What are mushroom extracts and how do you use them?
Mushrooms are the new health hype. But for many mushrooms with a reputation for health benefits, it is difficult to transport and sell them fresh. That's where the mushroom extracts come in. They ensure that you can still use the benefits of these mushrooms in your kitchen. But what exactly are mushroom extracts? How do you use them? Read on to find out.
What are mushroom extracts and why should you use them?
As the health benefits of mushroom extracts become more widely known, many people want to know where to get them, what mushroom extracts are known for and how to use them.
Mushrooms have been used in Asia for their medicinal benefits for centuries, and now they are starting to become popular in the western world as well. Many of the natural compounds in mushrooms that form a defense against enemies can also help your own body's defense systems.
Mushroom extracts provide access to many more types of mushrooms than you can find in the supermarket. And the health benefits are much more concentrated in extracts than whole mushrooms. Instead of eating a pound of fresh Lion's Mane, a spoonful of extract in your coffee can reap the same benefits.
How do I use mushroom extracts?
Mushroom extracts are easy to use. You can add a mushroom extract to all kinds of foods and drinks, from tea, coffee and smoothies to soups and stir-fries. You can put a spoonful of Chaga extract powder in your coffee, or add some Reishi powder to a stew.
Companies even add extracts to body care products, such as shower gels and lotions.
How is a mushroom extract made?
Here is a brief overview of how mushroom extracts are made by commercial manufacturers.
First, raw mushrooms are harvested, dried and ground into a fine powder.
After that, the powder is usually boiled in water. However, some mushrooms contain compounds that are not soluble in water. These mushrooms are cooked in alcohol or in a mixture of water and alcohol, because the alcohol brings out the beneficial substances.
Regardless of the cooking method, the cooking process breaks down the cell walls of the mushrooms, allowing extraction of the beneficial compounds (beta-glucans, triterpenes, etc.).
After completion of the cooking process, the resulting liquid is filtered and then packaged in one of three ways:
1. Liquid mushroom extract
The manufacturer can directly package the liquid as liquid mushroom extract.
2. Powdered Mushroom Extract
To make a powdered extract, the manufacturer sends the mushroom extract liquid to a so-called spray dryer, a machine that evaporates all the liquid, leaving a powdered mushroom extract.
This powder can be added to coffee or smoothies, or used in all kinds of dishes.
3. Mushroom Extract Capsules
Manufacturers also put mushroom extract powder in capsules, which can be taken like any other pill. Mushroom capsules are a good way to get your mushroom extract powder when you are short on time.
What are the benefits of mushroom extracts?
De benefits of mushroom extracts depend on which mushroom was used to make the extract. There are many different types of mushroom extracts, the benefits of which are discussed in other articles. But here are some examples of mushroom extracts.
We cover the 3 most popular, namely Chaga, Reishi en Cordyceps.
1. -Chaga Mushroom Extract-
Chaga grows in the forests of the Northern Hemisphere, but only the Chaga that grows on live birches has the active compounds needed for maximum health benefits.
• Several studies have shown that Chaga may have anti-cancer properties, especially colon cancer.
• Chaga's antiviral properties can also help with less serious viral illnesses, such as colds and flu, as well as more serious ones, such as smallpox.
• Beta-glucans, which Chaga also contains, help to lower cholesterol.
• The phytonutrients, betulinic acid and polyphenols in Chaga are thought to help with diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels.
• Research on laboratory animals indicates that Chaga increases stamina, increases learning and memory and reduces inflammation. Laboratory research in humans is still in progress.
Potential Side Effects of Chaga
Chaga can cause increased blood loss, so talk to your doctor first, especially if you're going to have surgery or if you already have problems with excessive bleeding.
Chaga extract powder is a great way to reap the benefits of Chaga.
The extract powder can be added to all kinds of drinks. Chaga has a bit of a bitter, vanilla-like taste that goes well with many fruits for making cold drinks and smoothies. You can also use it to make healthy snacks with nuts, ice cream and cake or pie.
