Medicinal mushrooms have been linked to at least 130 different therapeutic applications.
But solid research on humans that attach fungi to specific health benefits is difficult to find.
“The potential advantages are being studied, and there is a certain promise, but often the studies are small, or in animals or cells, and they are generally in the short term,” explains Samantha Cassetty, RD, co -author based in New York in New York. Sugar shock. “It is therefore really difficult to say something final in terms of long -term safety and efficiency.”
Support for the immune system
Some research suggests that medicinal fungi can adjust the immune system and offer cancer properties. They do this by promoting the activity of immune cells which targets cancer cells and the reproduction of the virus, as well as by the suppression of a hyperactive immune system, which can be useful for allergic diseases and autoimmune conditions. These effects are perhaps due to beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber found in many plants, including fungi.
“Although mushrooms have shown clear effects on the immune system in the first research, the sample size of most of the studies has been small, so we need more data of greater trials to know how strong and reliable these effects are,” explains Kathryn Durston, RDN, owner of naturally good nutrition, Michigan.
Protection against diabetes and heart disease
Research has revealed that a variety of mushroom extracts could play a role in the treatment of diabetes and heart disease.
“Multiple studies have shown that fungi can help improve insulin resistance and support global heart health, making it a promising addition to manage diabetes and cardiovascular well-being,” said Durston. Different mushrooms have cholesterol – blood pressure – and the qualities of blood sugar, making it a healthy add to a meal.
That said, Durston notes that she would like to see more important studies to confirm these results.
Anti-inflammatory effects
First research suggests that some fungi can help fight inflammation by targeting pro-inflammatory proteins and free radicals, but additional randomized clinical trials are necessary. “Mushrooms can have anti-inflammatory potential, but until we saw more well-designed and standardized human studies, it is too early to make strong allegations,” explains Bonnie Taub-Dix, RDN, host of the Podcast Savvy Media and author of Read it before you eat it – take you from one label to another. As researchers point out, in order to fully understand the advantages, we must have normalization in mushroom extracts in research.
Improved sports performance
A small study of long -distance runners revealed that supplementation in one type of medicinal fungi called Sinensis cordyceses Stimulated endurance.
It is important to emphasize, however, that this research is tiny (out of 12 male runners) and therefore very limited. “There could be advantages of athletic performance, but with such a small study, I would not count alone on fungi to stimulate endurance,” explains Taub-Dix. Mushrooms as food (rather than extract) can be part of an appropriate diet, she says, because they are rich in nutrients and satisfactory.
Mental health management support and headache
In some research, mushroom extracts have contributed to reducing anxiety and depression in people undergoing chemotherapy.
Although it is a specific population of patients, Durston notes that growing evidence suggest that fungi can play a beneficial role in mood and cognitive health, with studies showing potential improvements in depression and brain function. “Although the results vary, larger and longer term tests are necessary to confirm these effects and clarify an optimal dosage,” she says.
Researchers also study if psilocybin – an extract of mushrooms that is used as a psychedelic – can mediate emotions and moods. Some studies also suggest that psilocybin may have the advantages of pain relievers, which can relieve or prevent pain in conditions such as cluster headaches.
But research is currently limited. “It should be noted that researchers still discover important details, such as the way psilocybin interacts with other drugs and what doses are the most effective in larger and various populations,” said Durston. Psilocybin is a substance in Annex 1, which means that it is currently illegal to sell, buy it or own it in most states.
