There is a new ‘superfood’ on the menu. In this article, Tia Byer interviews scientific adviser and regulatory compliance professional Damien Bové to find out more.
Mushrooms have been gaining huge traction in the wellness and nutrition sector recently and are fast emerging as the latest superfood.
With associated health benefits such as antibacterial and immune-stimulating properties, it’s no wonder that an evident spike in the consumption of mushrooms has been recorded over the past couple of years.
But what is the science behind the new fungal craze?
We asked Damien Bové, scientific adviser and founder of Adact Medical, a leading authority in analysis, testing, and compliance in health-related fields. Here is what he had to say:
We see a lot about trending food groups or ‘superfoods’ in the media and online, how would you define the term?
“There is no official or legal definition of a superfood, but it usually refers to foods that have a very high nutritional density, i.e. they offer maximum nutritional benefits for minimal calories.
They are usually packed with vitamins, minerals. Including superfoods as part of a healthy, balanced diet overall will create a ‘super diet’ for maximum health and dietary benefits.
Acai berries, blueberries, goji berries, tea, soybeans, garlic, turmeric, salmon, Brazil nuts and of course mushrooms are all examples of what we call superfoods.”
What is it with mushrooms in particular? Can you explain to us why this food item has gained such popularity recently?
“Increased research into the functional properties of mushrooms has led to them gaining traction in the wellness sector lately. Scientists are continually uncovering their health benefits, and this has created a spike in their consumption for health reasons.
They contain beta glucans, which are dietary fibres (natural polysaccharides) strongly linked to improving cholesterol levels, boosting heart health and supporting the human immune system. Mushrooms also have specific biomarkers giving specific benefits.
Their popularity surge may be recent, but the roots of their health associations go back much further. Mushrooms have been used in Eastern medicine for thousands of years.
There is Chinese medicinal text dating back to as early as 206 BC talking about Reishi mushrooms (named lingzhi in China) as having anti-aging properties and many Chinese herbal medicines incorporate mushrooms for their therapeutic advantages.
Mushrooms may not be the most attractive food on a plate but within those magical fungal caps lie health benefits including antibacterial and immune stimulating properties.”
Are certain types of mushrooms better for us than others?
“There are more than 10,000 different types of mushrooms, but they’re certainly not all good for us. Some of which are edible and others definitely aren’t.
Some non-edible mushrooms can even cause extreme illness, so it’s important to be very careful and know what you’re doing if you fancy a spot of woodland foraging.
Even within species there can be a significant difference in nutrient profile. Two types of mushrooms that have come to particular attention on the health radar are Lion’s Mane and Reishi.”
What are the health benefits associated with Lion’s Mane and Reishi mushrooms?
“Firstly, Lion’s Mane mushrooms are sometimes called ‘the smart mushroom’. They are full of natural nutrients such as erinacines and hericenones that support cognitive and neurological health.
Laboratory research has shown that this type of mushroom may improve recognition memory and very preliminary evidence suggests a possibility that Lion’s Mane mushrooms may reduce cognitive decline too.
They have also been shown to have an anti-inflammatory activity which may have a positive effect with health issues such as diabetes, heart disease and autoimmune conditions.
Lion’s Mane has also been shown to help lower cholesterol, reduce blood glucose and may have anti-Helicobacter pylori (H pylori is linked with stomach ulcers) effects.
There is also research that suggests that Lion’s Mane mushrooms may help boost the activity of the intestinal immune system. Those looking to tackle anxiety and depression might also look towards Lion’s Mane. More research is needed.
Reishi mushrooms rare mushrooms that grow at the base of deciduous trees and they are sometimes known as ‘the mushroom of immortality’. Reishi mushrooms contain polysaccharides, peptides, and triterpenoids, which may be responsible for some of their reported health benefits.
They also contain dietary fibre and various minerals, vitamins and amino acids. Reishi have antioxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory actions.
They have also been shown to increase the immune response and laboratory studies have also indicated that ingredients in Reishi mushrooms might help weight loss and improve glucose metabolism.
Reishi mushrooms have been investigated for benefit in a range of conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer, asthma and bronchitis, HIV, prostate cancer, alleviating stress, chronic fatigue syndrome, urinary tract infection and poor sleep, but more research is needed.”
Finally, looking into the future, what would you say is next for the wellness sector?
“The wellness sector is booming and isn’t showing any signs of slowing down.
According to the 2023 Global Wellness Economy Monitor, the sector has surged post-pandemic, growing annually by 12% since 2020 and forecast indicating further growth of 52% by 2027, which would give a value of $8.5 trillion.
Healthy eating, nutrition and weight loss is one of the largest sub-sectors, worth $1,079 billion, alongside traditional and complementary medicine, including legal cannabis derivative and CBD products, worth $519 billion.
People are increasingly recognising the value of self-care, emphasising overall wellbeing rather than simply treating illness or disease. Consumers are proactively seeking ways to improve and maintain their health and more people are opting for products from natural sources, perceiving them as safer and more sustainable.
With inspiration drawn from the principles of ayurvedic medicine, botanicals, such as Lion’s Mane, Red Reishi, Shiitake, Chaga, Cordyceps, Turkey Tail and Maitake mushrooms, plus herbal medicines such as echinacea, milk thistle, agnus castus and passionflower St. John’s wort are likely to be significant.”
