We’re big fans of reishi mushrooms. These nutritional powerhouses have so many amazing health benefits! When we first saw Made With Raw love using them in their chocolates we knew we had to know more! We asked co-founder and nutritionist Tahlia (check out our interview with her here) to tell us a little more about these superfoods…
When it comes to mushrooms there is so much more to this family than what you’ll find in the traditional supermarket. Whilst we love mushrooms in our stirfry’s for some added protein and minerals, we also look to the more medicinal members of the mushroom family when it comes to improving overall wellbeing and health. Enter Reishi Mushrooms…
If you’ve never heard of Reishi mushrooms then it’s about time you did. Reishi mushrooms are one of the most studied healing tonics in the world! It has been used medicinally for over 2,000 years. They are one of natures great healers which is why they are used so often in Chinese Medicine. They’re referred to as the King of mushrooms and for good reason!
Here’s 5 reasons why Reishi should be part of your diet:
1. They are an adaptogenic
Reishi mushroom works as an adaptogenic. Adapto-what, I hear you ask? This means they work to realign your body , to bring back homeostasis. For example , if you take Reishi at night ( great time to take it ) and your body is needing rest and repair more on this day, it will actually make you feel more tired, therefore you rest earlier and give your body what it needs to return back to homeostasis.
2. Extremely high in antioxidants
These mushrooms are full of antioxidants, which protect the body from negative free radicals. These strengthen the bodies defense against cancer, autoimmune diseases, heart diseases, allergies and more.
3. Great for your immune system
They are an incredible immune system booster . By strengthening your immune system you can decrease your chance of contracting a cold, flu , infection and even cancer.
4. Stress relief
Great for stress relief and/or management. The adaptogenic properties of Reishi decrease cellular sensitivity to stress, which majority of us know about :S When scrolling through the benefits of Reishi, stress management is generally one of the top points and in the world we live in, it’s great we have something like reishi to combine with yoga and meditation 🙂
5. Anti inflamatory
Reishi mushroms are anti inflammatory, which is great for anyone, especially those with any kind of illness/ sickness, but also for those wanting to be in superior health. It does this by decreasing any inflammation in your body
The best ways to take Reishi and any medicinal mushrooms for that matter, are with another medicinal mushroom and with a carrier oil ( such as coconut ) and cacao. The carrier oil and cacao actually aid in the delivery of the reishi to your system. You’ll find Reshi is the star of our Immuni Shroom raw chocolate, what better way to enjoy this superfood mushroom than in some chocolate!
About Tahlia