By this point, you’re probably aware of the mushroom mania sweeping the world! But there’s a good reason behind the obsession – mushrooms are some of Nature’s true “superfoods”. Packed with nutrients, antioxidants, and more, mushrooms are also deliciously easy to add to your diet. Here’s some of our faves:
- Reishi
- Shiitake
- Lion’s Mane
- Turkey Tail
- Oyster
In the rest of this article, we’ll give you more details about each type of mushroom and their benefits. Plus, we’ll throw in some helpful tips for adding them to your everyday diet. Let’s get started!
5 Types Of Mushrooms (And Their Benefits!) To Add To Your Diet
Reishi
Reishi mushrooms offer a variety of health benefits that include immune system boosting, better sleep, and beating a host of health problems that include high cholesterol, heart disease, and high blood pressure. You can consume them by adding fresh or dried mushrooms to soup or stir fry, brewing them as a tea, or taking supplement capsules.
Shiitake
Containing a multitude of healthful substances including inflammation-fighting beta-glucans and cholesterol-reducing eritadenine, shiitake mushrooms are famous for their health benefits all around the world. Fresh shiitakes can be found in most grocery stores and easily fried up to eat with soup, broth, fried rice, or as a side dish. Just make sure to cook them first to avoid an itchy episode of toxic flagellate dermatitis!
Lion’s Mane
A stand-out brain booster, lion’s mane mushrooms are also great for the entire body. However, one of their most well-known attributes is encouraging the growth of a protein called nerve growth factor (NGF). This substance is necessary for healthy brains with good neuron connectivity – the ability to send signals throughout the nervous system.
You can get your lion’s mane fix by frying it up; adding it in powdered form to smoothies, soups, and other beverages; or taking it as a capsule.
Turkey Tail
Turkey tail mushrooms have great general health benefits that include antioxidants to fight inflammation, polysaccharides that boost the immune system, and gut-balancing beneficial bacteria. Since this particular mushroom has a very tough texture, it’s typically consumed as a powder, capsule, or brewed into a tea.
Oyster
As they contain high amounts of niacin, vitamin B5, folate, choline, potassium, and more, oyster mushrooms are one of nature’s most nutrient-rich foods. It also has antioxidants, beta-glucans, and can help regulate blood sugar. Fresh oyster mushrooms are easy to find at most grocery stores and are delicious to eat sauteed, added to broth or soup, or even added to salads.
We hope this helped you find the perfect mushroom to add to your diet. Happy eating!
