Mushroom Supplements - Real Benefits or Pure Hype?
Functional mushrooms have been revered in traditional medicine for centuries, valued for their potent healing and cognitive-enhancing properties.
With the rise of modern wellness trends, are these supplements delivering real health benefits or just empty promises?
This guide helps you differentiate between genuinely beneficial mushroom supplements and ineffective powders.
We'll discuss:
● Why Most Mushroom Powders Are Just Hype (And How to Find the Real Deal)
● How to Identify Fake Mushroom Powders
● Unveiling the Power of Fruiting Body Extracts
● 10 Functional Mushrooms That Will Transform Your Health
● Why Nourishing Nutrients Stands Out
● Easy Ways to Include Mushroom Powder in Your Daily Routine
● The #1 Mistake You’re Making with Your Mushroom Supplement
Why Most Mushroom Powders Are Just Hype
Not all mushroom supplements are created equal.
Many brands use mycelium grown on grain, a root-like structure of the fungus that fuses with what it's growing on - like rice or oats.
The problem? The problem is that this method can lead to supplements that are mostly grain filler—sometimes up to 80%. That means you're getting less of the helpful mushroom compounds your body actually needs.
In other words, that "great deal" you think you're getting for a bigger bag of mushroom powder? Yeah, you probably aren't getting more mushroom powder for less. You're probably just getting extra grain.
Grain doesn’t provide the health benefits that mushrooms do. It just adds weight to the product.
Experts say that more than half of mushroom supplements on the market are affected by these fillers, which can trick people into thinking they’re getting something stronger than they really are.
At Nourishing Nutrients, we do things differently. Our organic mushroom powder is made from 100% fruiting bodies—the top part of the mushroom that grows above ground. This is the part that’s been used in herbal medicine for centuries and is backed by science for its health benefits.
Fruiting Bodies vs. Mycelium: What Does the Science Say?
Here’s what the research shows:
A peer-reviewed study published in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms examined 16 different mushroom species. It found that fruiting bodies generally had higher antioxidant activity and more total phenolic compounds than the cultured mycelia. These nutrients are important because they help protect your cells from damage caused by oxidative stress and support long-term health.
Mushrooms also contain key bioactive compounds, including:
Triterpenes – Natural anti-inflammatory agents that help reduce chronic inflammation, which is linked to many health issues.
Polysaccharides – Known for supporting immune health, boosting energy, and improving brain function and overall vitality.
A 2014 study published in Mycobiology examined ten different cultivars of Lentinula edodes (shiitake mushrooms) and measured the β-glucan content in both the fruiting bodies and the mycelia. The results showed that β-glucan levels were consistently higher in the fruiting bodies compared to the mycelia.
What Is Beta-D-Glucan and Why Is It Good for You?
Beta-D-glucan is a natural fiber found in mushrooms. It has the potential to support your body in a number of remarkable ways.
1. Supports Your Immune System
Beta-D-glucans can turn on your immune defenses. They attach to immune cells like macrophages, T-cells, and natural killer (NK) cells—helping your body fight off infections, viruses, and even abnormal cells. This boosts the production of important immune messengers like antibodies and interferons.
2. Helps Lower Cholesterol
Beta-D-glucans form a gel-like substance in your gut that reduces how much cholesterol your body absorbs. This helps your body get rid of excess cholesterol, which can support heart health.
P.S. Are you struggling with high cholesterol? You might also want to check out this article: The Truth About Citrus Bergamot. Could it be Nature's Answer to High Cholesterol?
3. Protects the Gut
Beta-D-glucans strengthen the lining of your intestines, making it more resistant to inflammation and ulcers. This is especially helpful for people with sensitive digestive systems or inflammatory gut issues.
4. Supports Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure
Beta-D-glucans have been shown to help manage high blood pressure and diabetes, likely by improving how your body processes sugar and reducing inflammation.
5. May Help Fight Cancer and Infections
Some studies show that beta-D-glucans can support the body in fighting cancer cells and infections, by enhancing immune response and reducing harmful inflammation.
Bottom line? Fruiting bodies have more β-glucans than mycelium, which means they can deliver the mushrooms full therapeutic potential. Anything less—and you’re likely paying for filler.
How to Identify Fake Mushroom Powders
High-quality mushroom supplements will clearly state their purity and sourcing.
Look specifically for:
- Labels that indicate “fruiting body extracts” (the part of the mushroom with most of the beneficial compounds) rather than mycelium (the fungus’ root-like structure that grows on grain), so you’re not consuming extra fillers.
- Certifications such as USDA Organic
- Transparency through third-party lab testing verifying purity and absence of
contaminants.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Fruiting Body Extract | Mycelium on Grain |
|---|---|---|
| Bioavailability | High | Low |
| Potency of Active Compounds | High | Low |
| Purity | 100% pure mushroom | Likely contains 80% grain fillers |
10 Functional Mushrooms That Will Transform Your Health
Here are ten of the most studied, well-supported functional mushrooms on the market*:
Lion’s Mane: Enhances cognitive function and nerve regeneration.
Reishi: Supports immune health and stress relief.
Chaga: Offers potent antioxidants and boosts immunity.
Cordyceps: Improves stamina and vitality.
