Mushrooms usually don’t look very attractive. They are pale, grow in dark and damp places and they are also fungi. We don’t really have positive associations with that. That may make it even more special that mushrooms are just so tremendously healthy. For starters, mushrooms are low in calories and rich in protein and soluble fiber.

But medicinal mushrooms in particular stand out because of the large amount of powerful active substances. Research shows that they can contribute a lot to our health. Some balance blood sugar levels, support immunity, are good for the gut and can help protect against viruses, bacteria and even cancer. Below we take a closer look at these particular healthy substances in medicinal mushrooms.

1. Protein

Proteins are important building blocks for our bodies. They are necessary for the formation of all cells, of skin, muscles and bones. Proteins are constantly needed to create and renew cells. In addition, the body uses protein as a source of energy. Proteins are made up of amino acids, which are linked together. The body can make 13 amino acids itself. The other 9 you get from your diet. The latter are called essential amino acids. Medicinal mushrooms are rich in essential amino acids, such as Reishi, for example.

But not only in this do medicinal mushrooms excel. The proteins in these mushrooms have anti-cancer and immunomodulatory properties, research shows. The latter proteins are called FIPs (fungal immunomodulatory proteins). Certain proteins, lectins, can bind to oligosaccharides, recognizing different carbohydrates and proteoglycans. They can then respond to that in turn. They are involved in various biological activities, such as innate immunity and interaction between cells. So these proteins are very special and a good reason to use medicinal mushrooms.

2. Vitamins and minerals

Another reason medicinal mushrooms are rich in healthy substances is that they contain many vitamins and minerals. For example, they contain several B vitamins, such as vitamin B6 and B12. But they also contain other vitamins, such as D, E and A. One mineral important to the body is selenium, which plays a role in protecting cells from damage. Furthermore, mushrooms are rich in magnesium, copper, potassium, zinc and phosphorus. So medicinal mushrooms are a good source of vitamins and minerals.

3. Antioxidants

It’s a good idea to make sure you get enough antioxidants. Many people know that these substances are found in fruits and vegetables, but medicinal mushrooms are also rich in them. Antioxidants help protect the body from free radicals, which can damage cells and DNA. Antioxidants found in mushrooms include glutathione, selenium, ergothionein and polyphenols. Chaga is one of the medicinal mushrooms that is very rich in these healthy substances.

4. Polysaccharides

Polysaccharides are another reason why medicinal mushrooms can boost your health. These are chains of glucose that are also found in other plants. An example of these polysaccharides are beta-glucans, and they can have a positive effect on various processes in the body. They have an antioxidant effect, can help regulate the immune system and help protect nerves.

In particular, research shows that Lion’s Mane has much to contribute in this area. The active ingredients, hericenones and erinacins, can stimulate the body to produce more NGF (nerve growth factor). More research is still needed, but possibly Lion’s Mane can help repair nerve cells and support brain function as a result.

5. Terpenes

Medicinal mushrooms are also rich in terpenes. A subclass of these are the triterpenes. All the greenery around us makes terpenes, from trees and plants to mushrooms. Terpenes help plants protect themselves from insects, disease and foraging. They often give plants a distinctive smell and taste. Consider cannabis, for example, the strong smell it gives off is caused by terpenes.

But these healthy substances in medicinal mushrooms can do even more than that. They have immunomodulatory properties, have anti-inflammatory properties and function as antioxidants. Reishi in particular is notable for its large amount of triterpenes. These are mainly in the spores, which produce three times more triterpenes than the fruiting body.