Mushroom Power

Can we just take a moment to appreciate mushrooms? I mean really appreciate them. I’m officially obsessed. How did I go this long without knowing how ridiculously nutritious and immune boosting these little fungi are? For years, I thought mushrooms began and ended with white buttons and the occasional portabella. Oh, how wrong I was.

You’d think I’d know better—after all, I grew up in Northern Canada foraging mushrooms with my mom, collecting wild treasures from the pasture and canning them for the long winters. (Sorry, Mom!) But it wasn’t until I went plant-based and started diving deep into how to eat well without animal products that I rediscovered mushrooms in a whole new way. For some folks, a good plant-based multivitamin like Complement does the trick—and yes, I use that too—but the nurse in me had to go deeper. I wanted to understand.

And what I found? Mushrooms aren’t just food—they’re medicine. Literally. For thousands of years, cultures around the world have revered mushrooms not just for their taste, but for their healing powers. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, mushrooms like Reishi (Lingzhi) have been used for over 2,000 years to support longevity, reduce stress, and boost immunity. In Japan, Shiitake and Maitake have long been treasured for their antiviral and anti-tumor properties. Ancient Egyptians believed mushrooms were the food of the gods—so sacred that only royalty could eat them!

Fast forward to today, and science is finally catching up with tradition. Studies have shown mushrooms like Lion’s Mane may support brain health and even help regenerate nerve cells. Turkey Tail is being studied for its cancer-fighting potential and immune modulation. Cordyceps is popular among athletes for its energy-boosting properties, and Chaga—a dark, earthy mushroom found on birch trees—is loaded with antioxidants.

Turns out, not all mushrooms are created equal. Their nutritional goodies—like protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants—can vary wildly depending on the species and how they’re grown. That’s why I now grow my own mushrooms, focusing on medicinal varieties that do more than just taste amazing—they nourish and heal.

Some of my absolute favorites? Pioppino, Blue Oyster, Italian Oyster, Shiitake, Lion’s Mane, and King Trumpet. (Pink Oyster is my newest adventure and oh boy, it’s a stunner!) Growing mushrooms has become a full-on passion, but that’s a story for another blog. And when I don’t have a fresh harvest, I turn to Sprouts or Trader Joe’s, which often carry a fun variety to tide me over.

Let’s also not forget: these fungi are plant-based protein powerhouses. Mushrooms may be small, but they're mighty—making up about 19–35% of their dry mass in protein! Plus, they bring along fiber, B vitamins, and antioxidants. Whether they’re sizzling in a stir-fry, grilled to perfection, or blended into a cozy soup, mushrooms deliver big on flavor and feel-good vibes. They’re nature’s delicious little overachievers!

One quick heads-up before you dive into the world of mushroom powders, capsules, or trendy mushroom coffees: not all products are created equal. Many brands use mycelium—the mushroom’s root system grown on grain—which lacks the powerful compounds found in the fruiting body (the actual mushroom). The key compound to look for? Beta-glucans. If a supplement doesn’t clearly state its beta-glucan content or source, it might not be offering much benefit at all. Stick to reputable brands like Real Mushrooms that use 100% fruiting bodies and are transparent about their beta-glucan levels.

So yes, I’m a full-on fungi fan now—and with good reason. Mushrooms are ancient healers, nutrient-rich allies, and culinary chameleons. They’re functional, fabulous, and totally worthy of the hype.

Stay curious, stay nourished, and let mushrooms work their ancient magic.

In the below article:  review section #3, Nutritional Potential of Mushrooms to learn of all the amazing health benefits of specific species of mushrooms.

The Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda, emphasizes that “When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use.  When diet is correct, medicine is of no need.”

Mushrooms as Nutritional Powerhouses: A Review of Their Bioactive Compounds, Health Benefits, and Value-Added Products - PMC