Beyond Beta-Glucans: Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Mushroom Products

When browsing through mushroom supplements, their beta-glucans levels are usually listed front and center. For years, beta-glucans have been the star of mushroom products, and for good reason. These compounds are associated with supporting a strong and healthy immune system, and various other functions throughout the body.

But when it comes to mushrooms, beta-glucans are just part of the story. Let’s take a closer look at the complex compounds found in mushrooms, and find out why you should look beyond beta-glucans for your whole-body wellness.

Understanding Beta-Glucans

Beta-glucans are a type of polysaccharide found in mushroom cell walls. Shown to have both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities, beta-glucans are also studied for their contributions to supporting and balancing a healthy immune system. They seem to be able to activate certain types of immune system cells, like macrophages and so-called killer cells, helping your body fight off attackers.

Clearly, beta-glucans are worthy of the attention they get. That’s why WholeSun Wellness has pioneered extraction techniques and testing standards which guarantee at least 35% beta-glucan levels In all of our mushroom fruiting body extracts.

The Complexity of Mushrooms

However, for all their benefits, beta-glucans are just one note in the symphony that is mushroom biology. Fungi are incredibly complex organisms, and they contain a wide array of active compounds in addition to beta-glucans. Focusing exclusively on any one of these other beneficial compounds may prevent you from enjoying the interaction and wide-ranging benefits that mushrooms can provide. Think of it like drinking a glass of orange juice vs. eating an orange. You’d be missing out on all the additional benefits of fiber, antioxidants and other nutrients found in whole foods.

The Pitfalls of Grain-Grown Mushrooms

Another reason to be wary of brands hyping up their beta-glucan levels is because they can be misleading. This is because many brands use commodity mushrooms, which are usually grown on grain rather than on the mushrooms’ native substrates. Grown on these starchy grains, the fruiting bodies absorb starches, which can appear as beta-glucans in lab tests. Some brands use this to their advantage, claiming high beta-glucan levels without disclosing their growing practices, or investing in the growing operations of their mushrooms.

WholeSun Wellness: A Commitment to Quality and Transparency

WholeSun Wellness was founded on the idea of moving beyond these standard practices, toward a more transparent and sustainable industry. Our mushrooms are carefully cultivated using organic practices, and we work with independent farmers to deliver the highest quality fruiting body extracts. And because our mushrooms are never grown on grain, the fruiting bodies develop not only high quantities of genuine beta-glucans, but also a full range of other beneficial compounds.

Beyond Beta-Glucans

1. Triterpenes: These compounds have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-modulating properties. They may help support cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, and enhance immune function.
   
2. Polyphenols: With antioxidant properties, polyphenols may help to combat the oxidative stress caused by free radicals they may also help to reduce inflammation and protect brain health and cognitive function as the body ages.
   
3. Ergosterol: A building block of vitamin D, ergosterol is converted into vitamin D by the body when exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D is critical to the body for bone health, immune function, and well-being in many other ways. To learn more about other beneficial compounds found in mushrooms, click here.

Conclusion

While beta-glucans play a vital role in mushroom supplements, they are just one piece of the puzzle. As a holistic-minded company, we believe that mushrooms are incredibly complex and diverse organisms, providing many various benefits best enjoyed with a holistic view.

By choosing mushroom products that prioritize diversity and quality, You can enjoy both beta-glucans and the many other active compounds found in mushroom fruiting bodies for your well-being.

Author: WholeSun Wellness