7 Mushroom Benefits for Women: Uses for Health
Medicinal mushrooms are coming in hot. It seems like every day, there are new mushroom supplements to try — and of course, all of them claim to support health in different ways. But what are the best mushrooms to take, and what are their specific benefits?
These are especially important questions to ask for women since women and men tend to have different wellness focuses and health concerns. Read on to learn all about medicinal mushroom benefits for women, which mushrooms are best, and how to take mushroom supplements.
7 Mushroom Health Benefits for Women
Whether you’re new to the world of supplements or a certified health nut, you’ve probably heard at least a little bit about the potential health benefits of mushrooms. Some mushrooms have been used for centuries as part of Ayurvedic or Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Here are some ways those health benefits can specifically support women.
1. Supports Gut Health
Women tend to have more constipation and digestive upset than men do. While these issues are ultimately caused by slower gastric emptying and differences in hormones, supporting your gut can go a long way when it comes to encouraging healthy digestion.
Lion’s mane mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus) in particular are full of beta-glucans, a type of polysaccharide that acts like prebiotic fiber. This fiber is resistant to digestion and ferments in the large intestine and colon. Prebiotic fiber feeds probiotics and can support a balanced gut microbiome, which is important not just for digestion but also for mental health and nutrient absorption.
2. Encourages Immune Health
It’s no secret that female hormones rise and fall throughout their menstrual cycles — however, this fluctuation in hormones does a lot more than cause acne and mood swings. Rises in progesterone during the last half of the menstrual cycle (also called the luteal phase) can also cause women to be more susceptible to infections.
Luckily, there are certain mushrooms that can support immune function during this time. Turkey tail and chaga mushrooms have both been shown to support the immune system by encouraging the production of cytokines.
3. Supports Clear Thinking
When women begin to go through menopause, one of the most common symptoms is foggy thinking and mild cognitive impairment. This isn’t just subjective, either — there are tests that objectively show decreased mental performance.
Lion’s mane can support focus, mental clarity, and our ability to make and recall memories. Plus, this mushroom can support overall brain health thanks to erinacines, which are compounds that can support nerve growth in the brain.
4. Minimizes Feelings of Stress
According to the American Psychological Association, more women than men report feeling stressed (a whopping 43 percent to 33 percent). Unfortunately, stress can have far-reaching effects, even affecting our sleep and overall mental health.
Lion’s mane and reishi mushrooms can both have adaptogenic properties. These mushrooms can support mental well-being and encourage a balanced nervous system, which is especially important for busy moms who are used to being on the go.
5. Supports Hair, Skin, and Nail Health
Now, we know there are plenty of men out there who care deeply about their hair, skin, and nail health. However, women’s hair, skin, and nail health often tends to fluctuate with their hormonal cycles. This means that women may want some extra support during the second phase of their menstrual cycles.
Chaga mushroom contains melanin and antioxidants, which can support hair, skin, and nails. Free radical cell damage is one of the main causes of visible signs of aging. Chaga’s antioxidants are especially powerful, making it one of the best mushrooms for supporting a healthy appearance.
6. Encourages a Healthy Metabolism
Having a healthy metabolism is important for both men and women — in fact, it’s one of the keys to overall health. There are a few different markers for metabolic and heart health. These include blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure.
Cordyceps is a powerful functional mushroom species that can support all of these markers. It can also increase athletic performance, which is great for women who like to hit the gym. Chaga is another mushroom that may support healthy blood sugar levels.
7. Provides Vitamins
Lastly, there are several types of mushrooms that are great sources of different vitamins that can support overall health.
Some of the vitamins you can find in mushrooms include:
- Vitamin D: Maitake mushrooms and button mushrooms are high in vitamin D.
- Selenium: Portabella mushrooms are notably rich in selenium.
- Potassium: This mineral is commonly found in porcini and cremini mushrooms.
- Vitamin B: This vitamin is especially high in shiitake mushrooms.
Of course, the nutritional value of mushrooms can change depending on how it was grown and processed. If you really need to make sure you’re getting enough of a certain nutrient, working with a nutritionist, registered dietitian, or healthcare provider is your best bet.
How Can You Take Mushroom Supplements?
Sure, throwing some mushrooms in a soup or stir-fry might be delicious, but it’s not the best way to experience the benefits of mushrooms. Many of the helpful compounds that give mushrooms their benefits aren’t bioavailable on their own.
Instead, it’s important to properly extract the mushrooms to make sure these compounds are bioavailable. This is why it’s generally better to buy mushroom extracts than ground mushroom powders. Many mushrooms also work slowly over time, which is why consistency is key.
If remembering to take capsules or powders is hard for you, you may want to try our Mushroom Coffee+. This blend includes chaga and lion’s mane mushrooms, as well as collagen, L-theanine, and coffee extract to support your health without sacrificing the rich taste of your favorite cuppa. All you need to do is add hot water and enjoy your functional cup of joe!
The Bottom Line
Mushrooms are all the rage in the supplement world, but this isn’t just a phase. These mushrooms have actually been used for thousands of years to support gut health, encourage clear thinking, and minimize feelings of stress. These benefits can be specifically helpful for women.
When it comes to mushroom supplements, it’s important to look for the highest quality you can find. At Everyday Dose, we use only wood-grown, wild-harvested, 100 percent fruiting bodies in our extract powders. To discover the benefits for yourself, shop all of our mushroom blends today.
Sources:
Common Gastrointestinal (GI) Problems in Women | ACG
Immunomodulatory Activity of the Water Extract from Medicinal Mushroom Inonotus obliquus | PMC
Mayo Clinic Minute: Does menopause cause brain fog? | Mayo Clinic
5 Reasons to Consider Chaga Mushrooms | American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
