How Mushrooms Could Save Your Health (And The World)

When you think of mushrooms, what comes to mind? Portabella, white (Crimini) mushrooms, maybe Shiitake? Yea, me too for a long time, until I was recently introduced into the world of mushroom research. According to Mycologist Paul Stamets, there is an estimated 140,000 + species of mycelium (the networking cells of mushrooms). (1) We are aware of about 10,000 or so of these species. Stamets scours the planet for new specimens of medicinally beneficial mushrooms. He believes that many of these undiscovered species of mycelium may hold the key to curing deadly ailments. In fact, Stamets and his colleagues have completed a great deal of research that reveals possible treatment for deadly infections such as Tuberculosis.

Here are some of the potential health benefits of mushrooms:

• Certain species of Agarikon may contain active compounds that are effective in treating tuberculosis. (2)
• Mushroom extracts may contain active components that may have anti-tumor properties. (3)
• Crimini, maitake, oyster and shiitake extracts may reduce inflammation. (1)
• Mushrooms are excellent sources of potassium, selenium, riboflavin, and niacin. (4)
• Agaricus bisporus has been shown to reduce cholesterol and blood glucose. (5)
• White button mushrooms have demonstrated possible benefits for arthritis treatment. (6)
• Agarikon species, may contain both anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. This is a rare find in nature. (2)

These are just a few of the many possible benefits of mushrooms. At this point, we still understand very little about the potential application of mushrooms to health enhancement. Informal studies and Chinese medicine reports that several mushroom species have excellent immune-enhancing abilities.

In addition to the health benefits of mushrooms, Stamets proposes several other uses for mycelium, such as breaking down pesticides and toxic waste. Mushrooms are able to do so in a clean and efficient matter. Fungi may also be renewable source of bio-fuel in the future. Basically, we may be able to produce a renewable source of fuel and clean up the mess too! This is pretty exciting stuff!

How Can I Get The Health Benefits Of Mushrooms?

Quality mushroom supplements are widely available. If you are looking for a quality mushroom supplement for immunity, I recommend researching the following product. It is all organic, grown in a controlled setting, and identical to the strains found in nature. Many customers have reported significant increases in their immune function.

 

For more information on mushrooms, visit Paul Stamet’s website.

Paul Stamets: 6 ways mushrooms can save the world:

Mushroom Man: The Search for Agarikon by Bill Weaver:

SOURCES:

(1) Paul Stamets: 6 ways mushrooms can save the world: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XI5frPV58tY

(2) Mushroom Man: The Search for Agarikon by Bill Weaver: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtwzHY-7mXo

(3) The effects of whole mushrooms during inflammation: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2172/10/12

(4) Health Benefits of Mushrooms: http://www.vegetarian-nutrition.info/updates/mighty-mushrooms.php

(5) White button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) lowers blood glucose and cholesterol levels in diabetic and hypercholesterolemic rats: http://www.nrjournal.com/article/S0271-5317%2809%2900253-X/abstract

(6) White Button and Shiitake Mushrooms Reduce the Incidence and Severity of Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Dilute Brown Non-Agouti Mice: http://jn.nutrition.org/content/141/1/131.short