I love the study of mushrooms - mycology. If there is one person in the world you need to follow is Paul Stamets from Olympia Washington . Paul is one of the few individuals in the world who knows about mushrooms. His company Host Defense is the premier mushroom company. I have attended many of his workshops in Washington as well as had the pleasure of hearing him discuss as a keynote speaker his book, Mycellium Running I regularly take two of his mushroom products.
Lion’s mane mushroom ( it looks like a mane of a lion ) is a nootropic food that is very popular in traditional Chinese medicine. I do like the taste of this mushroom Current research suggests a truly impressive list of benefits. These mushrooms are rich in oligosaccharides, which can have antioxidative and antitumor activities in many areas of the body, such as the cardiovascular system and digestive tract. IThe studies and research involved with this mushroom and Alzheimer’s is impressive. I take 2 caps of Lion’s Mane daily
One of the other mushrooms I enjoy eating and reading about is Turkey Tail . Turkey tail is a potent medicinal mushroom that has been considered a valuable remedy for thousands of years. Rich in antioxidants, they promote a healthy inflammation response and may protect against oxidative stress. Turkey tail also contains polysaccharopeptides (PSK & PSP), which are carbohydrates that promote immune response by activating and deactivating certain types of immune cells. PSK stimulates dendritic cells, which promote an immunity to toxins. Additionally, PSK may increase proliferation of T and B cells, which go after pathogens and cancerous tumors. Turkey tail is also a source of prebiotics, which nourish helpful bacteria in the gut microbiome. I give this mushroom to many of my cancer patients. I find it very useful. The research and studies published re phenomenal .
There are many othert mushrooms to read about as Shitake, Reishi and Maitake.