6 Ways to Use Mushroom Powder Extracts

We humans have been using mushrooms for a long, long time. Our ancestors learned to identify, locate, and select just the right mushroom species for their needs. This practice is still going on today, as more people than ever are discovering ways to incorporate these organisms into their lives.

In this article, we’re going to discuss one of our favorite ways to score those mushroom benefits, which is through mushroom fruiting body extract powders.

We love these products because they are accessible and easy to use, so you can make these mushrooms a daily part of your family’s routine. We’re going to learn more about what goes into these mushroom powders and blends, and what to look for when you’re shopping.

We’ll list a few great mushrooms that make great extract powders, and the benefits you can expect to see and feel from using them.

We’ll show some creative ways to use these products, and finally, why the specific term “fruiting body extracts” is important in a sometimes-confusing shopping experience.

Ready to learn more about incredible mushroom extracts? Let’s get to it!

Mushroom Nutrition

Mushrooms are a great source of dietary fiber, protein, and carbohydrates. They are low in fat, calories, and sodium, making them a great choice for a healthy diet. Additionally, mushrooms are rich in vitamins B and D, which can help boost the immune system and prevent chronic diseases.

Fungi are such interesting organisms, but remain so little understood. Many people don’t know, for example, that fungi are not a plant or an animal, but instead are their own natural kingdom.

And as such a unique group of living organisms, they have unique benefits to match. They are a source of vegan protein and carbohydrates, while being low in fat, and total calories.

Mushrooms are also a strong source of hard-to-obtain nutrients like dietary fiber, and one of the few non-animal sources of vitamins like B12 and vitamin D. This makes them a must-have for vegans and vegetarians, or anyone looking to occasionally reduce their animal product consumption.

Benefits of Mushrooms

Several studies have shown that consuming mushrooms can have a positive impact on human health.

It is also important to mention that long before these studies were ever conducted, peer-reviewed, and published, indigenous wisdom recognized these benefits. It’s not hard to see why mushrooms and mushroom extracts have been a critical part of traditional medicines around the world.

Some of the potential benefits of consuming mushrooms include:

Immune function support*

Several mushroom species, including reishi and chaga, have been linked to supporting your body’s healthy immune response. From antioxidants to adaptogens, mushrooms are truly powerhouses of protection and support to your body.

Support for energy and recovery*

As one of the primary benefits recognized in traditional medicines, many species of fungi seem to support energy levels. And who doesn’t want to recover faster after a hike, a race, or just a day of hard work outside?

Cognitive function support*

In the world we’re living in, there’s a lot of demand placed on our attention spans, memory, and other cognitive aspects. Researchers are discovering that many mushrooms have positive cognitive benefits. Mushrooms like Lion’s Mane, reishi, and others can be a daily support for mood, and a sense of clarity.

Most Popular Mushrooms for Powder Extracts

Reishi

This mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) grows in Asia and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Reishi mushrooms are known for their immune-supporting properties and can also support liver function.

Lion’s Mane

Native to North America, Europe, and Asia, Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is known for their cognitive benefits and can support memory and concentration.

Chaga

This mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) grows in cold climates in North America and Russia. It is best known for its immune-boosting, antioxidant properties, making it a popular mushroom extract.

Six Ways to Use Mushroom Powder Extracts

Smoothies
Add some mushroom extracts to your morning smoothie for a nutritional lift. You might be surprised at just how much it doesn’t change the flavor of your favorite smoothie blends.

Coffee or Tea
Mushroom extracts can be added to coffee or tea, where their flavors are a natural fit. They are a great way to start your morning off on the right foot, and can provide sustained energy throughout the day.

Cooking
Mushroom powder extracts are an easy addition to lots of savory recipes, including soups, stews, and sauces. 

Baking
Mushroom powder extracts can even be added to baked goods. They can add a unique flavor and provide benefits to homemade bread, buns, and more.

Capsule Form
Mushroom powder extracts can be taken in capsule form for convenience. Capsules are easy to take and can be consumed at any time of day, like with your multivitamins and supplements.

Face Masks
Some mushroom powder extracts, such as Reishi mushroom, have skin-nourishing properties. We’ve heard from some of our buyers that they make a face mask that they swear by. These face masks can help improve the overall health and appearance of your skin from the inside out.

The Difference Between Mushroom Powder and Mushroom Extract

If you’ve ever wandered down this aisle at your local health store or supplement shop, you might be a bit overwhelmed. How can you tell one type of mushroom extract from another? Which is better, and why? 

It is helpful to know a bit about mushroom anatomy when deciding. What we know as mushrooms are actually just the fruiting body of the organism, like an apple on an apple tree.

Supporting the mushroom is a wide network of mycelium, which you can think of like the roots of a plant.

In basic terms, “mushroom powder” is made by grinding up whole, dried mushrooms into a fine powder. It contains all parts of the mushroom, including the mycelium, fruiting body, and spores. 

Mushroom extracts, on the other hand, are made by extracting the bioactive compounds from the mushroom using heat, allowing the tough mushroom structure to be broken down.

Conclusion

When shopping for mushroom supplements, it is important to look for mushroom extracts rather than mere mushroom powder. Mushroom extracts, while still available in powder form, are more effective at delivering the health benefits of mushrooms, and easier on the digestive system. 

You can learn more about what makes a great mushroom extract, and the steps WholeSun Wellness goes to to ensure our mushroom extracts are the best available at this page.

Author: stuart ordley