Are mushrooms good for you?

They’ve been named one of the biggest wellness trends of 2024 – but are mushrooms really good for you? Let’s explore the benefits of functional fungi, and how you can easily add them to your diet…

So, are mushrooms healthy?

First, let’s cover the basics of mushrooms. They come in so many different shapes, sizes and colours, from the white, shaggy Lion’s Mane to the black, craggy Chaga. So, while the word ‘mushroom’ might make you think of the kind you find in the supermarket aisles, the type of fungi gaining traction may not look or taste as you’d expect. 

But, to answer the question, yes, mushrooms are good for you. They’re fat-free, low-sodium, low-calorie, and cholesterol-free. Plus, while the amounts vary from mushroom to mushroom, they also contain vitamins and minerals to give you a hit of nutrient-dense goodness. 

The benefits of mushrooms don’t stop there, though. Depending on the fungi you eat or enjoy as a supplement, they may hold the potential to support your immune system, brain health, quality of sleep and so much more. And that’s before we’ve talked about adaptogenic and nootropic mushrooms, which also carry their own set of benefits. Let’s take a closer look…

What are adaptogenic mushrooms?

Some of the most beneficial mushrooms you’ll hear about are considered adaptogens, which means they may help your body respond better to the effects of stress. We don’t just mean emotional stressors – although they are an important factor – but also physical stressors such as fatigue, or biological stressors like changes in hormones. 

Not all fungi are adaptogenic, but it’s thought that Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps and Chaga fit the criteria, with purported health benefits that go beyond the vitamins and minerals they contain.  

What are nootropic mushrooms?

Like adaptogenic mushrooms, nootropic mushrooms have benefits that extend beyond their nutritional value, so they give you a boost of vitamins and they’re thought to support cognitive function. The most popular nootropic mushrooms are Chaga, Cordyceps, Lion's Mane, Maitake and Reishi – all of which can be found in our Mushroom Complex Gummies.

How to add healthy mushrooms to your diet

Getting the health benefits of mushrooms isn’t as easy as adding them to your shopping list. Because there are so many, each with unique benefits, you’d be spending a lot of money and eating a lot of fungi. So, instead, we recommend taking a supplement that packs in a range of mushrooms. Our Mushroom Complex Gummies includes high doses of six functional fungi: Maitake, Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Cordyceps and Tremella.

Plus, they’re packed with Iodine, which contributes to normal cognitive and neurological function, as well as Vitamin B5 to reduce tiredness and fatigue. Chew two daily for a wellness boost that’s quick, easy and berry delicious.

What are the potential benefits of mushrooms?

Clinical research into the benefits of fungi is still in its early stages, and Cannaray does not make any medical claims about mushrooms. However, if you want to know how they’ve been used in ancient medicine or the benefits that scientists are exploring, here are just some of the ways they may contribute to your wellbeing…

Cognitive function

Take Lion’s Mane, for example. Also known as ‘the smart mushroom’, it’s been used in ancient medicine for centuries, and has proven particularly popular with Buddhist monks. They believe Lion’s Mane helps with memory and focus – two things they need during meditation. We’ve combined it with Iodine in the Mushroom Complex Gummies, which is also said to support cognitive function. Or, for an even higher dose of this nutrient-dense fungi, try the Lion’s Mane Wellness Gummies.

Stress balance

Adaptogenic mushrooms, such as Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps and Chaga, can help you in times of stress by purportedly restoring balance to your mind and body. The idea behind adaptogens is that they help your body adapt to your conditions – hence the name! – whether you’re navigating times of worry, a packed-out schedule or even pushing yourself through a gruelling workout. 

Immunity support

From Chaga to Cordyceps, a number of mushrooms have been studied for immunity-supporting powers and the results have, so far, proven promising. Because Chaga is packed with antioxidant polyphenols, it’s thought to fend off free radical damage. This is a key step in supporting the overall function of your immune system. Meanwhile, in an eight-week Korean study, Cordyceps was associated with increased activity of natural killer immune cells, which are called NK-cells. Reishi – AKA ‘the mushroom of mortality’ – has been under the microscope too, with studies hypothesising that the polysaccharides in this popular fungi may demonstrate prebiotic effects and increase levels of beneficial bacteria in the body.

Energy boost

When we talk about mushrooms that are believed to boost energy, the most famous is Cordyceps. Several studies have found that it may improve endurance and even support athletic performance. According to research, this is because it could hold the potential to increase the production of a molecule called adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which helps transfer energy to cells and, in turn, fuels the body. In our Mushroom Complex Gummies, we’ve harnessed this go-to fungi with Vitamin B5, which helps to reduce tiredness and fatigue for an AM pick-me-up.