Boost Your Immune System with Functional Mushroom Superfoods!

1. Reishi

This mushroom contains bio-components whose effects may reverse many factors of immune senescence, which is the gradual deterioration of the immune system due to aging. Reishi enhances the innate immune cells.

It contains constituents such as polysaccharides, which stimulate macrophages (these guys recognize and gobble up foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses, and harmful fungi). They also help reduce the allergic reaction while strengthening digestive organs, protect the gut lining, lower inflammation, inhibit histamine release, and improve oxygen utilization and liver function.

Other benefits: 

• Prevents abnormal blood vessel formation
• Reduces risk of cognitive disorders (boosts concentration & focus)
• Lowers cholesterol
• Reduces the risk of chronic diseases and premature aging
• Effective in treating arthritis or gout
• Help prevent and treat cancer
• Detoxifies the body and boosts energy levels
• Relieves chronic respiratory conditions

All of the above items are usually associated with a compromised immune system.

(Note: Mushrooms can help boost your immune system but so can Sunwarrior's Immune Shield. Treat and protect your body! Learn more here.)

2. Chaga

Much like it’s relative Reishi, Chaga has a plethora of benefits apart from immunity. Due to a number of nutrients, it contains numerous B vitamins, flavonoids, phenols, and enzymes. It is also one of the world’s densest sources of pantothenic acid – a vitamin needed not only by the immune system but by the adrenal glands that help us deal with stress, and shows some love to the digestive organs.

Chaga is high in wild-sourced minerals, particularly copper, calcium, potassium, manganese, zinc, and iron, all of which are necessary for maintaining optimal health. The real star of the show, however, is superoxide dismutase (SOD). Our body naturally produces this antioxidant enzyme which is a free radical scavenger acting as a “bodyguard” protecting against DNA damage and mutation, reducing the work needed from the immune system and therefore indirectly enhancing it.

Although Reishi showed an increased SOD by 1,400 units per gram, Chaga contained a staggering 35,000 units per gram. Take that, free radicals! Additionally, Chaga also helps to directly reduce inflammation in the body.

Other benefits:

• Contains Beta D-Glucans (like reishi) – also regulates and enhances the immune system
• Phytosterols – lowers cholesterol
• Melanin – high antioxidant potential
• Polyphenols – reduces free radicals and cardiovascular diseases
• Polysaccharides – anti-viral

3. Cordyceps

This mushroom is great for maintaining optimal immune function, increasing energy throughout the day, and as a pre-workout booster. It has been suggested that Cordyceps stimulates the immune system by increasing the number of white blood cells (WBCs)–the body’s first line of defense against various infections.

Apart from an increase of WBCs, it elevates T-helper cells, those natural killer cells, and macrophages, which we previously said manifest in response to increased cellular immunity fighting against infection, especially viral and fungal.

Cordyceps also have similar polysaccharides that fight against free radicals (remember SOD?) This mushroom also contains the ability to up-regulate the production of this amazing antioxidant along with another one called glutathione, which is also extremely powerful and beneficial against free radical damage as it helps detoxify the body.

Other benefits:

• Inhibits growth of cancer cells
• Anti-inflammatory by suppressing the production of COX-2, NFkB, and TNFa (molecules present in cancer)
• Inhibits metastasis and spreading of some cancers
• Helps those who already have cancer and take chemo to have less fatigue and pain
• Anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties which help protect infections in cancer patients and those who recently had surgery
• Effective in relaxing and opening breathing passages and used in the treatment of upper respiratory tracts, such as pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema, and tuberculosis

4. Lion’s Mane

Hericium Erinaceus is commonly known as Lion’s Mane due to its fur-like white appearance. Lion’s Mane is often used for a brain boost to help cognitive function and provide better mental clarity. The mushroom is packed with antioxidants that strengthen the immune system, similar to other medicinal mushrooms.

Lion’s Mane contains a unique property. It stimulates the production of bioprotein nerve growth factor (NFG) and myelin. Myelin is the insulation surrounding nerve fibers. Both myelin and NFG are vital for brain health. Research suggests that an imbalance in them can contribute to brain disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis.

Other benefits:

• Improve memory
• Increase concentration
• Ease anxiety and irritability

5. Oyster Mushrooms

Oyster mushrooms are not only delicious but have a lot of health benefits. The oyster mushroom family contains several species. The traditional oyster mushroom known as Pleurotus ostreatus is the one you’re most likely to find in the grocery store. Other types of oyster mushrooms include king oyster, pink oyster, pearl oyster, and blue oyster.

Initial in-vitro research shows that the polysaccharides in Pleurotus ostreatus mushrooms, a type of oyster mushroom, inhibits natural killer cells in lung and breast cancer cells.  

Oyster mushrooms are great for overall health and the immune system as they are packed with antioxidants, vitamin D, and iron. Like other medicinal mushrooms, oyster mushrooms contain beta-glucans which is one of the best foods on the planet for protecting your immune system against both long and short-term illnesses.

Other benefits:

• Build strong bones
• Lower blood pressure
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Protect against cardiovascular disease

6. Shiitake  

Traditionally, shiitake mushrooms have been used to treat ailments like the common cold. A four-week clinical trial found that shiitake mushroom intake was associated with positive changes in various immune compounds. It’s thought that these changes may support improvements in gut health and anti-inflammatory response. As with other medicinal mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms contain anti-cancer properties.

