What You Need to Know About Mushroom Extract Powders

What You Need to Know About Mushroom Extract Powders

Mushrooms are a staple of many people’s vegetable crispers. Easy to cook, versatile and so delicious, it’s not uncommon that you’ll find yourself eating them pretty often.

However, while you’re probably familiar with classic button mushrooms and portobello mushrooms that are easily found in your local supermarket, there are a lot more different kinds of mushrooms out there. And with that lots of different ways to eat them.

In fact, there are around 14,000 different species of mushrooms in the world. About 3,000 of these are edible. But, unless you’ve already dabbled in the superfoods and medicinal mushroom space, chances are you might struggle to name more the 5 different kinds of mushrooms.

Well, today, we’re going to shine a light on a few of our favourite mushroom species – ones that are considered super mushrooms – as well as talk about one of the most popular and simple ways you can add them to your diet.

So, keep reading if you want to learn more about mushroom extract powders.

What is mushroom extract powder?

A mushroom extract powder is a concentrated supplement that is made by dehydrating mushrooms and grinding them up into a fine powder.

Once the dehydrated mushrooms are in powder form, the aim is to extract the most beneficial compounds from the mushrooms. This is done by processing the mushrooms in a water or a mix of water and alcohol, kind of like making a cup of tea. This liquid is then flitered and evaporated to leave behind the concentrated mushroom powder.

The mushroom extract powder is then able to be used in this loose powder form or made into pills or capsules.

What is mushroom extract powder used for?

Mushroom extract powder is often used as a way for a person to gain the health benefits of eating mushrooms, without having to eat a huge number of mushrooms in the process.

The way the mushrooms extract is created ensures that the best compounds are more bioavailable, making the powder a more concentrated form of mushroom than the original mushroom.

There are many different benefits associated with mushroom extracts, including:

  • Increased energy levels
  • Improved moods
  • Immune boosting properties
  • Anti-inflammatory properties
  • Potential boost of cognitive health and function
  • Improved gut health

The above list is only some of the potential health benefits of mushrooms. Depending on the mushroom species in your extract, there could be other potential health benefits of these too.

What kinds of mushroom extracts are there?

Mushroom extract powders can be made from using a single mushroom species at a time or a combination of mushroom species.

We offer powdered mushroom extracts of multiple mushroom species and single mushroom species. Some of these species include:

Lion’s Mane

The Lion’s Mane mushroom is named after its appearance and is one of the most well known of the super mushroom species. Lion’s mane has undergone countless studies to understand its potential health benefits, some of which include, improving digestive health, boosting mental function, and reducing oxidative stress in the body. You can learn more about Lion’s Mane here.

Chaga

While many of the super mushrooms on this list do not have the common appearance of a mushroom, the chaga mushroom is the one that definitely looks the least like a mushroom. Chaga mushroom grows on birch trees and actually looks like part of the tree has been burned. But the appearance shouldn’t put you off, because it is nutritionally very dense, containing amino acids, beta glucans, calcium, vitamins, minerals, and biotin. It is also considered to be a bit of a powerhouse when it comes to strengthening the immune system. You can learn more about chaga here.

Turkey Tail

When you see the turkey tail mushroom, you’ll easily understand just how it got its name. It looks so much like a turkey tail you would be forgiven for expecting to find a tiny turkey when you see one. The turkey tail mushroom is a symbol of longevity and spiritual attainment in Asian cultures. It is also said to improve the gut health and immune systems of those who ingest it. You can find out more about the turkey tail mushroom here.

Cordyceps

The cordyceps mushroom resembles dried orange peel and has been used in Tibetan medicine for many years to aid in the treatment of a wide variety of ailments. It has also been associated with a wide range of potential health benefits, including anti-ageing properties, immune boosting abilities and may even help to improve athletic performance. If you want to find out more about cordyceps mushroom, follow the link here.

Reishi

Native to Asia, the Reishi mushroom is widely celebrated in Chinese culture, and even nicknamed the “Ling Zei” which means the mushroom of immortality. In Western cultures, the reishi mushroom has been studied by medical professionals with potential health benefits identified, like strengthening the immune system and improving moods. You can find out more about the Reishi mushroom here

Agaricon

A slow-growing mushroom species, the agaricon is one of the lesser-known super mushroom species. It is native to central and eastern Europe, as well as North America. The agaricon is said to have antimicrobial properties and is thought to help with managing blood sugar levels and respiratory health too. You can learn more about the agaricon mushroom here.

Maitake

The maitake mushroom is quite rich in antioxidants, as well as copper, beta-glucans, vitamins, and amino acid, which can help to improve vitality and have great effects on the gut health of those who take it. Maitake means dancing mushroom in Japanese, and it is said that it got its name after the founders of the mushroom danced with joy upon finding it. Learn more about the maitake mushroom here.

How can you use mushroom extract powders?

You can use mushroom extract powder in lots of different ways. Some of our favourites include:

  • Creating a mushroom powder tea elixir by adding it to hot water or warm milk/mylk
  • Mixing a scoop of mushroom powder with a coffee
  • Blending it up in a smoothie
  • Adding it to everyday foods. You can mix in with salad dressings, add to baking recipes, or basically any meal you make.

If you’re worried about how well your culinary skills will mix with your mushroom extract, you can also opt to take your mushroom extract in capsule form! Or you can check out some our favourite super mushroom recipes here.

How do I know which mushroom extract to choose?

There are plenty of options out there when it comes to mushroom extracts. The most important thing to look for is the quality. Make sure you choose to buy your mushroom extract powder from a reputable superfood’s specialist – like us here at Superfoods Australia.

We offer a lot of information about our mushroom powder extracts, including where they are made, and the various health benefits associated with them. You can check out entire superfoods mushroom range here.

You can always get in touch with our friendly team if you want a second opinion on which option to choose or if you have any questions.

Choose Superfoods Australia for Australia’s Best Mushroom Extract Powder

If you’re ready to give mushroom extract powder a go, then you’re already in the right place. We not only have a huge range of mushroom extracts available, but we also ship fast and free Australia-wide!

We also offer lots of other incredible organic superfoods too. Check out our entire range here.