Science-Backed Functional Mushrooms: Top 10 Benefits in Mushroom Extract Powder

Functional Mushrooms - From Folklore to Lab

Functional mushrooms—and the mushroom extract and mushroom extract powder made from them—have moved from folklore to the laboratory. Peer-reviewed studies now show how these fungi can help the brain, heart, gut, and immune system. In this guide we explore ten of the most studied, well-supported functional mushrooms and explain why using the fruiting body vs mycelium matters, how beta-D-glucans are extracted, and what makes Nourishing Nutrients’ Organic Mushroom Powder Extract Superfood 10 blend different.

Why Fruiting Bodies Matter

Most mushroom nutrients are stored in the cap and stem—the fruiting body.

Studies comparing the two parts found that fruiting bodies hold more β-glucans, triterpenes, and total phenolics than cultured mycelium  [1][9]. These compounds are concentrated even further when turned into a high-quality mushroom extract powder.

 Mycelium grown on grain, by contrast, can be up to 80 % filler and far lower in active nutrients.

What Are Beta-D-Glucans?

Beta-D-glucans are natural fibers made of linked sugar units. When they are pulled out of mushrooms and turned into extract, they attach to your immune cells and “switch them on.” T

his wakes up important defenders—macrophages, natural-killer cells, and helper T-cells—so your body makes more germ-fighting proteins like antibodies and interferons [13][11].

Because Superfood 10 uses purified beta-D-glucans from fruiting bodies, one scoop gives you the same immune support as several grams of raw mushroom powder.

Top 10 Benefits of Organic Mushroom Powder Extract Superfood 10

Beyond delivering pure fruiting-body extracts rich in concentrated beta-D-glucans, every mushroom in the blend offers its own science-backed advantage.

Let’s look at each one.

Lion’s Mane Brain Health (Hericium erinaceus)

Lion’s Mane is often called the “brain mushroom” because it helps memory and nerve growth.

• A small human study found that Lion’s Mane mushroom extract improved mild memory problems [7].
  
  
• It boosts nerve growth factor (NGF), which helps damaged nerves heal.
  
  
• Tests on mice show better learning and calmer moods after taking Lion’s Mane.

Reishi Calm (Ganoderma lucidum)

Reishi is known for keeping the immune system balanced while promoting a sense of calm.

• Sugars in Reishi mushroom extract help control immune cells and reduce inflammation [12].
  
  
• As an adaptogen, Reishi may lower stress signals in animal studies.
  
  
• Compounds called triterpenes can help protect the liver and support healthy blood pressure.

Chaga Antioxidants (Inonotus obliquus)

Chaga is packed with natural compounds that protect your cells from damage.

• Lab tests show Chaga mushroom extract powder is very good at grabbing and neutralizing harmful “free radicals”  [8].
  
  
• Animal studies also find less cell damage after Chaga is added to their diet.
  
  
• Special substances called betulinic compounds, found in Chaga’s outer bark, may give the immune system extra support.

Cordyceps Stamina (Cordyceps militaris)

Cordyceps is known for boosting energy and helping the body use oxygen more efficiently.

• In a mouse study, Cordyceps mushroom extract let the animals run longer and grip harder [4].
  
  
• A 12-week human trial showed lower resting heart rates and higher VO₂ max, meaning better endurance [17].
  
  
• Its key compound, cordycepin, helps your cells make more ATP—the main fuel they use for steady energy.
  
  

Turkey Tail Gut Health (Trametes versicolor)

Turkey Tail is prized for two powerful immune-boosting sugars called PSP and PSK.

• Turkey Tail mushroom extract activates immune messengers (cytokines) through a pathway called toll-like receptor 4 [15].
  
  
• In cancer treatment, PSK has been used to help patients’ immune systems recover more quickly [15].
  
  
• Turkey Tail also supplies prebiotic fiber that feeds friendly gut bacteria, improving digestion [16].
  

Maitake Blood Sugar (Grifola frondosa)

Maitake can help control blood sugar and support the immune system.

• In a mouse study, Maitake mushroom extract powder lowered high blood sugar [14].
  
  
• A small human study hints that it may also improve how the body uses insulin.
  
  
• Maitake is rich in a compound called D-fraction, which is well known for strengthening immune defenses.

Shiitake Heart Health (Lentinula edodes)

Shiitake mushrooms help keep blood fats and blood vessels healthy.