Other benefits:

• May support heart health
• Antibacterial and antiviral effects
• Strengthen bones  

7. Maitake

Maitake is a medicinal and culinary mushroom. Research suggests it has anti-cancer properties and immune-boosting effects. One of the main components of maitake mushrooms, proteoglycan, is associated with immune-stimulating effects.

Maitake mushrooms are a type of adaptogen. Adaptogens help the body to fight any physical or mental difficulties. They also help to rebalance systems in the body that are out of sync. Generally, this type of mushroom has an overall positive effect on the immune system as it is rich in antioxidants, beta-glucans, vitamins B and C, and fiber.

Other benefits:

• May lower cholesterol and blood pressure
• May support weight loss
• Combat tumors

8. Turkey Tail

The turkey tail mushroom gets its name from its brown rings on the surface, similar to the tail feathers of a turkey. Traditionally, turkey tail mushrooms have been used to treat fungal infections and cancer. It contains powerful antioxidants that help support the immune system and fight off colds and infection.

Keeping a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut is associated with a strong immune system. Research suggests that turkey tail mushrooms may enhance gut health as it contains prebiotics that feed and nourish the good bacteria in your gut.

Turkey tail mushrooms contain Polysaccharide Peptide (PSP), a type of immune-boosting compound. In an eight-week study, participants consumed 3,600 mg of PSP extracted from turkey tail mushrooms every day. Researchers observed beneficial changes in the gut that suppressed harmful bacteria in the gut like E. coli and Shigella bacteria. These types of bacteria can cause health problems like diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.  

Other benefits:

• Reduce inflammation
• May improve athletic performance
• Antibacterial properties
• May improve insulin resistance

9. King Trumpet

This species of mushrooms contains an excellent source of riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, copper, and dietary fiber, as well as a high amount of protein, thiamin, vitamin B6, iron, magnesium, and zinc.

King oyster mushrooms contain β glucans which act as a hypoglycemic agent which improves insulin resistance and subsequent decrease in blood glucose levels. Β-glucan increases natural killer cell activity and act as an immune enhancer that enables patients to rebuild their own immune system by activating humoral and cellular immunity

Due to the king trumpet’s high source of protein, these superfoods are great to include in a vegan or vegetarian diet. King trumpet mushrooms are also considered to be a low-carb species.

Other Benefits:

• Improve gut health
• Immunity booster
• Lowers cholesterol
• Reduce toxic aflatoxin
• Manage diabetes

10. Agaricus Blazei

Agaricus Blazei Murill was discovered a few decades ago when researchers observed an incredibly low rate of geriatric diseases as well low cancer incidence of inhabitants in the mountain region known as Piedade near Sao Paulo State, Brazil. The inhabitants’ regular diet of its local mushroom they known as Cogmelo de Deus “Mushroom of God '' or Agaricus Blazei Murill was discovered to have an amazing immune enhancing effect on the body. Compared to other edible medicinal mushrooms, Agaricus Blazei Murill have discovered to contain the highest concentration of polysaccharides, Beta 1,3-D Glucan, Beta 1,6-D Glucan, ergosterols ( Provitamin D ), linoleic acid, palmitorenic acid, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12.   The beta-glucan polysaccharides serve a natural purpose in defending the Agaricus blazei from invasive organisms. By the same token, they can be used medicinally by humans in order to fight against both viral and bacterial infections. All of which help keep the body in homeostasis and keep the immune system healthy.

Other Benefits:

• Immune System Support
• Antiviral and Antibacterial
• Weight Loss
• Inflammation
• Liver Function

Now you have a better idea of how your immune system works and some new superfood mushrooms you can add into the mix that can enhance its performance.

To incorporate more mushrooms into your diet, head to your local farmer’s market or grocery store to see what’s available locally. If you want to benefit from the immune-boosting properties of mushroom superfoods, you can try adding a supplement to your diet like Sunwarrior’s new meal replacement solution, Lean Meal.

The meal replacement provides essential vitamins, minerals, and energy needed to power through your day. Plant-based Lean Meal comes in three different flavors: salted caramel, snickerdoodle, and chocolate. With organic green coffee beans for energy and probiotics from soil-based organisms to support gut health, create a delicious smoothie on-the-go or at home.

Related: What Are Probiotics, How They Work, And Their Benefits

Lean Meal also contains:

• MCT oil
• Organic cinnamon
• Kelp, fruit, and veggies
• Marine algae
• Fiber
• B12
• Lychee fruit extract

Lean Meal is an easy way to add more superfoods like medicinal mushrooms into your diet.

When it comes to your immune system, mushrooms are truly magnificent life forms. They are powerful in ensuring detoxification of toxins in the body and allowing your immune systems to operate at its highest echelon.

Having an immune system firing on all cylinders prevents the occurrence of sickness while fighting off various infections and pathogens. Utilizing these mushrooms will give you a considerable upper hand during cold and flu season leaving you healthier to do the activities you love with the people you love.

Up Next:

• Portobello Mushroom Curry
• 45 Super-foods You Should be Eating
• Beta-Glucans: Immune Boosting and Heart Healthy Fiber
• The Health Benefits of Mushrooms
• Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe 

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on October 4, 2017 and has been updated for quality and relevancy.