The Best Functional Mushrooms for Heart Health: Keeping Your Heart in Tip-Top Shape for Valentine's

Mushrooms have long been celebrated for their culinary versatility and unique flavors, but their medicinal properties are also gaining recognition, particularly concerning heart health. Among the plethora of mushroom varieties, Cordyceps, Reishi, Shiitake, and Maitake stand out for their remarkable cardiovascular benefits, which is why we've put them in our best-selling "mushroom multi," WonderDay.

Cordyceps Mushroom

Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis) has been a staple in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, prized for its adaptogenic properties and diverse health benefits. One area where Cordyceps shines is in cardiovascular health. This mushroom contains active compounds like cordycepin and adenosine, which have vasodilatory effects, meaning they help widen blood vessels, improving blood flow and circulation. Enhanced circulation can reduce the workload on the heart and lower blood pressure, decreasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases like hypertension and stroke. Additionally, Cordyceps has been shown to improve exercise performance by increasing oxygen uptake, making it beneficial for individuals looking to support heart health through physical activity.

Reishi Mushroom

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), also known as the "mushroom of immortality," has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in East Asia. Renowned for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, Reishi offers several benefits for heart health. Studies suggest that Reishi can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease. Moreover, Reishi's anti-inflammatory effects may help prevent arterial plaque buildup and improve blood vessel function, promoting overall cardiovascular wellness. Its calming properties can also help reduce stress, which is a significant risk factor for heart disease.

Shiitake Mushroom

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) mushrooms are not only delicious but also boast an impressive array of health benefits, including support for heart health. Rich in compounds like beta-glucans and eritadenine, Shiitake mushrooms have been shown to lower cholesterol levels by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis and promoting its excretion from the body. By reducing LDL cholesterol levels, Shiitake mushrooms help prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Additionally, Shiitake mushrooms contain antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress and inflammation, further supporting cardiovascular health.

Maitake Mushroom

Maitake (Grifola frondosa) mushrooms, also known as "hen of the woods," are revered for their immune-boosting properties and culinary versatility. Beyond their immune support, Maitake mushrooms offer benefits for heart health as well. Studies have shown that Maitake extracts can help lower blood pressure and improve lipid profiles by reducing triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels. By promoting healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure, Maitake mushrooms help reduce the risk of heart disease and support overall cardiovascular wellness. Additionally, Maitake mushrooms contain polysaccharides and beta-glucans, which have anti-inflammatory effects that further contribute to heart health.

Incorporating Cordyceps, Reishi, Shiitake, and Maitake mushrooms into your diet can be an excellent way to support heart health naturally. Whether enjoyed in culinary dishes or as dietary supplements like WonderDay Mushroom Gummies, these mushrooms offer a wealth of cardiovascular benefits, from lowering cholesterol and blood pressure to reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. As with any dietary changes or supplements, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure they align with your individual health needs and goals. With their impressive array of bioactive compounds and therapeutic properties, these mushrooms stand as powerful allies in promoting a healthy heart and overall well-being.

Sources

Cordyceps: 

Wang, Lijuan, et al. “Bidirectional Regulatory Effects of Cordyceps on Arrhythmia: Clinical Evaluations and Network Pharmacology.” Frontiers in Pharmacology, vol. 13, 19 Aug. 2022, p. 948173, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9437265/, https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.948173.

‌Reishi:

Klupp, Nerida L, et al. “Ganoderma Lucidum Mushroom for the Treatment of Cardiovascular Risk Factors.” The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, vol. 2015, no. 2, 2015, p. CD007259, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25686270, https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD007259.pub2. Accessed 17 Nov. 2019.

‌Shiitake:

Dai, Xiaoshuang, et al. “Consuming Lentinula Edodes (Shiitake) Mushrooms Daily Improves Human Immunity: A Randomized Dietary Intervention in Healthy Young Adults.” Journal of the American College of Nutrition, vol. 34, no. 6, 2015, pp. 478–87, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25866155, https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2014.950391.

‌Maitake:

Preuss, Harry G., et al. “Maitake Mushroom Extracts Ameliorate Progressive Hypertension and Other Chronic Metabolic Perturbations in Aging Female Rats.” International Journal of Medical Sciences, 2010, pp. 169–180, https://doi.org/10.7150/ijms.7.169.