Medicinal Mushroom Use Cases
Medicinal Mushrooms Use Cases
Medicinal mushrooms are highly adaptable and can be utilized in various ways. They contain essential minerals, vitamins, and key components like polysaccharides, making them an excellent foundation for premium dietary supplements for both humans and animals. Moreover, they can be incorporated into foods and drinks to produce functional products with enhanced health benefits.
A few ways to incorporate functional mushrooms into daily use.
Explore some common applications for functional mushrooms listed below:
- As nutritional supplements (in forms like capsules, powders, tablets, or gummy treats)
- In energy drinks, coffee, or hot cocoa beverages
- In pre-made smoothies
- In non-alcoholic beverages
- In ground coffee or cocoa blends
- In protein powders or bars
- In chocolates
- In skincare products, such as hand creams or body lotions
This list isn’t comprehensive, but it highlights the diverse uses of medicinal mushrooms.
What are the benefits of incorporating medicinal mushrooms?
Every mushroom is packed with vital nutrients like vitamins B and C, iron, potassium, magnesium, and zinc. Medicinal mushrooms, however, go further, offering unique compounds exclusive to them, such as polysaccharides and beta-glucans, which are gaining attention for their potential health advantages through ongoing research.
Medicinal mushrooms also fit perfectly with today’s consumer focus on nutrition, health, and overall well-being. The demand for foods and drinks enriched with health-boosting ingredients is on the rise, alongside a growing preference for natural components. These trends show no signs of slowing down!
Which is more effective, mushroom extract or mushroom powder?
Should you opt for extract or powder as your dosage form? It hinges on how you plan to utilize the functional mushroom ingredients.
Employ powder for preventive purposes and extract for more targeted use.
Because of the production process, medicinal mushroom extract contains a higher concentration of polysaccharides compared to powder. While most vitamins and minerals are lost during extraction, they remain present in powder. Mushroom powder also boasts a relatively high protein content, sometimes exceeding 40 grams of protein per 100 grams, depending on the mushroom variety.
As a result, medicinal mushroom powder is commonly used as a preventive dietary supplement in mycotherapy*. The extract, being more potent, is better suited for directly addressing specific issues.
If you’re considering offering medicinal mushrooms as a dietary supplement, providing both forms is wise. Some individuals may prefer the milder powder, while others may benefit from the stronger effects of the extract.
*An alternative medicine discipline centered on using medicinal mushrooms for their therapeutic benefits.
Use extract if the product will be combined with a liquid
As a general guideline, when a medicinal mushroom product will be mixed with water or other liquids, an extract should be used. Extracts fully dissolve in water, making them suitable for use with cocoa powder, ground coffee, or in an energy drink, for instance. In contrast, mushroom powder doesn't fully dissolve in liquids and may clump together.
Coarse powder is only appropriate for use as a tea.
Coarse mushroom powder or meal is not ideal as a dietary supplement since the body has difficulty absorbing its components in that form. The finer the powder, the more efficiently the body can utilize it. That said, medicinal mushroom meal is quite suitable for preparing teas.
Other factors to keep in mind when using functional mushrooms
Mushroom raw materials are sensitive to moisture and should be kept dry.
Mushrooms absorb water easily, making both mushroom extract and powder prone to clumping in humid conditions. Even encapsulated forms can be affected, so airtight, moisture-resistant packaging and dry storage are essential. dditionally, we advise against using mushroom raw materials in high-temperature food preparation, as the heat releases moisture that could compromise the product. For example, adding mushroom powder to bread dough isn't recommended, since it's unclear whether its key compounds remain effective after prolonged baking. Further research is needed to confirm their stability under such conditions.
Mushroom extract does not dissolve in oil, making it unsuitable for oil-based products.
Extracts do not dissolve in fats or oils, which is an important consideration during product development. It's essential to think about how the final product will be used by the consumer.
The properties of medicinal mushrooms significantly impact their use
Understanding the characteristics of different medicinal mushrooms is crucial for selecting the most suitable species based on your specific needs.
For instance, reishi has a strong, bitter taste that’s hard to mask, making it less ideal for sweet products like drinks or protein powders. A better alternative in such cases would be Cordyceps or Lion’s Mane. Reishi, however, works well in ground coffee or dark chocolate.
It’s also important to consider how different mushrooms and their dosage forms interact with the body. While effects can vary from person to person, some mushrooms are calming, while others are energizing, and some may even help with allergies or promote hair growth.
The form of the mushroom can also impact its effects. For example, reishi powder can have a calming effect, whereas its extract might be more suited for energy-boosting products. Lion’s Mane powder can aid in digestive health, but its extract may enhance focus and help protect against stress.
The two charts below will give you a better idea of which mushroom works best for specific uses.