I Eat Mushrooms Every Single Day
I know many of you read my previous blog post all about mushrooms (On Shrooms: Yes I Put Mushrooms In My Coffee & You Should Too!), and that I put them in my coffee. If you didn't read that blog post then you are probably crazy confused. "Hi! My name is Krysten! I love mushrooms, put them in my coffee, and 9 out of 10 times I have some in my purse with me everywhere I go!"
I even brought them with me to Disneyland Paris back in October, as seen in the photo.
Okay WAIT! Let me explain. These aren't the kind of shrooms you are thinking about. I am not talking about psychedelic mushrooms or the kind you put on your pizza, stir-fry or in your pasta sauce. Funny, because I don't even like those kinds of mushrooms. These are superfoods and adaptogens.
Adaptogens are herbal substances that are used to improve your health and aid in helping the body to “adapt” to what it needs. They boost the immune system, support healthy weight, increase mental focus, encourage a happy and healthy mood, aid in reducing stress and more.
There are four that I take on the regular: Cordyceps, Lion's Mane, Chaga and Reishi. I take them for different reasons and at different times of the day.
I normally keep a packet of Mushroom Coffee with Lion's Mane and Chaga from Four Sigmatic in my purse at all times, along with a packet of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides or their new Collagen Creamer. I can take it with me on the go, add it to some steamed almond milk or even water, and enjoy a nice cup of java while I'm out out the house. I have even been known to whip a travel/portable milk frother out of my purse but we can talk about that in another blog. (I have THIS $12 frother for travel, THIS $10 frother for travel, and THIS Pricey$$ frother that stays at home, which I use every single day.)
Don't worry! You can take these mushrooms in other ways besides coffee. Keep reading.
Cordyceps - gives energy, helps maintain steady energy levels and helps your body produce it's own energy. It also supports your respiratory system and immune system. In 1993 it became famous when Chinese runners won world championships and attributed their performance to taking cordyceps.
When I take Cordyceps: I normally take it in the morning. It can give me some extra energy when I feel like I need a boost. I never feel a crash afterwards, which is nice.
Lion's Mane - protects the brain and nerves, supports memory, concentration and brain function, and reduces inflammation. It's considered the "brain mushroom," as studies show that it stimulates the creation of nerve growth factor which keeps neurons ticking away upstairs and may even help those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. (Here is an awesome article all about Lion's mane.)
When I take Lion's Mane: I actually take it every single day since it's in my coffee!
Chaga - has very high antioxidant properties, supports the liver, immune system, gut health and digestion, lowers cholesterol and is known as the "king of mushrooms." Chaga, specifically, gives your body an extremely high antioxidant boost. Chaga has the highest ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbent Capacity) ever recorded. Chaga scored 6.5 times higher than acai, 10.5 times higher than pomegranate and 46 times higher than blueberries! This means that Chaga is much higher in antioxidants than the fruits that are perceived to be high in antioxidants, and that Chaga's capacity to wipe out free radicals is much stronger than any other.
When I take Chaga: This is another mushroom that I take every single day since it's also in my morning coffee. I am in love with the fact that it's very high in antioxidants, so I try to add it to smoothies if, for some reason, I didn't have coffee that day.
Reishi - helps with stress, helps with sleep, is a powerful immune supporter, supports healthy blood pressure, fights allergies and asthma, and can help you relax and have a good night sleep. "A 2017 study found when healthy people took 225 mg of reishi per day for six months, it acted as a substantial antioxidant with healthy liver effects." (Delicious Living)
When I take Reishi: I take it at night when I need to chill out, relax and get ready for bed. The kind of Reishi that I take actually comes in a little packet of Hot Cacao Mix. I will also take Reishi if I am stressed out. My hubby and I have been enjoying it with a little Peppermint CBD from YouPlusCBD. I wont get into the benefits of CBD in this blog, you can learn more about that, here.
There are different ways you can get these mushrooms into your diet. You can bake with them, add them to your coffee, tea, hot cacao or smoothies. You can even take them in supplement form. I also keep Gaia Herb's line of Mushrooms + Herbs on hand for times when I just need to take a supplement, and I don't want to eat or drink anything.
Gaia Herbs offers the following Mushroom + Herbs supplements.
Mushroom + Herbs Cordyceps+ (Energy & Stress Support, with Ashwaganda)
Contains Ashwaganda, Cordyceps & Ginger
Mushroom + Herbs Everyday Immune (Supports Foundational Wellness)
Contains Astragalus, Chaga, Cordyceps Maitake, Reishi, Schisandra & Turmeric
Mushroom + Herbs Liver Defense (Daily Liver & Immune Support)
Contains Astragalus, Chinese Skullcap, Maitake, Reishi, Schisandra & Turkey Tails
Contains Cordyceps, Gotu Kola Leaf, Holy Basil Leaf, Lion's Mane, Reishi, Rosemary
Mushroom + Herbs Reishi + Turmeric (Immune & Inflammatory Support)
Contains Ginger, Reishi, Shitake, Turmeric
All opinions are my own. I only share my honest opinion with you. This post contains affiliate links which means that I, at no additional cost to you, may receive a small commission if you click a link and make a purchase.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
