Many of us live with the aches, pains, and changes that come with ageing. But could a potent Brazilian medicinal mushroom help us feel our best as the years go by? Let’s take a look.
If the body's busy dealing with things like inflammation, stress, repair, poor sleep, toxic emotions, how's it ever going to find time to heal?
... it can't.
So how do we support our bodies? How do we declutter the body's workload in order to support our health and metabolism?
The key is managing our bodies' energy!
Energy is everything. Our ability to stay in shape, feel younger, and live fuller lives comes from how much energy we have. But, if we don't have enough energy?
Fatigue and the signs of ageing can begin to creep up.
How we age is influenced by many things... Our diets play a big role in determining how well we age. And a key food we often overlook... are mushrooms!
Mushrooms (primarily basidiomycetous fungi) are popular and valuable foods. Low in calories, high in minerals, essential amino acids, vitamins and fibres... some are also traditionally regarded as medicinal mushrooms.
THE MUSHROOM OF THE GODS
One of the most potent species of mushroom is the Agaricus blazei Murrill (ABM). Originally native to Brazil, this powerful mushroom is known as ‘Cogumelo do Sol,' ‘Himematsutake,’ and our personal favourite, 'God's Mushroom.' Quickly, Agaricus blazei grew in popularity, eventually being cultivated in Japan as one of the most important edible and culinary-medicinal biotechnological species.
What sparked this medicinal mushroom mania? Anecdotes from all across the world associated Agaricus blazei with the common struggles of ageing. But, the research is where things get interesting...
BLAZEI GETS TO THE NUCLEUS OF THE PROBLEM
Compared to other macromolecules in the cell, DNA is a sensitive molecule, easily damaged by endogenous and environmental factors. That's right. Not only is the environment wreaking havoc on our body's DNA... our own BODIES can cause us harm. And this persistent, repeated DNA damage leads to genome instability.
In recent studies, Agaricus Blazei displayed higher ferric reduction power when compared to several combined medical mushrooms. The ferric reducing ability of plasma measures the antioxidant capacity of foods, beverages, and nutritional supplements containing polyphenols (such as mushrooms).
As well as boasting several antioxidant benefits, this mushroom has been studied as an antimutagen. As cells oxidise with age, they may also mutate in response to adverse environments or cell damage. Gene mutations and cell damage can cause several micronuclei to emerge. A micronucleus is a small nucleus that forms whenever a chromosome (or a fragment of a chromosome) is not incorporated properly during cell division. It usually is a sign of genotoxic events and chromosomal instability.
However, when pre-treated with several teas, the frequency of micronuclei in these mutated cells reduced 61.5 to 110.3% according to one study. The results indicate that the mushroom extracts were antimutagenic when tested in V79 cells in the laboratory.
BETA-GLUCANS AND IMMUNE SUPPORT
The Agaricus blazei mushroom contains special types of polysaccharides known as beta-glucans. Research is exploring how beta-glucans may interact with the immune system, including natural killer cells, which are part of the body's natural defences. These polysaccharides are among the most studied polysaccharides for immune health, given their potential to modulate the immune response.
Early reports showed that β-glucans functioned by stimulating host defence mechanisms, and researchers continue to explore their role in immune health.
Unlike most other natural products, purified β-1,3-glucans retain their bioactivity -- the ability to be absorbed by the body. This has permitted the characterisation of how β-1,3-glucans may work on a cellular and molecular level.
In following years, β-1,3/1,6-glucans became a new biological entity... so-called biologic response modifiers... studied for their potential as immunostimulants.
WHAT MAKES THIS MUSHROOM SPECIAL
In addition to the beta 1-3 glucan found in most medicinal mushrooms, the Agaricus blazei mushroom also contains a unique beta 1-6 glucan. Researchers are exploring whether this may relate to the immune-supporting, antioxidant, and antimutagenic properties documented in the published research.
For example, in one open test and double-blind cross-over test involving subjects with elevated blood pressure, researchers explored the effects of GABA-enriched Agaricus Blazei on blood pressure readings. Research in this area is ongoing, and Agaricus blazei is not a treatment for high blood pressure or any medical condition.
As well, several studies have explored protein-bound polysaccharides from Agaricus Blazei in relation to body weight and cholesterol levels over an 8-week period in female volunteers. These findings are preliminary and Agaricus blazei is not intended to treat weight or cholesterol conditions.
Could Agaricus Blazei Extract Australia be of interest to you? Speak with your doctor to find out how this mushroom can be incorporated into your diet. Then, CLICK HERE to receive some Superfoods Australia Agaricus Blazei Extract Powder, Tincture, or Capsules. Our semi-wild extract is packaged in a Miron Glass Jar for ease of use, to retain freshness, and to block visible light so you receive the most potent benefits with every 1/4 to 1/2 a teaspoon a day!
This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting a new supplement.
