Answering your questions on mushrooms

We answer your most Googled questions on mushrooms

Discover the answers to your most googled questions on mushrooms right here in this article. We have looked-up your top curiosities surrounding functional mushrooms and have gathered some information about what they are, what they do, and so much more. Put your speculation to one side and find out why functional mushrooms are fast becoming a popular supplement.

Functional mushrooms are said to be packed with antioxidants and nutritional value. These mushrooms have been used for hundreds of years due to their medicinal properties and superfood benefits. Their rise in popularity is thanks to the intensive research conducted over the years and the increased demand for natural solutions to health.²

For a deeper dive head over to 5 of the best functional mushrooms – How do they work and what are their benefits?

2. What functional mushrooms are best for sleep?

The reishi mushroom has been used extensively for centuries to encourage a restful sleep cycle and non-REM sleep.³

Non-REM sleep is when you move from a light sleep into a deep sleep. This is when a person's brain activity, breathing, and heart rate slow down, body temperature drops, muscles relax, and eye movements stop.⁴

Check out our Reishi mushroom benefits article, to find out more about this marvellous mushroom.

Lion’s Mane, on the other hand, helps to improve sleep quality without making you drowsy. It is a safe nootropic that works to support sleep by calming the nervous system, reducing anxiety, and boosting mood.⁵

3. Do functional mushrooms really work?

Yes! Eastern medicine has made use of functional mushrooms for millennia, and Western medicine is finally catching up. New studies are proving that mushrooms’ alleged superpowers are likely real.

5. Is Ashwagandha a mushroom?

No. Ashwagandha is a small evergreen shrub that originates from parts of India, the Middle East and Africa.

6. What are the side effects of mushroom supplements?

Although mushroom supplements contain natural extracts and beneficial ingredients, there is still a chance of unwanted side effects. These can vary depending on the type of mushroom in the product.⁸ Side effects may consist of an upset stomach, dizziness, nausea, or discomfort.

8. What is lion’s mane?

Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a type of medicinal mushroom, which has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine. ¹¹

It’s a large, white, shaggy mushroom that resembles a full-grown lion’s mane, and while it’s not the prettiest fungus out there, people are mixing it into soups, brewing it into teas, taking it in tinctures, and swallowing it in capsule form, all in hopes of reaping its many potential health benefits.¹²

10. Do mushrooms remove toxins?

Scientists have identified more than 120 enzymes in the tissues of mushroom-forming fungi. These enzymes can break down toxic chemicals.¹⁴

Rachel Chatterton, Head of Food Development at H&B:

“Functional mushrooms… can help your body deal with stress. People are moving towards foods that multi-task - from helping to relieve stress, to helping with better sleep and relaxation, energy, and immunity.”

All about mushrooms

From the benefits of functional mushrooms to whether they are safe to consume, we sit down with Naomi, our Store Colleague and Wellness Expert and Alex, our Senior Nutritionist to talk through what this new wellness trend actually is...

Head to our YouTube channel to discover more videos like this! 

The final say

We hope we have ticked off a few of your curiosities and questions around functional mushrooms. From boosted immunity and energy levels to cognitive performance, sleep, and gut health – discover a mushroom for you… Plus they’re certainly safe for most people to use!