Medicinal mushrooms used in teas contain a diversity of nutrients and active compounds that may provide a variety of health benefits, including boosting your immune system and improving digestion and metabolism.
1. Boosts Your Immune System
Oxidative stress is linked to cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. It’s caused by an excess of unstable molecules in your body called “free radicals,” which can cause damage to cells. Antioxidants can neutralize these free radicals.
Medicinal mushrooms contain antioxidant compounds (like ergothioneine, vitamin E, and vitamin C) that can protect your body from stress and prevent cell damage. They also contain substances called polysaccharides, including beta-glucan, that activate the immune system, protect against viruses and bacteria, and inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
A study published in 2021 in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Research found that extracts of chaga (Inonotus obliquus) mushrooms in particular had higher polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity than other medicinal mushrooms.
2. Aids Blood Sugar Control
Maintaining a healthy blood sugar level is important if you have diabetes or are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Extracts of medicinal mushrooms, including lion’s mane and reishi, contain antidiabetic compounds that may help regulate blood sugar and reduce insulin resistance. They also have a low glycemic index, meaning they won’t cause your blood sugar to spike.
In an animal study published in 2023 in the Journal of Fungi, researchers gave high doses of A. bisporus extract to rats. After 3 weeks, the rats had significantly decreased blood glucose and triglyceride levels.
It’s important to note that while studies in animals are promising, human studies are still needed to confirm these effects.
3. Supports Weight Loss
Because mushrooms are low in calories and high in fiber, they may support weight loss as part of a well-balanced diet. Their antidiabetic properties may also help regulate your metabolism and support weight loss, though more evidence is needed for these effects.
4. Provides Vitamin D
Medicinal mushrooms can be a good source of vitamin D. Mushrooms contain the compound ergosterol, which converts to vitamin D when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light.
Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, which is important for strengthening bones and teeth. It also plays a role in reducing inflammation and regulating your immune system.
The vitamin D content of medicinal mushrooms can vary depending on how they are grown, processed, and stored. Dried mushrooms exposed to UV light may contain as much as 15 micrograms (mcg), which is almost 100 percent of the daily recommended vitamin D intake for adults.
5. Improves Your Gut Microbiome
Prebiotics are components in food that feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut. They are primarily found in fruits and vegetables — particularly those that contain complex carbohydrates.
Mushrooms are also a good source of fiber and other prebiotics that encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria, helping to balance your gut microbiome. Medicinal mushrooms, including lion’s mane and reishi, are among the most frequently reported edible mushrooms known to benefit gut flora.
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