• In one study, people who ate bars with Shiitake mushroom extract saw a 10 % drop in triglycerides after 66 days [18] .
  
  
• A special Shiitake compound called eritadenine may slow the body’s cholesterol production [5].
  
  
• Shiitake antioxidants boost glutathione—your body’s main “cleanup” molecule—and reduce harmful fat damage in the blood.
  

Mesima Immune Support (Phellinus linteus)

Mesima is a mushroom long used in Eastern herbal medicine to strengthen the immune system.

• A double-blind human study found that Mesima mushroom extract increased the activity of natural-killer cells, the body’s rapid-response immune defenders [6].
  
  
• Lab experiments show that Mesima’s natural sugars (polysaccharides) can slow the growth of tumor cells.
  
  
• Mesima is rich in antioxidants, which may help lower inflammation throughout the body.

Wood Ear Digestion (Auricularia auricula-judae)

Wood Ear mushrooms are rich in soluble fiber.

• In a mouse study, Wood Ear mushroom extract lowered total cholesterol and reduced early signs of artery buildup [2].
  
  
• The fiber adds bulk to your diet and feeds helpful gut bacteria, improving digestion.
  
  
• Wood Ear also contains antioxidants that may keep “bad” LDL cholesterol from being damaged.
  

Oyster Mushroom Nutrients (Pleurotus ostreatus)

Oyster mushrooms are packed with protein, B-vitamins, and important minerals.

• A human study found that Oyster mushroom extract lowered blood fats (triglycerides) and reduced damage to “bad” LDL cholesterol [3].
  
  
• They contain ergothioneine, a rare antioxidant that helps protect your cells.
  
  
• Like other functional mushrooms, Oyster mushrooms provide β-glucans that boost your immune system.
  

Bottom line: Superfood 10 unites ten of the most studied functional mushrooms—each in its most potent, fruiting-body form—to deliver targeted support for brain, heart, gut, energy, and immunity.*

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Unlock the Full Power of Functional Mushrooms—Pure Fruiting Bodies, Zero Fillers

Focusing on fruiting bodies ensures more active compounds and less grain filler.

Concentrated beta-D-glucans in each serving of our mushroom extract powder boost potency, offering science-backed support for brain, heart, gut, and immune health.

Nourishing Nutrients captures all these benefits in a single scoop of Organic Mushroom Powder Extract Superfood 10.

Ready to experience the difference?

[Shop Organic Mushroom Powder Superfood 10 now].

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FAQ: Your Mushroom Questions Answered

Q1. What makes Organic Mushroom Powder Superfood 10 different from other mushroom powders?

Nourishing Nutrients uses only the fruiting body—not grain-grown mycelium—and then concentrates its active compounds into a clean mushroom extract powder. Independent studies show that fruiting bodies carry more β-glucans, triterpenes, and phenolics than mycelium [1][9]. That means more science-backed benefits in every scoop.

Q2. Why is fruiting body vs mycelium such a big deal?

Mycelium grown on rice or oats can be up to 80 % grain filler. In contrast, pure fruiting-body extract delivers higher levels of antioxidants and beta-D-glucans—the key fibers that help your immune cells work better [13].

Q3. What does “beta-D-glucan extraction” mean?

After harvesting, the mushrooms are hot-water extracted, filtered, and dried into a powder rich in beta-D-glucans. Removing excess starch and fiber boosts potency, so a single serving of Superfood 10 equals several grams of raw mushrooms in immune-supporting power.

Q4. How does Lion’s Mane help with memory?

Lion’s Mane benefits come from hericenones and erinacines. Research shows these compounds increase nerve growth factor (NGF), which helps brain cells stay healthy and form new connections [7].

Q5. Can Reishi really ease stress?

Yes. Animal and small-scale human studies report that Reishi benefits include lower cortisol and calmer mood. Its triterpenes act as natural adaptogens, helping the body handle everyday stress [12].

Q6. Will Chaga support my immune system or is it just hype?

Not hype. Chaga antioxidants—especially polyphenols—neutralize free radicals and may boost cytokine activity, which helps your body fight germs [8].

Q7. How does Cordyceps improve stamina?

Cordycepin in Cordyceps stamina studies increases ATP production, the cell’s energy currency. Both animal tests and human trials report longer workout times and better oxygen use [4].

Q8. Is this blend good for gut health, too?

