Allies of health and youth. I medicinal mushrooms they are nutrient-rich organisms that have been used for millennia in traditional Chinese medicine to support overall well-being and treat countless conditions.
Although their origins are very ancient, there are more and more scientific studies demonstrating the benefits of healing mushrooms, at the center of the so-called mycotherapy.
And if you were also looking for one easy driving about medicinal mushrooms you are in the right place. Let's quickly explain what they are and why they are so used.
Mycotherapy: what it is and what it is for (easy explanation)
Mycotherapy, from Greek "mikos" (mushroom) and "therapy" (therapy). A practice with deep roots, which acts as a bridge between the millenary oriental culture and modern scientific research.
Today, in fact, thanks to studies that are investigating the potential of healing mushrooms, mycotherapy is gaining more and more success also in the West.
In particular, this alternative medicine exploits the nutritional qualities of mushrooms to:
- regulate metabolic balance
- reduce oxidative stress
- strengthen the immune system
- promote the balance of the intestinal flora
- the potential anticancer
3 Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms (You Need to Know)
Natural and without side effects, medicinal mushrooms are often used as harmless alternative to traditional drugs. In particular, the main benefits identified so far are:
1. Strengthening the immune system
Mushrooms such as Reishi, Maitake and Shiitake contain beta-glucans, compounds that can modulate and strengthen the immune response. In addition to protecting cells from oxidative stress, preventing cellular aging and supporting anti-tumor therapies.
2. Stress reduction and improved sleep
Known as the "mushroom of immortality", Reishi mushroom is famous for its adaptogenic properties, which help the body manage stress.
In fact, there are several scientific studies that have observed the positive effects of this mushroom on mental health, which:
- lowers levels of cortisol, the stress hormone
- reduces anxiety
- promotes deeper and more regenerating sleep
3. A possible therapy for Alzheimer's
Observed by a scientific work published on the prestigious international magazine “Nutrients”, the mushroom "lion's mane" is a mine of vitamins and mineral salts.
In particular, it is rich in erinacins and erycenones, compounds that stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), "with an increase in neurogenesis in the areas of the central nervous system responsible for memory".
Important properties neuroprotective which could be valid in the treatment of some neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.
* Photo by Timothy Dykes on Unsplash
