There are numerous supplements purported to boost the immune system, including mushrooms. As coronavirus has caused a significant setback in our lives, one of the most common thoughts running through everyone’s mind is boosting their immunity.
Having a heightened immune system helps in fighting off illnesses. But how do you achieve strong immunity?
Following a healthy diet, getting adequate rest, regular exercise, and staying hydrated are the most common ways of boosting your immune system. Even though most of us are aware of these facts, it is easier said than done. With the fast and stressful lives everyone is leading these days, it’s challenging to stay on the right track of nutrition.
So, how about including a superfood in your diet that is rich with immune-boosting properties? In this article, we will be talking about the various benefits of mushrooms for the immune system.
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What are Mushrooms?
Mushrooms are fungi that come in different shapes and types. People have used it since ancient times in food items and enjoyed them for their earthy flavor. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that work together to provide you a healthy body and shield against any infections.
The use of medicinal mushrooms is rapidly growing in the health and wellness industry. They are available in the forms of protein powder, tea, and supplements that are easy to include in your diet. If you are looking for mushrooms or ancillary mushroom-based products in Canada, visit the page mushrooms Canada.
Six incredible benefits of mushrooms for your immune system include:
1. Mushrooms Can Prevent Memory Depreciation
An aging immune system deteriorates cognitive skills. The greater the rate of aging, the higher the chances of cognitive decline, causing low visual memory and reduced attention. It occurs due to the increase in inflammation that damages the brain’s immune cells resulting in neurodegenerative diseases.
Lion’s mane, a type of mushroom that can be a natural mental booster, is full of antioxidants that help restore the immune system, indirectly enhancing the memory. Consuming this particular variant of mushroom encourages the generation of bioprotein and myelin that plays an essential role in improving brain health.
An unevenness in bioprotein and myelin levels lead to neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis. Eating mushrooms help restore bio protein and myelin levels in the body and therefore enhances cognition. A recent study reinforces this statement by providing evidence that eating a cup of cooked mushrooms once a week can reduce the chances of decreasing memory, attention, and cognition.
2. Chaga Mushrooms to the Rescue with its Antioxidant Properties
As we get old, our immune system starts degrading. It becomes slow, and the chances of getting sick also increase. The generation of immune cells diminishes, which slows down the immune response to diseases. Low immunity also declines the speed of self-healing.
Chaga mushrooms are excellent antioxidants that fight inflammation. They can combat oxidative stress to reduce the early signs of aging and delay the growth of malignant cells. According to a recent study published, mushrooms can also decrease cholesterol levels, which helps increase the healing process. One can consume Chaga powder by mixing it in their smoothies or make a cup of Chaga coffee.
3. Mushrooms Strengthen Heart Health
An increase in the body’s cholesterol levels triggers the immune system to release molecules from the immune system. These molecules cause inflammation and promote heart diseases like heart attacks and strokes.
Mushrooms are healthy for the heart as they can reduce the LDL levels. They also contain components that inhibit the creation and assimilation of cholesterol in the body. According to one study, the consumption of shiitake mushrooms contain phytonutrients that inhibit plaque accumulation, supporting healthy blood pressure.
Fungi are an excellent accompaniment to any dish and a suitable replacement for red meat. It contains glutamate that gives it an umami taste and is low in calories, making it an excellent choice for the heart.
4. Mushrooms Have Anti-Anxiety Properties
Weight gain is another factor that degrades the body’s defense system. With an increase in weight, there is a high risk of heart diseases, the aging process accelerates, and the immunity falls simultaneously. One of the best ways to keep your immune system strong is by maintaining ideal weight and eating healthy.
Mushrooms are low calorie with medicinal properties that can aid weight loss while keeping the immune system healthy. It also has a calming ability to alleviate your mood and ease anxiety and depression. This mind altering property keeps you active and positive throughout the day.
5. Mushrooms Replenish the Vitamin D Reserves
The deficiency of vitamin D can trigger increased autoimmunity and increased susceptibility to infection. It can create a loss of bone density, causing osteoporosis and fractures. Intake of vitamin D is advantageous for building robust immunity by strengthening the bones and protecting you from colds.
Mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D, especially the UVB-labeled mushrooms. When exposed to sunlight, these mushrooms convert the compound ergosterol straight into vitamin D. Thus, consuming just three ounces of these mushrooms is a sufficient boost to your immune system and strengthens your bones.You can find many food blogs over the internet which can guide you for mushroom recipes.
6. Mushrooms Help Boost Energy
Fatigue and low energy are also signs of a weak immune system. Cordyceps, a type of fungus, is identified as spurring energy and the libido. Mushrooms are a rich source of B vitamins like riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), thiamine, and folate(B9).
Cordyceps supports the body by absorbing more oxygen, producing red blood cells, improving blood flow. Thus, many athletes consume mushrooms to boost their muscle recovery process after exercise and any sporting activity.
Use Mushrooms To Boost The Immune System
Mushrooms are a healthy supplement that can be easily added to your lifestyle to acquire their various immune-boosting perks. Although mushrooms have several beneficial properties, make sure to take mushrooms in limited quantities and as per the aforementioned dosages.
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