Mushrooms for Brain Health: Exploring the Best Medicinal Varieties

March 24, 2023

Mushrooms have long been promoted for their various health benefits, including their potential to support brain health. With so many different species of mushrooms, it can be challenging to identify which ones are the most healthful. In this article, we will explore the best mushrooms for brain health and their potential benefits.

Are Mushrooms Good for Brain Health?

brain health

The short answer is yes. Mushrooms contain a variety of compounds that have been shown to support brain function. For example, mushrooms are rich in antioxidants such as ergothioneine and glutathione, which have been found to protect the brain from inflammation and oxidative stress. (1) Additionally, some mushrooms contain compounds that can enhance nerve growth and promote the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that plays a major role in encouraging the growth and survival of neurons. (2)

What Mushrooms are Good for Brain Health?

Many mushrooms have benefit for brain health. Below, we will share some of the best mushrooms for brain health.

1. Lion's Mane Mushroom

lion's mane

Lion's mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is a unique-looking mushroom that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It is known for its long white spines that resemble a lion's mane. In recent years, lion's mane has gained attention for its potential benefits for brain health.

One of the key compounds in lion's mane is erinacine, a type of nerve growth factor that has been found to stimulate the growth and repair of neurons. (2) This makes lion's mane particularly interesting for its potential to treat neurodegenerative diseases. In a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, researchers found that an extract of lion's mane mushroom improved the cognitive function of mice with neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that it may have potential as a treatment for these debilitating conditions. (3)

In addition to its potential benefits for neurodegenerative diseases, lion's mane may also be beneficial for overall brain function. In one study, researchers found that lion's mane supplementation improved cognitive function in adults aged 50-80 years. (4) Another study found that lion's mane improved mood and reduced anxiety in young adults.

Overall, lion's mane mushroom is a promising medicinal mushroom for its potential to support brain health. While more research is still needed to fully understand its benefits, the compounds in lion's mane, such as erinacines, suggest that it may have potential as a treatment for neurodegenerative diseases and as a general brain health supplement.

2. Reishi Mushroom

reishi

Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) is another medicinal mushroom that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. It is commonly referred to as the "mushroom of immortality" due to its long history of use for its health benefits. Reishi contains a variety of compounds, including triterpenoids and polysaccharides, which have been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. (5) In recent years, research has begun to explore the potential benefits of reishi for brain health.

One of the ways that reishi may support brain health is through its anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation is a big contributor to many neurodegenerative diseases. Reishi's anti-inflammatory properties may help to reduce inflammation in the brain and protect against these conditions. In addition, the triterpenoids in reishi have been shown to have neuroprotective effects that may help to prevent damage to brain cells. (6)

Another way that reishi may support brain health is through its potential to improve mood and reduce stress. Stress is a major contributor to many mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression. In a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, researchers found that reishi supplementation reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression in rats. (7) While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of reishi on mood in humans, these findings suggest that it may have potential as a natural treatment for these conditions.

Finally, reishi may also support brain health through its potential to improve cognitive function. In one study, researchers found that reishi extract improved memory and learning in mice with neurodegenerative diseases. (8) While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of reishi on cognitive function in humans, these findings suggest that it may have potential as a natural treatment for cognitive decline.

3. Cordyceps Mushroom

cordyceps

Cordyceps mushroom (Cordyceps sinensis) is a type of mushroom that grows on the larvae of certain insects. Cordyceps has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of ailments. This mushroom contains compounds that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as the potential to increase oxygen utilization and improve exercise performance. (9) Some research has suggested that cordyceps may have potential as a treatment for cognitive decline.

