In recent years, the popularity of mushroom supplements has skyrocketed, thanks to their numerous health benefits. From boosting immunity to enhancing cognitive function, mushrooms offer a wide range of advantages. However, not all mushroom products are created equal.
It’s crucial to understand what you’re putting into your body and why some mushroom supplements might not be as beneficial as others. In this post, we’ll tell you what makes a high-quality mushroom product, the importance of advanced extraction techniques, and why using the fruiting body over mycelium is vital.
The Importance of Quality in Mushroom Products
Functional mushroom supplements are becoming a staple in many wellness routines. However, not every product on the market is worth your investment. The efficacy of a mushroom supplement depends on several factors:
- The part of the mushroom used (mycelium or fruiting body)
- The extraction process
- Whether the product has been tested for potency
- Organic sourcing of the ingredients
The market is flooded with mushroom products that promise various health benefits. Unfortunately, many of these products fall short because they do not use the proper extraction techniques or the right part of the mushroom. Some brands may use mycelium instead of the fruiting body, leading to less potent supplements. Others might skip the crucial step of advanced extraction, resulting in simply powdered mushrooms; a product that your body can’t fully absorb.
Advanced Extraction: What is it?
To truly reap the benefits of mushroom supplements, it’s essential to use products that have undergone advanced extraction processes. The method we use at Upraising is Ultrasonic Extraction, which ensures that the beneficial compounds in mushrooms are bioavailable, meaning they can be easily absorbed by the human body.
Ultrasonic Extraction is a process that uses ultrasonic waves to break down the cell walls of mushrooms. The beneficial compounds in mushrooms are often locked behind these cell walls, making them difficult for our digestive systems to access.
Ultrasonic waves create tiny bubbles in a liquid solution that implode, breaking the cell walls and releasing the potent compounds inside. This process results in a highly concentrated extract that delivers the full spectrum of benefits mushrooms have to offer.
Why Bioavailability Matters
Bioavailability refers to the proportion of a nutrient or supplement that enters the bloodstream and can have an active effect. Without advanced extraction techniques, many of the beneficial compounds in mushrooms remain locked away, rendering the supplement far less effective.
By ensuring these compounds are bioavailable, you’re guaranteed to receive the maximum benefits from your mushroom supplement.
The Importance of Using the Fruiting Body vs Mycelium
When it comes to mushroom supplements, the part of the mushroom used can significantly impact the product’s potency and effectiveness. High-quality supplements use the fruiting body of the mushroom rather than the mycelium.
Fruiting Body vs. Mycelium
- Fruiting Body: This is the part of the mushroom that grows above ground and is responsible for producing spores. The fruiting body is rich in active compounds like beta-glucans, triterpenoids, and polysaccharides, which contribute to the mushroom’s health benefits.
- Mycelium: The mycelium is the root-like structure of the mushroom that grows underground. While it does contain some beneficial compounds, it’s generally considered less potent than the fruiting body.
Using the fruiting body in mushroom supplements ensures a higher concentration of active compounds, leading to a more effective product.
Third-Party Testing and Certification
Quality and safety are paramount when it comes to dietary supplements. That’s why it’s essential to choose products that have undergone rigorous third-party testing and have received proper certifications.
Third-party testing involves sending product samples to an independent laboratory to evaluate their quality, purity, and potency. This unbiased verification process ensures that the product contains what it claims and is free from harmful contaminants.
Our coffee and mushroom products undergo stringent third-party testing to ensure they meet the highest standards of quality.
Why Organic Matters
Mushrooms are bioaccumulators, meaning they can absorb and concentrate heavy metals, pesticides, and other pollutants from their environment. Using organic mushrooms ensures that your supplement is free from these harmful contaminants.
Our products are certified organic for both the European Union and the United States by a reputable third-party certifier. This certification guarantees that our products meet strict organic standards, meaning they are free from harmful pesticides and chemicals.
Organic certification is crucial for coffee as well, as it's one of the most pesticide-polluted foods in the world. By choosing organic, you reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals and support sustainable farming practices.
Our commitment to organic ingredients means that you’re consuming clean, high-quality products that benefit your health.
When choosing mushroom products
It’s crucial to consider the extraction process, the part of the mushroom used, third-party testing, and organic certification. By prioritising these factors, you ensure that you’re consuming high-quality, effective products that support your health and the environment.
Our commitment to these standards guarantees that you’re getting the best mushroom products available.
