What Eating Mushroom Powder Does For Your Body

Superfoods have proven to be more than just a passing trend. From acai bowls to golden milk, they offer a variety of health benefits and we are here for all of them. The reishi mushroom is a superfood powerhouse that you may not have added into your diet just yet, but the science behind the mushroom's health advantages may have you mixing reishi powder into your smoothie.

According to Healthline, one of the most significant health effects the mushroom provides is strengthening your immune system. This works specifically by increasing the activity of natural killer cells, a type of white blood cell that fights infections throughout the body. Much of the research suggests that the immune boosting benefits are only seen in people who live with an illness, like cancer, with one study showing the mushroom can activate the immune system of those with colorectal cancer.

Another study of more than 4,000 breast cancer survivors revealed that 59 percent had reishi in their diets. A separate study shows that after 12 months of use, the mushroom decreased tumors in the large intestine by size and amount. Research involving multiple studies reports that the superfood can benefit cancer patients by helping fight the disease, improving their quality of life.

Reishi mushrooms are an adaptogen. Kimberly Snyder, C.N., and New York Times best-selling author of The Beauty Detox Solution, reports that adaptogens (which come from plants) can help fight stress, anxiety, and fatigue (via Daily Burn). She states, "Quite literally, adaptogens assist the body to "adapt" to physical and mental stress in various ways, so they are powerful inclusions into your diet for health and beauty." Some studies concur, finding that after four to eight weeks of supplementing with the mushroom, fatigue, anxiety, and depression were reduced (per Healthline). 

According to the Daily Burn, the reishi mushroom is also known as the "mushroom of immortality," and one study in the journal Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry suggests that the polysaccharides in the superfood may promote longevity. Registered holistic nutritionist Kate Allan tells Eat This, Not That!, "The fungi also have additional benefits, including strong antioxidant properties that protect our cells, the ability to increase energy and stamina, as well as balance hormones and blood sugar levels. They support overall healing."

While the benefits of the mushroom may have you running to your nearest health food store, there are certain people who should avoid reishi. These include anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, people with have low blood pressure, and those with blood disorders. When looking to add a new supplement to your routine, talking it over with you doctor first is always best.