Functional mushrooms have been celebrated for centuries in traditional medicine, but in recent years, they've taken the wellness world by storm. Adaptogens like Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and Chaga are touted for their nootropic and immune-supporting properties, yet misconceptions still surround them. Are they psychoactive? Can you eat them raw? Do they only boost immunity?
Let’s tackle the top five myths about functional mushrooms and uncover the science-backed truths.
Myth 1: Functional Mushrooms Are Psychoactive
💡 They can have adaptogenic and / or nootropic properties but they do not alter consciousness.
When people hear “mushrooms,” many think of psychedelic varieties. Functional mushrooms like Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and Chaga are entirely different. They are non-psychoactive, meaning they won’t alter your perception or create hallucinogenic effects.
Instead, these mushrooms function as adaptogens, helping the body adapt to stress and restore balance.
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Lion’s Mane is renowned for cognitive support, enhancing memory and concentration. |
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Reishi is known for its calming, stress-reducing properties. |
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Chaga supports immune health. Their effects are subtle and therapeutic, working over time to enhance well-being rather than altering the mind. |
Myth 2: You Can Eat Functional Mushrooms Raw
💡 Extracted forms are necessary to access their bioactive compounds effectively.
Eating functional mushrooms raw won’t deliver their full benefits. These mushrooms have tough, chitinous cell walls that make their bioactive compounds difficult for the body to absorb. Advanced extraction techniques are essential to break down these walls and make the compounds bioavailable.
Functional mushrooms are typically consumed in the form of powders or coffee blends, all of which undergo extraction processes. For instance, water extraction draws out polysaccharides for immune support, while alcohol extraction captures triterpenoids for stress reduction and antioxidant effects.
If you’re serious about experiencing the benefits of functional mushrooms, raw consumption is not the answer. Opt for high-quality, extracted products for maximum effectiveness, like ours.
Myth 3: Functional Mushrooms Only Boost Immunity
💡 Lion’s mane is known as the “Focus mushroom” which promotes cognitive enhancement. Reishi, a.k.a. the “Calm mushroom” helps reduce stress and lower cortisol. Chaga, the “Energy mushroom”, is highly antiinflammatory and antioxidant.
While functional mushrooms are celebrated for their immune-boosting properties, their benefits extend far beyond.
- Chaga helps reduce stress, boost cognitive function, support overall vitality and fight oxidative stress.
- Reishi promotes relaxation and balances cortisol levels, making it a great ally against stress.
- Lion’s Mane supports neurogenesis, aiding memory, focus, and mental clarity.
Functional mushrooms are versatile, addressing both short-term goals, like better focus, and long-term benefits, such as enhanced immune resilience and cognitive health.
Myth 4: Functional Mushrooms Lose Their Benefits When Heated
💡 We use advanced extraction in order to make their beneficial compounds more bioavailable.
Heating functional mushrooms doesn’t destroy their benefits; it often enhances them. Many bioactive compounds, such as beta-glucans in Reishi and Chaga, are better extracted and absorbed after heat is applied.
This is why functional mushrooms are frequently used in hot beverages like coffee and tea. Heat aids the extraction process, ensuring you get the full spectrum of nutrients. For products already extracted, heat won’t diminish their efficacy, making them ideal for both hot and cold preparations.
Whether you prefer them in a steaming cup of coffee or a chilled smoothie, functional mushrooms adapt seamlessly to your routine.
Myth 5: Functional Mushrooms Work Instantly
💡 Regular, consistent use is key to reaping long-term benefits like stress reduction, improved focus, or immune support.
Functional mushrooms are not quick fixes—they are about building long-term wellness. While you may notice some immediate effects, like improved focus with Lion’s Mane or a sense of calm from Reishi, their full benefits develop with consistent use over weeks or months.
Functional mushrooms work by supporting foundational systems in your body, such as the immune and nervous systems. Their adaptogenic properties help restore balance and resilience, making them effective for sustained health improvements.
Think of functional mushrooms as a long-term investment in your health rather than a one-time solution.
