of vitamins B, D, and selenium, all of which are antioxidants that may protect the body from an excess of free radicals.
This mushroom also provides the body with seven essential amino acids. It may boost the immune system and defend against inflammation.
In research studies, it killed tumor cells by “induction of apoptosis” (i.e., normal or controlled cell death). They are also considered very potent antibiotics that only destroy harmful bacteria.
TURKEY TAIL MUSHROOMS
Turkey tail mushrooms may protect the body from carcinogens, defend against breast cancer, and boost the functions of macrophages and natural killer cells in the immune system.
These immune-boosting effects result from Polysaccharide-K (PSK), a commonly tested and used extract for cancer therapy in Asian countries like Japan, which approved it for cancer therapy.
REISHI
The Reishi mushroom promotes the production of Natural killer cells and may help in HIV and Mononucleosis treatment.
CORDYCEPS
In addition to potentially enhancing exercise performance, this edible mushroom may boost the immune system.
Cordyceps may interrupt the synthesis of nucleic acids. As a result, it may limit tumor growth by inhibiting RNA. This process could be helpful in the treatment of cancer. Cordyceps may also reduce the symptoms of asthma as well as autoimmune disorders.
MAITAKE
Maitake mushrooms are known for their flavor but may also boost the immune system. They are rich in β-Glucan, which could enhance the function of macrophages and killer T-cells.
Final Thoughts
Apart from the mushrooms listed, others promote the body’s immune functions and enhance the nutritional status of one’s diet.
For example, mushrooms like Tremella, Lion’s Mane, and Chaga may help strengthen the immune system.
Ultimately, consuming these mushrooms may provide more nutrients to your immune system and give it the boost it needs.
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