Turkey Tail: Strengthens gut and immune system.
Maitake: Assists in regulating blood sugar and boosting immunity.
Shiitake: Enhances heart health.
Mesima: Known in some Eastern traditions for its robust support of healthy immune function and its potent antioxidants, which may help the body defend against chronic disease.
Wood Ear: Known for its high fiber content, supporting healthy digestion and potentially helping regulate cholesterol levels.
Oyster Mushroom: Provides essential nutrients and antioxidants.
That’s why Nourishing Nutrients has combined the power of ten of the most studied functional mushrooms into one effective supplement: Organic Mushroom Powder Superfood 10.
By using only the fruiting bodies of each mushroom and carefully extracting their beta-D-glucan content, this potent blend delivers targeted support for your immune system, brain, gut, and heart health.
If you're ready to say goodbye to brain fog, high cholesterol, and seasonal colds, try Organic Mushroom Powder Superfood 10 today.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Easy Ways to Include Mushroom Powder in Your Daily Routine
At Nourishing Nutrients, we believe healthy habits are best when they are simple and effective.
Here's how you can effortlessly incorporate Organic Mushroom Powder Superfood 10 into your daily wellness routine:
-
Smoothies and Shakes: Blend a 1/4 teaspoon of Organic Mushroom Powder Superfood 10 into your morning smoothie for enhanced nutrition.
- Coffee or Tea: Mix 1/4 teaspoon into hot beverages for a health boost. You won't even taste it! Check out how to make it here: Mushroom Coffee
- Hot Chocolate: Try this delicious Mushroom Hot Chocolate Recipe
P.S. Did you notice how little Organic Mushroom Powder Superfood 10 you actually need to make a big impact? That's right - when you have the real deal, a little goes a long way to helping you reach optimal health.
Why Nourishing Nutrients Stands Out
Customers trust Nourishing Nutrients because our mushroom powders undergo rigorous third-party testing, ensuring unmatched quality and effectiveness.
Because we use only pure, concentrated fruiting body extracts with no rice or grain fillers, each serving delivers maximum potency, giving you a higher concentration of beneficial compounds in every serving.
Additionally, most of our mushrooms are wild-harvested or grown in pristine forest
environments, ensuring their robust nutritional profiles and natural potency.
That, and the fact that our Organic Mushroom Powder Superfood 10 is USDA-Certified Organic means that it is truly one of a kind.
Our commitment to purity, transparency, and potency means you receive all the health benefits mushrooms offer without having to compromise your standards.
Your Health Deserves the Best
Choosing high-quality mushroom supplements like Nourishing Nutrients’ Organic Mushroom Powder Superfood 10 ensures maximum wellness benefits.
Don't waste your hard-earned money on things that don't work.
Ready to truly experience the power of functional mushrooms?
Order Your Premium USDA Certified Organic Mushroom Powder Superfood 10 Now.
As always, consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking any medications.
References
- Bak, W. C., Park, J. H., Park, Y. A., & Ka, K. H. (2014). Determination of glucan contents in the fruiting bodies and mycelia of Lentinula edodes cultivars. Mycobiology, 42(3), 301–304. https://doi.org/10.5941/MYCO.2014.42.3.301
- Prasad, R., Varshney, V., Harsh, N. S. K., & Kumar, M. (2016). Antioxidant capacity and total phenolics content of the fruiting bodies and submerged cultured mycelia of sixteen higher basidiomycetes mushrooms from India. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 17(10), 933–941. https://doi.org/10.1615/IntJMedMushrooms.v17.i10.30
- Yap, A. T., & Ng, M. L. (2003). Immunopotentiating properties of lentinan (1→3)-β-D-glucan extracted from culinary-medicinal shiitake mushroom. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 5, 19–39.
- Bernardshaw, S., Hetland, G., Grinde, B., & Johnson, E. (2006). An extract of the mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill protects against lethal septicemia in a mouse model of fecal peritonitis. Shock, 25(5), 420–425. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.shk.0000209526.58614.92
- Zeman, M., Nosálová, V., Bobek, P., Zakálová, M., & Černa, S. (2001). Changes of endogenous melatonin and protective effect of diet containing pleuran and extract of black elder in colonic inflammation in rats. Biologia (Bratislava), 56, 695–701.
- Kabir, Y., Yamaguchi, M., & Kimura, S. (1987). Effect of shiitake (Lentinus edodes) and maitake (Grifola frondosa) mushrooms on blood pressure and plasma lipids of spontaneously hypertensive rats. Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology (Tokyo), 33(5), 341–346. https://doi.org/10.3177/jnsv.33.341
- Lo, H. C., Tsai, F. A., Wasser, S. P., Yang, J. G., & Huang, B. M. (2006). Effects of ingested fruiting bodies, submerged culture biomass, and acidic polysaccharide glucuronoxylomannan of Tremella mesenterica on glycemic responses in normal and diabetic rats. Life Sciences, 78(18), 1957–1966. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2005.08.033
- Vetvicka, V., & Yvin, J.-C. (2004). Effects of marine β−1,3 glucan on immune reactions. International Immunopharmacology, 4(6), 721–730. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intimp.2004.02.007
