13 Nov 2023
Four fantastic mushrooms for energy
An overview of medicinal mushrooms
If you already know a lot about medicinal mushrooms, feel free to skip this bit! But for those who are new to functional fungi, a quick introduction might be helpful. Then we’ll get into the specifics of the best mushrooms for energy and how to use them.
Medicinal mushrooms have been a staple of traditional medicine systems for generations. Basically, they’re specific species of fungi which practitioners believe have potent health-supporting properties that go beyond their nutritional value. And what’s exciting is that modern scientific research is finding evidence to back up those claims.
Some benefits of medicinal mushrooms are common to all varieties. As an example, all functional fungi are naturally rich in a type of soluble fiber called beta-glucans. These powerful polysaccharides help to enrich our gut health, immune system, and cardiovascular health. Meanwhile, individual secondary metabolites in different species – like cordycepin in cordyceps – give each fungi its own unique advantages.
This lets you choose the most appropriate shroom to suit your needs, whether that’s improving skin health or digestive health. Or, as we’re talking about today, selecting the most effective mushrooms for energy. So, without further ado, let’s explore which fungi can increase your vitality and how.
The best mushrooms for energy
Interestingly, it could be argued that all functional fungi can support healthy energy levels to some extent. For example, as adaptogens, they enable the mind and body to cope with physical and mental stress more effectively. Insomnia, low mood, and fatigue are all symptoms of chronic stress. As such, anything that decreases stress may help you feel more energized.
Likewise, as mentioned above, thanks to their high levels of beta-glucans, medicinal mushrooms have a positive effect on heart health. Because the cardiovascular system is vital for transporting oxygen around the body, keeping it in good condition can also increase energy.
Having said that, there are certain fungi which are especially beneficial for vitality. So, here are four of the best medicinal mushrooms for energy.
1. Cordyceps
The most famous of all mushrooms for energy is undoubtedly cordyceps. Several studies have found that the fungus is able to boost endurance and athletic performance in both animals and humans.
One reason cordyceps is among the best mushrooms for energy is that it improves the way the body uses oxygen. It can increase the production of a molecule called adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which helps transfer energy to our cells.(1)
This is supported by evidence suggesting that the mushroom could raise your VO2 max.(2) VO2 max is the maximum amount of oxygen that the body is able to use during exercise. The higher it is, the better your muscles can perform when working out. A high VO2 max also means you’re less likely to become fatigued. It’s even associated with greater longevity!(3)
Taking cordyceps powder might additionally make your body more efficient at clearing lactate from its cells.(4) Lactate is the ionized form of lactic acid, and builds up during anaerobic respiration (for example, during intense exercise). Too much of it may lead to lactate acidosis, causing muscle cramps, nausea, weakness, and exhaustion.
The best part is that you don’t have to be an exercise enthusiast to enjoy these benefits. Using cordyceps mushrooms for energy can reduce fatigue in people of all ages and fitness levels.
2. Shiitake
You’re probably no stranger to cooking with shiitake in the kitchen. But did you know it’s also one of the best mushrooms for energy?
Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine have long been using shiitake to enhance stamina and vitality. One of the main reasons the fungus can boost energy is because it’s rich in B vitamins. B vitamins have many vital roles to play, including helping to produce energy from the food we eat. Certain B vitamins are also involved in making red blood cells, which transport oxygen around the body.
Indeed, fatigue and weakness are both signs of a deficiency in B vitamins – as are problems with memory and concentration. Adding shiitake powder to your diet could therefore be a natural way to boost both your physical and mental vitality. No wonder it’s a good choice if you want to use mushrooms for energy!
3. Reishi
When it comes to using mushrooms for energy, there’s more than one way in which they can reduce fatigue. For instance, reishi takes a rather different approach by helping to increase relaxation.
Research suggests that reishi is able to reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.(5) Tiredness and lethargy are both common symptoms of these conditions. Therefore, if your lack of energy is related to mental health issues, reishi powder might be your best choice for tackling it. Studies have also found that taking reishi can decrease fatigue and improve our overall sense of wellbeing.(6)
In addition, evidence indicates that reishi could enhance both the quality and duration of your sleep.(7) This is partly because of valuable sterols and triterpenoids it contains, such as beta-sitosterol and ganoderic acid. Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial for feeling alert, motivated, and active. Consequently, reishi is one of the best mushrooms for energy if you struggle with insomnia.
4. Lion’s mane
Energy comes in many different forms, and lion’s mane is a fantastic choice for boosting your mental vigour.
Research suggests that lion’s mane is able to stimulate the growth of certain types of brain cells. This is because of specific bioactive compounds, such as erinacines and hericenones, within the fungi.(8) Studies have additionally discovered that the mushroom could protect the brain against cognitive decline and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s.(9)
All of which means that the fungi could be hugely beneficial for our cognitive health. This means lion’s mane powder is one of the best mushrooms for energy and focus.
Similar to reishi, lion’s mane can also significantly improve the symptoms of mood disorders such as depression.(10) This makes it another excellent choice if your fatigue is due to this kind of mental health condition.
