Mushroom supplements are the talk of the town in the natural health sector. There are so many types and so many ways to use them, and this number is only growing as brands become more innovative.

For new users, the level of choice can be somewhat overwhelming. Simply choosing a mushroom product that suits you can become an impossible decision.

Luckily, this mushroom supplements guide is here to help you on your journey. Read on to discover more about the different species and available consumption methods.

What Mushroom Supplements Are Available?

Mushroom supplements come in many forms. Supplement brands often sell singular mushroom supplements that contain just one species, such as lion’s mane or chaga. However, the top brands like vidacap.com also stock blends of different species.

This can make deciding on just one product difficult. The sections below cover some of the most popular mushroom supplements and what they do.

Turkey Tail

Turkey tail mushroom, also called Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor, is revered for its striking colors. It’s also enjoyed for its health-boosting properties, which include immune benefits.

Compared to other functional mushrooms, turkey tail has an astounding number of antioxidants. One study revealed over 35 phenolic compounds alone, alongside other antioxidants like flavonoids.

As a result, turkey tail mushroom is heralded as a favorite general-wellness supplement.

Best for: Immune boosting, general wellness

Lion’s Mane

Lion’s mane mushrooms, or yamabushitake, are one of the few functional mushrooms with a delicious flavor. You may often find them in delicious plant-based recipes.

However, they also have some potential health benefits.

Primarily, studies on lion’s mane focus on using them for brain health, including preventing damage from Alzheimer’s-related plaques. These mushrooms also have benefits for depression and anxiety.

Notably, most lion’s mane studies have been conducted on animals.

Best for: Focus, mental clarity, brain health

Reishi

Reishi mushroom, or Ganoderma lucidum, is an Asian native that has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries.

Reishi powder is one of the most common mushroom supplements. It’s similar to turkey tail in that its primary use is immune boosting. The detailed mechanisms are yet to be determined, but it’s thought that reishi can boost white blood cell count and stimulate their activity.

Best for: General wellness, vitality

Cordyceps

Cordyceps mushrooms are highly unique. First of all, they are parasitic fungi that take over the host’s brain (usually ants and other bugs). This is a massive contrast to other functional mushrooms, which usually grow on logs. Of course, mushroom supplement brands harvest their cordyceps from lab-grown environments, where no ants are harmed.

Furthermore, cordyceps has a more specific application than other general-purpose mushroom supplements.

Cordyceps may increase levels of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), a compound that improves oxygen use. In turn, this can boost energy and lead to better exercise performance.

Not only that but cordyceps was traditionally employed to reduce fatigue in the elderly and boost their sex drives. Cordyceps has a high antioxidant content that may boast anti-aging effects, too. In aging mice, this mushroom has been shown to improve memory and sexual function.

Best for: Energy, athletic performance, anti-aging

Chaga

Chaga mushrooms, Inonotus obliquus, are native to cold climates in Northern Europe, Northern Asia, and Siberia. They were traditionally used in Siberian medicine.

Like many of the other functional mushrooms on this list, chaga has the potential to boost the immune system by taking down inflammation. Its other benefits include lowering cholesterol and decreasing blood sugar.

Once again, much more human research is required to determine the actual effects of this species.

Best for: Immune system, metabolic health

Powders, Capsules, or Gummies?

Once you’ve finalized the tricky decision of which mushroom works for you, it’s time to decide on a consumption method.

The most common consumption method for mushroom supplements is powder. It’s a versatile product that you can use in numerous ways. Most users blend the powder into smoothies or mix it into their morning coffee. These methods ensure that mushroom supplements slot seamlessly into your daily routine.

Other ways to use mushroom powder include sprinkling it on scrambled eggs and other foods, mixing it into soups and stews, or adding it to shakes.

In general, mushroom powders do not alter the taste of your food too much. However, some people prefer a totally tasteless option in the form of capsules. Almost everybody is familiar with capsules, which makes mushroom-infused pills a really straightforward option.

A few brands have also branched out into more unique products. Mushroom-infused gummies are a fantastic option that tastes amazing and makes supplements something to look forward to.

It’s also possible to find mushroom-infused coffee powders, tea bags, and even beauty serums.

When it comes to discovering the best option for you, consider which product would best fit into your lifestyle. After all, with supplements, consistent use is critical, so you want it to be something simple.

Final Thoughts: How to Know Which Mushroom Supplements Are Right

Selecting a mushroom supplement can be challenging. There are a lot of supplement options out there right now. Once you have picked a mushroom species and a consumption method, make sure you research to find a high-quality brand.

Companies like VidaCap offer all the mushrooms mentioned in this guide and even blends featuring other ingredients. They are all available for a reasonable price despite the exceptional quality proven by lab reports.

When choosing mushroom supplements, do a quick quality check to ensure it’s the best brand and product for you.