You might consume mushrooms as a vegetable, but have you ever tried drinking mushrooms? Though you've probably noticed the mushroom tea or coffee trend if you follow celebrities and health influencers on social media. Read on to learn all about it.
What Exactly Is Mushroom Tea?
Mushroom tea is more of a supplement than a beverage. Typically, it is a powdered mushroom extract combined with tea, such as green tea. If tea isn't your thing, you can get a mushroom-coffee combination as well.
According to the Chicago Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, chaga, and reishi are chosen to make mushroom tea because they are adaptogens. Adaptogens are herbs that help your body adjust to stress.
Moreover, adaptogens function by calming the central nervous system and modulating its response to cortisol, a stress hormone. They are regarded to be particularly beneficial for external, environmental, and emotional stress.
Also read: International Tea Day 2022: 7 Teas To Try This Winter
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Health Benefits Of Mushroom Tea
Fresh mushrooms are substantial in antioxidants and fibre. When exposed to sunshine or UV radiation, they are a good source of vitamin D. Previous study indicates that antioxidants play a rolein preventing chronic disease. For example, a study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders in 2021 discovered that eating mushrooms may reduce a person's risk of developing depression.
According to the National Institutes of Health, their fibre helps you stay full, and their vitamin D helps keeping your bones and immune system strong, among other benefits.
Aids In Cancer Treatment
Although this sounds like an incredible promise (and if you don't like mushrooms, it might make you want to start), the research published in Heliyon in 2016 that suggests mushroom extracts may have cancer-fighting potential as the trial on animals in a laboratory has indicated. — The trial hasn’t been done on human. As a result, it is far too early to draw conclusions; human trials must yet be undertaken.
Helps with Blood Sugar Control
Mushrooms such as reishi and chaga should be hyped for their ability to aid in blood sugar control and liver health.
However, the research that demonstrates the association were conducted mostly on animals and in laboratory settings. For example, according to a 2018 study published in the Journal of Functional Foods, mushrooms may improve the gut bacteria of mice and aid with blood sugar management in the liver.
Also read: Green Tea Extract May Cause Liver Damage: Study
Enhances Your Gut Microbiome
While probiotic-rich foods like kimchi and sauerkraut are well-known for their health advantages, prebiotic meals are just as vital for keeping a healthy gut. So, what exactly are prebiotics? According to the Mayo Clinic, prebiotics serve as "fertilizer" in your gut, nourishing the good bacteria (aka probiotics) and allowing them to proliferate.
Strengthen Your Immune System
Mushroom cell walls contain beta-glucans, a polysaccharide-based soluble fibre. Beta-glucans are potent immunomodulators that promote normal immunological function. To enhance your body's natural immune system, make turkey tail tea by combining a teaspoon of high-quality, whole mushroom powder with boiling water.
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