What to Look for When Buying Medicinal Mushrooms?
Medicinal mushrooms have been used for centuries in folk medicine to treat a variety of ailments. Today, you can find a variety of mushroom products for sale in grocery stores and online. But with so many options, what are the key things to look for when buying medicinal mushrooms? This article provides the highlights of what to look for when buying medicinal mushrooms, from the most common species to the best places to buy them.
Types of Medicinal Mushrooms
There are many types of medicinal mushrooms - and not all of them are edible. Different species have different purposes and health benefits. The most common edible mushroom is the button, or white, mushroom. Other popular species are Lions Mane, Oyster, Shiitake, Porcini and Reishi.
Differences Between Edibles and Superfoods
Edibles are mushrooms that have been dried or cooked, meaning you can use them in cooking to increase the nutritional value of your dishes. They are also often used in beverages. Superfoods are mushrooms that have not been cooked or dried and are considered a raw food.
Mushroom growing essentials
The first thing to look for when buying medicinal mushrooms is where they are grown. Grown in the wrong environment, mushrooms can be exposed to pesticides and other contaminants that make them unsafe for consumption. On the other hand, supplements grown in a clean environment are both healthier for you and easier on the earth. Mushrooms grow best in cool, dark places with plenty of moisture, so if you're buying your mushrooms online, make sure their growing environment is suitable. Picking a mushroom species is also important because each type has its own unique benefits. The most common species of medicinal mushroom is shiitake, which may help improve immunity and prevent cancer cells from spreading. Other popular species include maitake which may help regulate blood sugar levels and boost the immune system.
What to look for when buying medicinal mushrooms
There are many different types of medicinal mushrooms, but they generally fall into one of two categories: fresh or dried. Fresh mushrooms should be moist and plump and not shriveled. Dried mushrooms will be brittle and can either be whole or in small pieces or in powder form, like Purity Lions Mane powder. If you’re buying fresh mushrooms, it’s best to buy them from a store that specializes in selling them, so you can be sure of their quality. With dried mushrooms, it's best to buy the ones that are vacuum-sealed because this means less air has been exposed to the mushroom and it's less likely to spoil. You also want to make sure that any medicinal mushroom products you purchase are organic. This is important because non-organic products may contain pesticides that could potentially be harmful to your health. To find out if your products are organic, look for the USDA Organic seal on the label or ask if they're organic when you're shopping for them. Here at Purity, we sell organic mushroom products only.
Wrapping Up: Are medicinal mushrooms right for you?
Medicinal mushrooms are a great way to enhance your immune system and help with both the physical and emotional symptoms of stress. They can improve gut health, boost your mood, reduce inflammation, and more. Buying medicinal mushrooms can be overwhelming due to the large variety of species available. But by following these tips, you'll be well on your way to picking out the right mushroom for you!
