6 Mushroom Broth Benefits You Don't Want to Miss

Functional mushrooms have been used for thousands of years to support immune health and promote overall wellness.^‡ And consuming these fiber and protein-packed nutrients is nothing new. But now, mushrooms have gained traction for their culinary use in a new delicious form; mushroom broth.

As fall comes to an end, it's the perfect time to consider hearty comfort meals. While chicken, beef, and bone broth are popular options as the base of a soup, mushrooms have gained popularity for their delicious taste and nutritious benefits. 

Let’s explore some of the benefits of using mushroom broth to incorporate the power of functional mushrooms into your diet.

What Is Mushroom Broth?

Mushroom broth is a savory combination of water, herbs, and fresh or dried mushrooms. When combined, these ingredients create a nutrition-packed base for any soup or stew recipe. While bone broth has been popular amongst many recipes, mushroom broth provides a plant-based alternative that offers an array of nutrients that everyone will enjoy.

Many broths are often made with culinary mushrooms; this may consist of shiitake, maitake, or lion's mane. These mushrooms add protein- and fiber-packed nutrients to any meal and can even be enjoyed in their natural form. And while these mushrooms can provide a variety of benefits, functional mushrooms can take mushroom broth to the next level. 

What Are Functional Mushrooms? 

When taking a natural approach to what you consume each day, functional mushrooms can be a great place to start. Functional mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in Eastern and Chinese cultures for their many health-supporting properties, but nutrition is only the start of the many benefits that functional mushrooms offer. 

Functional mushrooms differ from the typical mushrooms we often see in our grocery store. While some mushroom species are edible as culinary mushrooms in their natural form, others may be less palatable. Because of this, we often see these mushrooms in supplement form. This method helps to offer a longer shelf life for these nutrient-packed superfoods, but it also makes this ingredient extremely convenient to add to any recipe. Functional mushrooms contain antioxidants, polysaccharides, and prebiotic fiber to help support daily health and wellness.^‡

These properties are important because antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals which can damage cells in your body. The beta-glucan polysaccharides in functional mushroom products provide support for a healthy immune system. On top of that, functional mushroom species are high in the prebiotic fibers that promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut which ultimately improves digestion.^‡

When functional mushrooms are implemented into a mushroom broth recipe, they can provide a host of health-supporting benefits. 

Mushroom Broth Benefits

Soup is often the go-to meal when we’re under the weather. But aside from the relief it may cause for a sore throat or temporary congestion, most of the benefits end there. Mushroom broth, on the other hand, can offer additional benefits, depending on the species. 

 Beyond being a healthy, and flavourful option, mushroom broth supports:

1. Immune Health: When consumed consistently, functional mushrooms can help to support immune health based on the array of bioactive compounds they possess. Maitake mushrooms, specifically, contain an array of beta-glucans that can have a positive impact on immune function.^‡ 
2. Gut Health: Functional mushrooms found in mushroom broth such as reishi, for example, can help to support gut health.^‡ 
3. A Healthy Diet: Mushroom broth offers an alternative option to bone broth for vegetarians, and is a simple way to add to your daily intake of vegetables. 
4. Cognitive Health: Lion’s mane is a great functional and culinary mushroom to use in mushroom broth and has been found to support cognitive functions such as memory and focus.^‡ 
5. Stress Relief: Reishi, a common mushroom used in mushroom broth, is an adaptogen. Adaptogens can increase the body’s natural response to stress. 
6. Joint and Bone Health: Mushrooms such as reishi, king trumpet, and shiitake can help to support joint pain and bone formation.^‡ These mushrooms are commonly used in mushroom broth and can provide a great source of bioactive compounds and minerals necessary for better physical health.^‡

Mushroom broth is simple to make, but there are even more convenient options available when searching for a quick way to add nutrients to your diet. 

Broth Packets at Om Mushroom 

Om Mushroom offers powerful single-species mushroom supplements—available in mushroom broths—designed to promote immunity, vitality, cognitive health, and energy.^‡ Our mighty broths come in convenient packets that offer a rich flavor that can be added to any meal. Simply add 1 packet to 8oz of hot water, stir and enjoy! 

The different flavors offered include:

When exploring the various options of broth for your next meal, consider mushroom broth. Not only will you be adding a rich flavor to your meal, but it will also provide your recipe with a host of bioactive compounds and minerals to support your overall health and wellness.^‡ 

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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.