One way that cordyceps may support brain health is through its potential to improve oxygen utilization. Oxygen is essential for brain function, and decreased oxygen levels can lead to cognitive decline and other brain-related disorders. Cordyceps has been found to increase oxygen utilization in the body, which may help to improve brain function and prevent cognitive decline. (9)

In addition to its effects on oxygen utilization, cordyceps have been found to have neuroprotective effects. In one study, researchers found that cordyceps extract reduced oxidative stress and improved cognitive function in mice with neurodegenerative disease. Another study found that cordyceps extract protected against brain damage in rats with traumatic brain injury. (10)

Finally, cordyceps may also support brain health through its potential to improve exercise performance. Regular exercise has been found to have numerous benefits for brain health, including increased neuroplasticity and improved cognitive function. Cordyceps has been found to improve exercise performance by increasing oxygen utilization, reducing fatigue, and enhancing endurance. By improving exercise performance, cordyceps may indirectly support brain health by promoting regular exercise.

4. Chaga Mushroom

chaga

Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) is a medicinal mushroom that grows on birch trees in cold regions. It has been used for hundreds of years in traditional Russian and Scandinavian medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including inflammation and infections. Chaga contains a variety of compounds, including betulinic acid, polysaccharides, and antioxidants, which have been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. (11) In recent years, research has begun to explore the potential benefits of chaga for brain health.

One way that chaga may support brain health is through its potential to reduce oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a major contributor to many brain-related disorders. Chaga's antioxidant properties may help to reduce oxidative stress in the brain and protect against these conditions. In addition, the betulinic acid in chaga has been shown to have neuroprotective effects that may help to prevent damage to brain cells. (11)

In addition to its effects on oxidative stress, chaga has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects. Chronic inflammation is a significant contributor to a variety of brain-related disorders, and chaga's anti-inflammatory properties may help to reduce inflammation in the brain and protect against these conditions.

5. Agaricus Blazei

agaricus blazei

Agaricus blazei mushroom, also known as the "mushroom of the sun," is a medicinal mushroom that is native to Brazil but is now cultivated and used around the world for its health benefits. Agaricus blazei contains a variety of compounds, including beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and ergosterol, which have been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. (12) While Agaricus blazei is less well-known than some of the other medicinal mushrooms on this list, it has recently gained attention for its potential benefits for brain health.

One way that Agaricus blazei may support brain health is through its potential to reduce inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a major contributor to many brain-related disorders. Agaricus blazei's anti-inflammatory properties may help to reduce inflammation in the brain and protect against these conditions. In addition, the polysaccharides in Agaricus blazei have been found to have immunomodulatory effects, which may help to regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation. (12)

Another way that Agaricus blazei may support brain health is through its potential to improve immune function. The immune system plays a critical role in brain health, and a compromised immune system can lead to increased susceptibility to infections and inflammation. Agaricus blazei's beta-glucans have been found to enhance immune function, which may indirectly support brain health by improving overall health and reducing the risk of infections and inflammation. (12)

We at Zuma Nutrition are big fans of Agaricus blazei and have developed a unique Agaricus tonic that may support overall immune health and brain function.

Most Healthful Mushrooms for Brain Health

mushrooms for brain health

While the above five mushrooms have been studied for their potential brain health benefits, there are many other varieties of mushrooms that may also be healthful. Some additional mushrooms to consider include:

Maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa)
Turkey tail mushroom (Trametes versicolor)
Enoki mushroom (Flammulina velutipes)
Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus)
Shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes)

What Mushrooms to Eat for Brain Health

If you're looking to incorporate mushrooms into your diet for brain health, there are a variety of ways to do so. Some ideas include:

Add sliced mushrooms to your favorite salads or stir-fries.
Use mushrooms as a meat substitute in dishes such as burgers or tacos.
Make a mushroom-based soup or stew.
Use mushroom powder as a seasoning for meats or vegetables.
Incorporate mushroom extracts into your favorite smoothies or teas.
Supplement with medicinal mushrooms

When choosing mushrooms, it's important to select fresh, high-quality mushrooms. Look for mushrooms that are firm and have a slightly moist surface. Avoid mushrooms that are slimy or have a foul odor.

Summary

Mushrooms have the potential to support brain health due to their various compounds, such as antioxidants and nerve growth stimulators. The best mushrooms for brain health include lion's mane, reishi, cordyceps, chaga, and agaricus blazei, but there are many other varieties that may also be healthful. Incorporating mushrooms into your diet is easy and can be done in a variety of ways, making it a simple and delicious way to support your brain health.