Top 6 Functional Mushroom Products for Your Wellness Goals

The idea of “food as medicine” is not new. Many cultures have focused on the power of healing foods for thousands of years. As we come to a better understanding of the role our foods play in our overall health and wellness, many of us have adopted a more holistic approach. This goal makes functional foods very attractive. These are foods that have something to offer beyond basic nutrition.

Functional mushrooms are a good example. Sure, they are nutritious, relatively high in protein, B vitamins, and minerals, but these special mushrooms have even more going for them. As fungi, mushrooms have a unique place in the natural world. Their role as decomposers helps to break down dead organisms and return their components to the soil where they will be recycled into new living things. As such, they contain specific chemical compounds, including some not found in plant or animal products. 

With many unique bioactive compounds, this functional food can readily support your health and wellness. The versatility of functional mushrooms makes them easy to add to your day. Here are some effortless ways that functional mushroom products can support you in your wellness goals.

The Special Features of Functional Mushrooms

Functional mushrooms differ from the typical mushrooms found at your local supermarket. Though some species like lion’s mane and shiitake are edible as a culinary mushroom, others may be less palatable in their fresh form. They are sold in several forms, as a powder, a tincture, or an extract, so they are generally incorporated as a dietary supplement. Besides basic nutrition, functional mushroom products contain:

• Antioxidants: Functional mushrooms contain a wealth of antioxidant compounds, including polysaccharides, polyphenols, tocopherols, carotenoids, ergosterol, and many more. These special chemicals help to neutralize free radicals and counteract the effects of oxidative stress. Antioxidants may help to prevent tissue damage that occurs as the result of exposure to environmental toxins, stress, and even exercise.^‡
• Polysaccharides: These chains of sugars found in the cell walls of mushrooms are valued for their immunostimulating and immunomodulating properties. Through a variety of mechanisms, the beta-glucans polysaccharides in functional mushroom products provide support for a healthy immune system.^‡
• Prebiotic fiber: Functional mushroom species are high in the prebiotic fibers that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in our GI tract. This supports a healthy gut flora and improves digestion. Through their ability to support the digestive system, functional mushroom products help the body eliminate excess sugar and cholesterol, thereby promoting a healthy sugar and lipid balance. Fiber also supports the maintenance of healthy body weight.^‡

While many functional mushrooms have these things in common, each specific species possesses individual characteristics that provide additional targeted benefits. The next section outlines some of the unique benefits of particular mushroom species. 

Our Top 5 Functional Mushroom Products for Your Wellness Goals

In addition to the compounds that functional mushrooms have in common, each species also has unique attributes that come from its individual chemical make-up. For this reason, specific functional mushroom powder products are chosen for various purposes. Here are a few of our favorites to support a variety of wellness goals:

Morning Focus

A good way to incorporate functional mushrooms into your daily routine is to add a teaspoon of lion’s mane powder to your morning coffee. Get your day off to a productive start with Om Lion’s Mane Organic Mushroom Powder. This functional mushroom product known for its support of the brain and nervous system can help you maintain focus and clarity throughout the day.^‡

Post-Workout Recovery

To put the power of a functional mushroom to work for your post-workout recovery, try adding Om Cordyceps Organic Mushroom Powder to your smoothie. Cordyceps supports cardiac and respiratory health by maximizing oxygen usage and increasing endurance during the workout.^‡ It also helps with muscle recovery afterward. If you prefer a smaller, more portable dose of functional mushroom benefits, cordyceps capsules fit neatly into a gym bag or backpack.   

Immune System Support

Though most functional mushroom species support the immune system, turkey tail contains additional polysaccharides that have been researched for their immune-activating capacity. As a single-species powder or in an immune-supportive blend, turkey tail helps the body’s immune system to maintain appropriate responses.^‡  

Evening Relaxation

When the stresses and strains of a busy day keep you from getting a good night’s sleep, the adaptogenic power of reishi can help. This superfood mushroom has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a tonic to promote calm and inner peace, supporting stress relief after a long day. Om Reishi Organic Mushroom Powder is easy to stir into a warm golden milk or chai tea latte when aching muscles and mental stress make it difficult to relax.^‡

Beauty Boost

To support glowing skin, full and shiny hair, and strong nails, Om Beauty Blend Organic Mushroom Powder provides the benefits of five functional mushroom species. Its amino acids, the building blocks of protein, strengthen hair, skin, and nails. By fighting free radicals and promoting detoxification, this blend helps to promote beauty and a natural glow from the inside out.^‡  

Ultimate Functional Mushroom Benefits

To achieve the benefit of 10 functional mushroom species plus three botanical adaptogens, try adding Om Master Blend Organic Mushroom Powder to your daily routine. This powerful blend provides immune support for vibrant health.^‡ When used consistently, just a teaspoonful once a day can support overall health and wellness.^‡

Benefits of Om Mushroom’s Single Species Powder and Multi-Mushroom Curated Blends

Functional mushroom blends can be a great place to start if you don’t know exactly which functional mushroom product to try. Some species are primarily known for their main benefit but may not be credited or recognized for other benefits. 

Here’s a breakdown of the species included in each carefully curated Om Mushroom blend:

Putting Your Food to Work for You

If you are ready to put the power of functional mushroom products to work for your health and wellness goals, you can’t go wrong with the dried, organic, whole mushroom powders made by Om Mushroom. To provide the most benefits, we capture both the fruit body and mycelial phases in some of our single species and multi-mushroom blends. By controlling the entire process from cultivation to drying and milling to packaging, we ensure the best possible products for our customers.  

Select the Om Mushroom product that best matches your wellness goals or try a blend that provides a multitude of benefits. With just a single serving per day, regular use of functional mushroom products supports your body’s internal balance. It will be the easiest healthy habit you have ever implemented.

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^‡These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Functional mushroom products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.