If 2022 taught us anything this year, it’s that people are more intrigued than ever at what the best mushroom supplements can offer. In the pursuit of better health and mental function, mushroom supplements are fast becoming a go-to option for those unafraid to experiment with fungi.
We’re proud of the amount of different options we have on our site, but we understand that amount of choice can make it tricky to pinpoint which mushroom supplement is best for you. So taking into account what was most popular, what was most searched for, and what we personally think shone brightest this year, we’ve compiled a list of our 5 best mushroom supplements from 2022. But first...
Can mushroom supplements really offer health benefits?
In terms of whether mushrooms are good for you or not, spoiler alert – the results are pretty conclusive. The majority of edible mushrooms are nutritionally dense, low in calories, and taste divine. They tend to be high in:
- fibre
- potassium
- protein
- antioxidants
Their unusually high antioxidant count is especially noteworthy. It's even been posited that the presence of two of those antioxdiants – ergothioneine and glutathione – could have anti-aging potential.
But mushrooms have long been prized in various medicinal circles for benefits that go beyond nutrition. In recent years, modern science has committed to exploring the practical reality of those beliefs. This has resulted in an assortment of preliminary (yet very, very exciting) studies that have found evidence to suggest a number of potential health benefits across the broad taxonomy of ingestible fungi.
It's important to note that at this stage, potential is the key word – it's impossible to say definitively whether or not mushroom supplements can offer health benefits. But the data does seem to be heading that way, and in our humble, mycology-obsessed opinion, it's a matter of when, not if, that shift into something more concrete takes place.
Lion’s Mane
Fast becoming a superstar in the world of fungi, Lion’s Mane capsules have become a must-try for those interested in boosting cognition. One of the more well-researched mushrooms, various studies explore its potential to promote regrowth in neural areas of the brain, an extremely exciting proposition to those interested in staving off or even reversing certain types of brain cell degeneration.
Perfect for:
A boost in mental function, NGF stimulation
Lion's Mane (Hericium/Hou Tou Gu) Mushroom Capsules | 90 Capsules
Chaga
An antioxidant powerhouse, Chaga mushroom supplements saw increased attention this year. Its potential health benefits include, but are not limited to: immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic and anti-viral properties. It’s no surprise that interest in Chaga mushroom supplements peaked in the run-up to the colder seasons, but we still think it’s a great option all year round. Mushrooms for life, not just for Christmas, as they say.
Perfect for:
Anti-viral effects, immune system activation
Chaga (Bai Hua Rong/Inonotus obliquus) Mushroom Capsules | 90 Capsules
Reishi
Reishi mushroom supplements experienced a surge in popularity during 2022, becoming one of our top 5 most popular picks for the first time ever. It’s not hard to see why – Reishi has been used medicinally for centuries, and the appreciation of this vibrant mushroom seems to have reached new heights in the past year.
Perfect for:
Fighting fatigue, immunomodulation
Reishi (Ling Zhi/Ganoderma lucidum) Mushroom Capsules | 90 Capsules
Turkey Tail
The wonderfully-named Turkey Tail mushroom has some of the most robust scientific literature behind its potential medicinal uses. With possible immune-boosting properties and even the potential ability to improve survivability among those suffering from certain types of cancer, Turkey Tail supplements were an exciting option for those wanting to experiment with functional mushrooms this year.
Perfect for:
Immune system activation
Turkey Tail (Coriolus/Yun Zhi) Mushroom Capsules | 90 Capsules
Cordyceps
Cordyceps has a lot going for it, especially if 2022 is anything to go by. One of the most popular picks on our site and one of the most searched-for fungi on the web this year, it has an array of potential health benefits, including potential applications for treating exercise-induced fatigue.
Perfect for:
Anti-inflammation, boosting physical performance
Cordyceps (Dong Chong Xai Cao) Mushroom Capsules | 90 Capsules
Which mushroom supplements are best for me going into the year ahead?
That depends. If you’ve found a supplement plan that’s working well for you – don’t try and reinvent the formula! Conversely, if you find you’re struggling with your current picks, bear in mind that a prolonged, consistent dosing schedule is advised to ensure the highest chance of positive effects. For more on that, make sure to check out this blog.
Summary
It's been a great year for mushroom supplementation, as a previously fringe area of health optimisation saw its biggest boost in interest yet. There's never been a better time to start your journey with functional mushrooms if you haven't already.
All of the supplements mentioned above are great options if you're just starting out. But if you’re still feeling a bit daunted, don't hesitate to get in touch with us at info@mycologynutrition.com. We're always happy to talk 'shrooms.