One of the best foods you can incorporate into your active lifestyle is fungi.
Mushrooms have been widely used in both cooking and traditional medicine for thousands of years. Extremely common in various soups and sauces, as well as in countless meat, cheese, fish, and veggie dishes, most people are familiar with mushrooms.
Chefs utilize them for the rich, complex umami flavor they add to any dish; some varieties of mushrooms serve as a meat replacement, and health-conscious consumers may appreciate them for their nutritional value.
They’re low in calories and fat, full of fiber, and contain a wide variety of important vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other important nutrients.
But there’s more to mushrooms than just that. That’s why mushrooms may actually be an important addition to anyone with an active lifestyle. Read on to learn more about the best mushrooms for your active lifestyle.
Best Mushrooms for Your Active Lifestyle
For athletes, bodybuilders, or anyone who takes fitness and exercise seriously, mushrooms have many potential benefits. Besides their nutritional profile, many mushrooms also have adaptogenic qualities.
Adaptogens are found in nature, and they may support the body in various functions, including support for immune function, stamina, inflammation after lifting weights, and supporting extended physical endurance.
Here are the best mushrooms to consider for your active lifestyle, according to research.
Cordyceps
A study examined the effect of taking fungal supplements, including cordyceps mushrooms, on the athletic performance of amateur cyclists. The study found that those supplements helped reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress, and the authors suggested that this may help athletes better adapt and recover from strenuous exercise and training.
Maitake
Another study found that some mushrooms, such as maitake, contain high amounts of the antioxidant glutathione. Glutathione is a fungal antioxidant that – particularly for those with an active lifestyle – may support the maintenance of a strong immune system and speed recovery time from hard workouts by reducing inflammation.
Shiitake
Shiitake mushrooms may support immune system health. This is due to beta-glucan, a type of fiber that supports heart health.
Other mushrooms that may support an active lifestyle include turkey tail mushrooms, Reiki, lion’s mane, and more.
You might be thinking about how to incorporate mushrooms into your routine. They are great with almost any meal, but what about smoothies? Blending whole mushrooms is one option, but you can also find them dried and powdered in supplements.
For more ways to support your health with mushrooms, check out these mushroom supplements from Daiwa Health Development, Iagen Professional, and Canada DNA Biochemical.
BRM 4 250 Mg – Daiwa Health Development
BRM 4 250 Mg from Daiwa Health Development supports an increase in natural killer cell activity essential for immune support. The main ingredient in this formula is rice bran arabinoxylan compound (RBAC), a polysaccharide dietary fiber from rice bran that is modified by an enzyme from Shiitake mushroom. Ideally used over a long period of time, BRM 4 supports a strong immune system without causing a hyper-immune system response or losing efficacy with prolonged use.
AHCC 1000 Mg Maximum Strength – Iagen Professional
AHCC 1000 Mg Maximum Strength from Iagen Professional is a potent immune booster that utilizes an organic blend of medicinal mushrooms grown in Japan, including Shitake. AHCC 1000 Mg Maximum Strength supports:
- The immune system
- Enhancing macrophage activity
- Natural killer and T-cell activity
- Production of beneficial cytokines
Corio PSP – Canada DNA Biochemical
Corio PSP from Canada Dna Biochemical is an herbal supplement that seeks to support immune health and much more. Corio PSP contains extracts of the wild-growing turkey mushroom, a polypore mushroom that supports the immune system. This mushroom has been used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine for centuries, as the fungus is often used to provide support for immune system function and maintain skin and cellular health.
What is your favorite way to incorporate mushrooms into an active lifestyle?