Sometimes dubbed the mushroom of immortality, the Reishi mushroom is gaining ground as a beloved superfood and can now be found in elixirs, protein powder blends and even coffee! While they can be eaten, they are more easily found and enjoyed in supplements and powder form. 

When it comes to brain and body benefits, Reishi is quite a powerhouse. Just starting to intrigue western health and wellness circles, the Reishi mushroom (also known as Lingzhi) has been cherished in eastern medicine and culture for centuries. It is considered one of the oldest and best health panaceas in ancient well-being and health. 

They are harvest from the wild plum trees where they grow and were so cherished when found thousands of years ago, they were only to be enjoyed by royalty. So treat yourself like the ancient royals did themselves, and try these out! 

Down to the business of health though, let's look straight to Reishi for its benefits there. 

It was not until the second half of the 20th century that researchers started to rigorously examine the medicinal properties of the Reishi mushroom, more often referred to as ganoderma lucidum in the scientific community. A 2009 lab-based study published the Bio-Organic & Medicinal Chemistry journal found that polysaccharides (long chains of carbohydrates) contained in the Reishi mushroom has promising properties for longevity. Polysaccharides have been associated with prevention of blood vessel clusters which can help prevent growth of certain cancerous tumors and overall boosting the immune system. Another study from 2011 suggested that ingesting this mushroom helped patients undergoing cancer treatments since the bioactive compounds found in Reishi help fight cancerous cells in the body and push them out. 

Daily consumption of this mushroom has incredible benefits in the stress department as well. If you’ve heard of adaptogens (learn more about these sexy superfoods here), including things like goji berries and apple cider vinegar, they are wonderfully beneficial at helping our bodies "adapt" physical stress response and regulate adrenal levels. 

Another hugely beneficial and important part of the Reishi mushroom its effect on anxiety and mood. A small study with 132 patients found that those suffering depression and melancholy reported a decrease in their symptoms after 2 months of using Reishi mushrooms regularly. 

Liver function worrying you? This mushroom comes the rescue too. Reishi flushes toxins from the liver and improves liver health. Many animal studies have found that the mushroom can reverse chemically-caused liver damage.This mushroom promotes liver cell regeneration and the triterpenes found in the mushroom help with ridding the body of toxic free radicals.

There is every reason to incorporate Reishi into your daily routine. Nothing easier than finding them packed into your morning cup of coffee. Mushroom Coffee is a wonderful way to feel the benefits of Reishi and give your immunity and mood a big ole boost all at once!