As far back as ancient Egyptian times, people have heralded the mushroom for its medicinal properties and its ability to enhance human health, particularly the mushroom's benefit for the immune system. Although mushrooms sort of got pushed to the back burner in favor of pharmaceutical remedies that came along with the advent of modern medicine, in recent years we've witnessed a return to a more natural approach when it comes to shoring up health and even treating common ailments. Mushrooms are at the forefront of what has evolved into a superfood movement—and it's easy to see why. Let's look at the benefits offered by these mysterious little fungi in greater detail.
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Mushrooms – Not Just a Yummy Pizza ToppingAcross the globe, there are more than 2,000 varieties of edible mushrooms. Some of them are better known than others, and some are known not for their taste but for their value to human health. Chaga, Reishi and Lion's Mane are among the top varieties of mushrooms classified as "superfoods" due to their propensity to bolster human health. Researchers say that these four benefits of mushrooms are hard to ignore:
Increased antioxidant activity. Science tells us that free radicals make it easier for you to develop diseases or to fall ill. Mushrooms are high in antioxidants that can neutralize or reduce free radicals in the body. Reishi and Chaga mushrooms in particular are known for their high antioxidant content.
Brain health. Lion's mane, a mushroom once reserved only for royalty, may help keep your brain young and healthy. Researchers say that compounds found in Lion's Mane mushrooms can help to rejuvenate the brain's neurons.
There you have it! A few good reasons to make mushrooms part of your daily regimen for good health. And if you don't like the taste of mushrooms, don't worry. Powdered varieties are available. Blend them into a smoothie to make them more palatable and reap the same whole-body benefits.