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How Mushrooms Can Support Our Immunity and Contribute to Health

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How Mushrooms Can Support Our Immunity and Contribute to Health

Mushrooms are fascinating. Since an immemorial time, they’ve been used as everything from fire starters to construction materials. However, mushrooms also have an illustrious history as immune supporters. So how do mushrooms support our immunity and contribute to health?

They Provide Nutrients and Antioxidants

Medicinal mushrooms can contribute to a healthy diet. They’re rich in B vitamins and aid in creating red blood cells. This keeps the body properly oxygenated. This is important since your cells require oxygen to make energy. Mushrooms are also a great source of Vitamin C and choline. Both protect your body from free radicals, which can introduce harmful compounds that can cause digestive and viral issues. Overall, the nutritional value of mushrooms packs a serious punch.

Building the Immune System

Medicinal mushrooms modify something called cytokines. Cytokines are anti-inflammatory messengers secreted by the immune cells in your system. Various mushroom compounds can help support T cells, antibodies, and B cells to work more efficiently in the body. This, in turn, leads to anti-inflammatory cytokines working more efficiently in the body. Meanwhile, mushrooms also suppress inflammatory functions found within cytokines. This two-pronged approach makes mushrooms a powerhouse since their nutritional value is also off the charts. This is why they’re so helpful in supporting our immunity and contributing to our greater health.

How To Use Medicinal Mushrooms for Immune Support

Mushrooms are incredibly versatile. They’re very easy to add to your diet. You can find blends in tincture or powder form to add to a daily smoothie or, of course, your favorite cup of tea. Mushroom blends are also sold in pill form if you’re not a fan of the taste. Both Chaga and Reishi mushrooms are immunity powerhouses in their own right, so it’s good to have some on hand if you’re feeling under the weather. Of course, the most common way to incorporate mushrooms into your diet is by cooking them. Some mushrooms even help fight cancer cells!

Fortunately, if all the new products featuring them is anything to go by, our fungal friends are certainly here to stay. So, add them to your food, learn to grow your own, and reap the benefits of the wonderful mushroom.

Food is really and truly the most effective medicine.

- Dr. Joel Fuhrman

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