Yes. Turkey Tail gut health effects come from prebiotic polysaccharopeptides (PSP) that feed friendly gut bacteria and strengthen the intestinal barrier [16].

Q9. I watch my blood sugar—can I still take it?

Maitake’s D-fraction has been shown to support insulin sensitivity, making Maitake blood sugar balance another plus of Superfood 10 [14].. Always check with your healthcare provider first.

Q10. How do I use the mushroom extract powder?

Stir one scoop into coffee, tea, smoothies, or oatmeal. Heat-stable beta-glucans and antioxidants stay active in hot or cold drinks.

*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.

Consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or take medication.

References:

1. 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
2. Wu, L., Li, Y., Chen, S., Yang, Y., Tang, B., Weng, M., … Lai, P. (2024). Widely targeted lipidomics and microbiomics perspectives reveal the mechanism of Auricularia auricula polysaccharide’s effect on regulating glucolipid metabolism in high-fat-diet mice. Foods, 13(17), 2743. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13172743
3. Schneider, I., Kressel, G., Meyer, A., Krings, U., Berger, R. G., & Hahn, A. (2011). Lipid-lowering effects of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) in humans. Journal of Functional Foods, 3(1), 17–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2010.11.004
4. Song, J., Wang, Y., Teng, M., Cai, G., Xu, H., Guo, H., … Teng, L. (2015). Studies on the antifatigue activities of Cordyceps militaris fruit-body extract in a mouse model. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015, 174616. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/174616
5. 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
6. Ku, Y. H., Kang, J. H., & Lee, H. (2022). Effects of Phellinus linteus extract on immunity improvement: A CONSORT-randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Medicine, 101(34), e30226. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000030226
7. Mori, K., Obara, Y., Hirota, M., Azumi, Y., & Nakahata, N. (2009). Stimulating effect of Hericium erinaceus on nerve growth factor synthesis in rats. Phytotherapy Research, 23(3), 367–372. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2445
8. Park, Y. K., Lee, K. G., & Choi, Y. J. (2004). Antioxidant activity of Inonotus obliquus extracts. Biofactors, 21(1–4), 109–113. https://doi.org/10.1002/biof.552210125
9. 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
10. Dai, X., Stanilka, J. M., Rowe, C. A., Esteves, E. A., Nieves, C., Spaiser, S. J., … Percival, S. S. (2015). Consuming Lentinula edodes (shiitake) mushrooms daily improves human immunity: A randomized dietary intervention in healthy young adults. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 34(6), 478–487. https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2014.950391
11. 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
12. Zhong, Y., Tan, P., Lin, H., Zhang, D., Chen, X., Pang, J., & Mu, R. (2024). A review of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide: Preparations, structures, physicochemical properties and application. Foods, 13, 2665. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13172665
13. 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(1), 19–39.
14. Xiao, C., Wu, Q., Xie, Y., Zhang, J., & Tan, J. (2015). Hypoglycemic effects of Grifola frondosa (Maitake) polysaccharides F2 and F3 through improvement of insulin resistance in diabetic rats. Food & Function, 6(11), 3567–3575. https://doi.org/10.1039/C5FO00497G
15. Torkelson, C. J., Sweet, E., Martzen, M. R., et al. (2012). Phase 1 clinical trial of Trametes versicolor in women with breast cancer. Global Advances in Health and Medicine, 1(1), 18–27. https://doi.org/10.7453/gahmj.2012.1.1.004
16. Pallav, K., Dowd, S. E., Villafuerte, J., et al. (2014). Effects of polysaccharopeptide from Trametes versicolor on the gut microbiome of healthy volunteers: A randomized clinical trial. Gut Microbes, 5(4), 458–467. https://doi.org/10.4161/gmic.29558
17. Chen, S., Li, Z., Krochmal, R., Abrazado, M., Kim, W., & Cooper, C. B. (2010). Effect of Cs-4 (Cordyceps sinensis) on exercise performance in healthy older subjects: A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 16(5), 585–590. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2009.0227
18. Spim, S., Pistila, A., Pickler, T., Silva, M., & Grotto, D. (2021). Effects of shiitake culinary-medicinal mushroom Lentinus edodes (Agaricomycetes) bar on lipid and antioxidant profiles in borderline high-cholesterol individuals: Double-blind randomized clinical trial. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 23, Article e2021038773. https://doi.org/10.1615/IntJMedMushrooms.2021038773