How to Choose Mushroom Extracts The Right Way

Meet the Mushrooms

How to Choose Mushroom Extracts The Right Way

The world of mushroom extracts can be overwhelming. 

 

You could walk into a health store and see lots of options in various forms. It may be confusing to know what to look for, let alone how to choose mushroom extracts!

 

This might also come as a shock to you but… not all functional mushroom extracts are created equally and, therefore, have the same potency.  

 

In this blog, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when thinking about how to choose mushroom extracts the right way, helping you make an informed decision for your well-being. 

 

Despite the name, DIRTEA mushrooms are the cleanest, purest, and most potent! So, yes, there is no nasty/dirt in your mushroom extract, which is why our quality is of the highest standards.

 

Why not try one of our Super Blends today.

 

#1: RESEARCH YOUR FUNCTIONAL MUSHROOM SPECIES

Knowing why you’re looking for a mushroom extract is key. 

 

So before thinking about how to choose mushroom extracts, clearly define your wellness objectives.

 

Most functional mushrooms contain high amounts of the same vitamins and minerals, but they also offer diverse health benefits. What’s more, each species has its unique set of properties. 

 

Our mushrooms include:

 

  • Reishi is mainly known for supporting immune health and for its calming effects, which may promote better sleep
  • Lion’s Mane is recognised for its potential brain-boosting properties and possibility to enhance focus
  • Chaga is believed to provide a natural boost of energy and support immunity due to the vast amounts of antioxidants it contains
  • Cordyceps is often used for energy improvement and exercise performance
  • Tremella is known for its ability to hydrate the skin, and encourage the natural production of collagen

 

#2: CONSIDER THE EXTRACTION PROCESS

The extraction process of functional mushrooms is crucial to unearthing their benefits.

 

Our bodies cannot break down and absorb all nutrients from mushrooms that are raw or cooked.(1) 

 

Common methods include hot water extraction, alcohol extraction, and dual extraction. At DIRTEA, we use a dual extraction process, which combines both hot water and alcohol extraction. 

 

It’s preferred as it captures lots of beneficial compounds from the mushrooms.

 

#3: CHECK WHETHER IT’S 100% FRUITING BODY OF A MUSHROOM 

The fruiting body of a functional mushroom contains the highest level of beneficial compounds. 

 

As functional mushrooms are expensive to grow and cultivate, many brands opt for using parts of the mycelium along with some of the fruiting body. 

 

At DIRTEA, our mushrooms are made from 100% fruiting bodies. 

 

One of the most notable benefits of the fruiting body is that it contains the highest amounts of beta-glucans. Beta-glucans are a type of polysaccharide—a complex sugar found in the cell walls of mushrooms. 

 

Beta-glucans are known for their immune-modulating properties.

 

#4: ORGANIC PRODUCE

Like any fruit or vegetable, organic is always preferred. And when thinking about how to choose mushrooms, our favourite veg is no exception. 

 

If your mushroom is not organic, it may contain contaminants or toxins. 

 

Organic mushroom extracts are cultivated without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or fertilisers. 

 

An article from The Guardian explains that organic food has more antioxidant compounds linked to better health than regular food and lower levels of toxic metals and pesticides.(2)

 

#5:  WILD HARVESTING WHERE POSSIBLE

Mushrooms have evolved in their natural habitats, adapting to various environmental conditions. 

 

Some supporters believe this natural resilience translates into a broader spectrum of bioactive compounds, potentially offering more robust health benefits. (3) 

 

More importantly, mushrooms want to be picked at the right time. This helps them spread their spores. When the conditions are right, they will grow, and once matured, harvesting can begin. 

 

Patience is key. Mushrooms like Chaga, which mature out of birch trees under extreme conditions in cold climates like Siberia, can take anything up to 7 years to mature before they can be harvested.

 

So, as you can see, not all mushroom extracts are the same. 

 

Knowing how to choose mushrooms is a pivotal step toward integrating these magical fungi into your daily routine. 

 

As you embark on this journey, keep these steps in mind to ensure you're selecting a product that aligns with your wellness goals. 

 

References