Mushrooms come in a variety of shapes, colours, sizes and edibility. Some help, some kill and many add their umami flavour to our food.
We know mushrooms make for a delectable addition to any meal, but why are mushrooms so good for you? Mushrooms contain vital nutrients along with dietary fibre, protein and complex carbs. Eating them gives us the benefit of the goodness they contain including vitamins D and B, selenium and potassium, minerals, antioxidants, and other important micro-nutrients.
Niacin and Copper found in mushrooms promote the function of the nervous system and keep our nerves healthy. Poetic, really, as fungi are the nervous systems of the forest.
Mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, which helps reduce inflammation often found to be a prime suspect in neurodegeneration. Also, they’re one of the only non-animal sources of vitamin D, a component necessary for brain and neuron health.
Lion’s Mane is one variety of mushroom known to protect cognitive health. It stimulates nerve growth factor, a protein that promotes healthy brain cells. Lion’s Mane is a cognitive enhancer, and it helps creativity, motivation, and memory, as well as brain function.
Cordyceps mushrooms are reported to protect against Alzheimer’s as they prevent neuronal cell death and memory loss through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Cordyceps are known for improving memory and promoting healthy aging.
