Benefits of Mushrooms in Your Diet & How to Use Them

The Science Behind Functional Mushrooms

There are more to mushrooms than what’s in your produce aisle at your local grocery store and frankly, the best mushrooms aren’t even sold at your grocery store, they’re usually found at Farmer’s Markets or special order services. 

What type of mushrooms am I talking about? The tik-tok viral ones; Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Reishi, and other adaptogenic mushrooms.

“Science is proving what herbalists have known all along,” shares Amanda Hester-Smith, an Ayurvedic & Naturopathic Practitioner, herbalist, and certified yoga instructor and founder at Balaveda. “from boosting brain function and immunity to enhancing energy and stress resilience, functional mushrooms like Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Chaga, and Cordyceps are packed with bioactive compounds that help the body thrive.”

Hester-Smith also explains the differences between two of the variants, Reishi and Cordyceps. “Reishi, known as the “mushroom of immortality”,helps regulate stress, sleep, and immune function. It’s packed with beta-glucans, which are incredible for immune health, and compounds called triterpenes that support calm and relaxation. Cordyceps is our secret weapon for natural, sustained energy”, continues Hester-Smith. “Studies show Cordyceps increases ATP production (your body’s energy currency) and improves VO₂ max, which means more oxygen in your blood and better endurance.” 

The Benefits of Mushrooms in Your Diet

Incorporating these mushrooms into your everyday routine is not as complicated as you’d think and actually quite tasty! “Unlike synthetic supplements, mushrooms are full-spectrum superfoods—meaning they don’t just contain one active ingredient. They have a whole ecosystem of beneficial compounds that work synergistically, making them more bioavailable and effective than isolated vitamins or lab-made energy boosters.” explains Hester-Smith.

Try switching out your coffee with Everyday Dose. Combining low-acidity coffee with functional mushrooms, collagen, and nootropics to support clean energy and gut health. With less caffeine and no jitters, it’s perfect for starting your day right. Using mushrooms like lion’s mane and chaga to enhance focus, immunity, and overall well-being, you can experience the benefits of mushrooms in your diet. These adaptogens are ideal for women looking to balance busy lifestyles with natural energy and cognitive support.

Try a morning wellness shot from Balaveda Adaptogen elixirs. Available in formulas such as Beauty, Immunity and Engery, these shots come in 2oz bottles offering you an organic superfood formulated with sustainable, adaptive energy and peak performance in mind. 

You can also incorporate mushrooms into your lifestyle by taking supplements such as Desert Harvest’s Turkey Tail Mushroom or Lion’s Mane- adding them into your morning or mid-day smoothies. 

Need a refreshing drink?  Ditch the sodas and elevate your thirst with FLOW. Reformulated functional beverage featuring Lion’s Mane adaptogenic mushrooms for the ultimate synergistic blend. Crafted to energize both  body and mind, FLOW delivers a  motivating, clear-headed, and uplifting boost – inspiring that sought-after “flow state.” 

Getting the benefits of mushrooms in your diet can actually be found outside of the kitchen. You can feed your skin mushrooms with House of GRŌ, a skincare and body care brand that harnesses the power of adaptogenic mushrooms to nourish, restore, and protect the skin. “Mushrooms are more closely related to humans than plants. Fungi and animals share common ancestors, which is part of why they interact with our bodies so well!” Hester-Smith also explains. “The largest living organism on Earth is a mushroom. A single honey fungus in Oregon spans over 3.8 miles underground.”

Functional Drinks for a Healthier Girls’ Night In

Ready for a Girls Night In sans the alcohol? Then High Ground Elixir, a functional sparkling water is on the menu. Experience enhanced mood with Lion’s Mane, stress relief with Reishi, increased energy with Cordyceps, immune support with Chaga, and improved digestion with Turkey Tail. This drink gives you a natural high while staying hydrated! 

So, what can mushrooms do that other supplements or medicines can’t?

 “The beauty of mushrooms is that they’re bio-intelligent & they work with your body rather than forcing a single effect. Instead of pushing your system in one direction, like pharmaceuticals, they help restore balance.” Hester-Smith explains.