Below are some of the Chaga extracts I like to use. I usually add powdered extract to my coffee in the afternoon.
Liquid Chaga extract
Food Trace Chaga Extract. Chaga extract is too bitter to put under your tongue and take it like that. It is best to mix the extract with tea, coffee, soups or sauces.
Chaga capsules
Pure Mushrooms Chaga Capsules. Pure Mushrooms Chaga Capsules are an easier way to get a daily dose of Chaga.
2. -Reishi mushroom extract-
Reishi, (Chinese lacquer fungus, also known as lingzhi), is a fungus that grows in warm and humid areas.
Medicinal use of Reishi mushrooms dates back to at least 2000 BC, with descriptions in ancient Chinese texts as 'an anti-aging tonic.'
Below are some famous benefits of the Reishi mushroom.
• Scientific studies show that reishi mushrooms boost the immune system
• Reishi mushrooms show promise in the fight against cancer, with Reishi being recommended as an adjunct to cancer treatments.
• Tests show that Reishi reduces fatigue and reduces depression
• Reishi contains natural antioxidant properties-
• Reishi can help improve your cholesterol levels
• Animal testing has provided evidence that beta-glucans in Reishi mushroom extract both stimulate immune system activity and produce an 'anti-tumor' effect
• Studies show that Reishi mushrooms reduce blood sugar levels in animals.
Potential Side Effects of Reishi
Reishi mushroom extract may have an effect on medications for high blood pressure. Talk to your doctor before trying Reishi. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also avoid taking Reishi.
Some people have reported stomach upset after using mushroom extract. In that case, discontinue use.
You can buy Reishi extract as capsules, powder, or liquid. Here are some of my favorite options.
Liquid Reishi Extract
The Foodspores Mushroom extract is highly recommended!
Reishi Capsules
Pure Mushrooms Reishi Capsules. These capsules are the #1 choice in the Benelux.
3. -Cordyceps Mushroom Extract-
Cordyceps is arguably one of the least attractive of all mushrooms and its prodigious life has been documented in a number of documentaries. The mushroom is therefore a special parasitic fungus that grows on insects. The fungi attack their host and sprout long stems, which grow through the host's flesh until they emerge from the body.
The Chinese have used these fungi (as well as the remaining part of the insect) for a long time for various health problems, fatigue and as an aphrodisiac.
Researchers have discovered more than 400 species of Cordyceps. So far, however, they have focused on only two of these species: Cordyceps Sinensis and Cordyceps Militaris.
• Tests show that Cordyceps can help suppress cancer in mice. Tests also indicate that Cordyceps can stop lymphoma and melanoma. Researchers believe that Cordyceps may show promise as a means of fighting many types of cancer.
• Cordyceps is already an approved treatment for cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat) in China.
• It appears that Cordyceps can stimulate insulin, which helps keep blood sugar levels low, which in turn may help relieve the symptoms associated with type 2 diabetes.
• Cordyceps increases endurance, and therefore also the ability to train more, better and with increasing results.
• Studies show that Cordyceps contains many beneficial antioxidants that help fight cell damage.
• Research shows anti-aging properties and increased memory capacity in older mice, as well as improved sex drive.
Potential Side Effects of Cordyceps
Like other medicinal mushrooms, Cordyceps slows blood clotting, so consult your doctor if you have an upcoming surgery.
That said, the Chinese, who have been using Cordyceps for centuries, see it as a safe, natural remedy and continue to use Cordyceps for medicinal purposes.
Liquid Cordyceps Extract
Food traces Mushroom extract. I add a few drops to my afternoon coffee every day, along with Chaga powder.
Cordyceps Capsules
Pure Mushrooms Cordyceps Capsules. These capsules are the #1 choice in the Benelux.
Ready to see how Snowflake works?
As you can see, mushroom extracts offer many benefits and have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. Research shows that there are many more potential benefits to be discovered.
In addition, there are many more types of mushroom extracts than those I wrote about in this article.
