The term adaptogen appeared in the 1950s to define the adaptable capacity of certain plants and fungi. THE adaptogenic mushrooms have the ability to improve resistance to stress and have other positive health effects. This is why they have been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine. Today, they are the subject of more and more scientific studies. Zoom on the adaptogenic mushrooms !
Main characteristics of adaptogenic mushrooms
THE mushrooms adaptogens meet 3 main characteristics.
● They do not bring major variations in the biological functions of the organism
● They have a normalizing effect favoring the improvement of the physical or psychological state
● They improve natural defenses
How do the adaptogenic mushrooms ?
To understand how the adaptogenic mushrooms, just study the body's reactions to stress. When we are exposed to stress, our brain reacts with defense mechanisms. If exposure to stress is prolonged, the body will try to get used to it. But since he cannot tolerate permanent and prolonged stress, exhaustion follows. THE adaptogenic mushrooms interact intelligently from the moment the organism is in the phase where it is trying to get used to it. They restore balance so that the body and mind regain well-being.
-What are the adaptogenic mushrooms ?
There is a wide variety of adaptogenic mushrooms. Just for the Cordyceps, you should know that there are around fifty of them. For Cordyceps, we can cite Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris. Others adaptogenic mushrooms are renowned in traditional Chinese medicine. There is the Reishi, the mushroom Chaga, the Lion's Mane (Lion's mane), tremelle, Maitake mushroom and mushroom Shiitake.
How to consume them adaptogenic mushrooms ?
There are several options available to you for consuming these medicinal mushrooms. There mushroom powder is probably one of the most practical and customizable. In fact, you can add it to your drinks and even your dishes. Otherwise, there are capsules, dried or fresh mushrooms depending on your preference.
What effects are common to all adaptogenic mushrooms?
● They have a beneficial action on free radicals
● They have anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating properties ● They reduce stress in the body
Cordyceps, a popular adaptogenic mushroom
The cordyceps is a adaptogenic mushroom very popular in TCM and also in the West. Indeed, it is often used to increase resistance to physical and mental effort.
Athletes like to use it to gain tone and combat fatigue.
Reishi, very popular for mental health and cognitive functions
The reishi is also a adaptogenic mushroom much appreciated. In addition to acting as an energy tonic and brain stimulant, it also acts as an emotional balancer. It is also used very often as an anti-stress. Indeed, mycology researchers have observed that Reishi acts on the adrenal glands which produce cortisol, a hormone facilitating the stress response.
The adaptogenic mushroom help me
Like Reishi, help me is recognizednnu in traditional Chinese medicine for its ability to fight stress and stimulate the immune system. According to some studies, it seems that this mushroom has anti-cancer properties.
Shiitake, multiple benefits
THE Shiitake is a adaptogenic mushroom rich in polysaccharide, nutrients, vitamin D and dietary fiber. Its bioactive substances have therapeutic properties for health, just like other adaptogenic mushrooms used in traditional Chinese medicine. Shiitake is found in different forms. Dry extracts, capsules, tablets, ampoules or Shiitake powder according to individual preferences.
The potential health benefits of shiitake are numerous. According to mycology researchers, it would be the longevity mushroom. Indeed, it is a mushroom rich in antioxidants. It has a beneficial action on cell regeneration and fights against oxidative stress in the body. Finally, Shiitake is an excellent stimulant of natural defenses and it is a mushroom with antimicrobial properties.
Lion's mane mushroom
These mushrooms, which have a flavor and aroma similar to seafood, may also improve cognitive functions. Lion's mane mushroom can promote the development and optimal functioning of nerves, as well as protect them from damage. The main chemical constituents of Lion's Mane are hericenones and erinacins. Nerve growth factor (NGF) is produced more actively in the brain when erinacins are present. Erinacins effortlessly cross the blood-brain barrier to stimulate the generation of new neurons. NGF is a neurotrophin that promotes the survival and proliferation of neurons. It is crucial for protecting, regenerating and repairing damaged neurons.
Mycology of adaptogenic mushrooms
If you didn't know it yet, know that the adaptogenic mushrooms arenow studied and cultivated (in submerged culture in particular) by scientists.
The fruiting bodies of mushrooms have been used for centuries as food and flavoring materials for their unique and subtle flavor. However, the entire cycle, from colonization of the mycelium to formation of the fruit body, takes time and involves considerable labor. Submerged cultivation of mushrooms can be a promising alternative to obtain potent substances for successful use in the composition of functional foods. Submerged cultivation is a rapid process that produces quality mushroom mycelia, compared to the cultivation alternative which takes much longer to produce fruiting bodies. Additionally, culturing mycelia on synthetic media is a convenient approach to obtain fungal biomass. The presence of bioactive components in the mushroom mycelium makes it an attractive ingredient that is now used as dietary supplements or nutraceuticals. Researchers are studying the optimal growth conditions required by mycelia to improve quality and yield prospects as well as the biological mechanisms responsible for their properties therapeutics and their applications.
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