health benefits

Cordyceps -Explore the amazing Mushroom

What if I tell you that there is a mushroom which has numerous medicinal properties and provides us with energy, endurance, immunity and many other functional benefits? Of course, there will be a question in your mind about the name of this mushroom, so let me take you on an exciting journey about this magical mushroom where we will discover everything about it. So, without making any more delay let’s begin our journey of a healthy life by revealing the name of this fantastic mushroom which is Cordyceps.  Cordyceps is a fungus which is a one stop solution to many common diseases. Although there are more than 600 species of this mushroom, two of them (C.sinensis and militaris) have gained major attraction and popularity in traditional Asian medical practice. Among them, the wild variety Cordyceps sinensis, stands out among the medicinal cordyceps. It is a fascinating type of fungus and shows a unique life cycle and has a long history of being used as TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE (TCM) and in ASIA.   Cordyceps are found in Himalayan regions in India, and have also been reported in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand in India and known with many names like “KEERA GHAS”, “HIMALAYAN VIAGRA” and “HIMALAYAN GOLD”. This fungus grows with the help of caterpillars, and due to its unique lifecycle Cordyceps sinensis can’t be commercially cultivated and therefore harvested from the wild. Cordyceps sinensis mushroom is very rare and expensive as it involves a lot of hard work by the people of all age groups 15 to 65, to collect them from extreme heights in summer season. In fact, it is even more expensive than gold. Because of its high cost it becomes unapproachable for the market and meet the huge demand. On the other hand, Cordyceps militaris, which is successfully cultivated commercially in the laboratory, in an artificial environment is a cheaper alternative for the same. The most valuable, medicinally important compounds like Cordycepin, Adenosine and Beta-glucans besides other beneficial compounds are present in both the species and therefore have been mentioned in ancient healing textbooks.  C.militaris can be cultivated artificially on vegetarian substrate with all important biomolecules even sometimes higher, compared to C.sinensis (also known as caterpillar fungus) being very expensive due to its wild collection. Due to this reason, militaris makes it best candidate to be consumed as medicinal mushroom and nowadays it’s an important topic of interest for researchers and scientists. Isn’t it very cool if we can explore the potential of this natural medicinal wonder herb and replace the synthetic ones…  USES AND EFFECTIVENESS OF CORDYCEPS MUSHROOM Many studies confirm the positive impacts of cordyceps mushroom in human health when taken as a supplement on a regular basis. Benefits of cordyceps: Click here to purchase cordyeps mushroom. Cordyceps has numerous roles in human health, but the most recognized benefits of this mushroom are increased energy and endurance. That’s why it is sometimes preferred as athlete mushroom or energy mushroom. This mushroom also surprisingly has immense potential to reduce over two-thirds of cancer related deaths because of the high amount of antioxidants they have. It has to be noted that, there is not enough data about the safety of cordyceps use for pregnant and lactating women besides the autoimmune diseases, therefore more deep studies are awaited for the usage by them. If you want to know how this fascinating mushroom grows and how it contributes to our nutrition and health? Then keep an eye on our upcoming exciting blogs.  Written by : Ms. Pragati Nayak (Pursuing M.Sc. Biotechnology) Student Trainee BETi Edited by: Dr. Pooja Dubey Pandey (M.Sc. Ph.D. Biotechnology) Founder BETi Innovative Pvt. Ltd. REFERENCES: Kanitta Jiraungkoorskul and Wannee Jiraungkoorskul Review of Naturopathy of Medical Mushroom, Ophiocordyceps Sinensis, in Sexual Dysfunction – PMC (nih.gov)Pharmacogn Rev. 2016 Hardeep S. Tuli,1 Sardul S. Sandhu,2 and A. K. Sharma1 Pharmacological and therapeutic potential of Cordyceps with special reference to Cordycepin – PMC (nih.gov)3 Biotech. 2014. Bao-qin Lin and Shao-ping Li Cordyceps as an Herbal Drug – Herbal Medicine – NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011.

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Oyster Mushroom: A Nutritional Powerhouse for Optimal Health to avoid  Medicines

Well said in Ayurveda, “When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When diet is correct, medicine is of no need.” In today’s health-conscious era, many individuals are seeking nutrient-rich foods to optimize their well-being.  In the pursuit of maximum health, it is essential to select foods that provide both nourishment and flavor. Oyster mushrooms, scientifically known as Pleurotus and Dhingri in hindi, are not only delicious but also valuable to one’s well-being. These distinct mushrooms have increased in popularity in recent years due to their remarkable nutritional profile, making them a nutritional powerhouse for supporting optimal health. These are often overlooked in favour of more traditional sources of nutrition, but they have a number of amazing properties that make them a standout option. Oyster has many coloured species and these Pleurotus spp. are high in critical nutrients, including protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a well-rounded food option. These nutrients are essential for energy metabolism, neuronal function, immunological support, and antioxidant defence. Packed with essential nutrients and unique health benefits, oyster mushrooms offer a valuable alternative to traditional protein sources like milk, eggs, meat, etc. There is a need to develop the knowledge of oyster mushrooms so that we can move forward for our own well-being. Oyster mushrooms are high in vitamins including niacin (B3), riboflavin (B2), folate (B9), and pantothenic acid (B5), all of which are necessary for energy production, brain function, and skin health. These mushrooms are one of the few plant-based vitamin D sources. The conversion of ergosterol, a substance present in oyster mushrooms, into vitamin D is stimulated by exposure to sunlight or UV light. Vitamin D is essential for bone health, immunological function, and mood modulation. They contain minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, and zinc, which are essential for a variety of body activities. Potassium promotes heart health, phosphorus promotes bone health, copper assists iron absorption, and selenium functions as an antioxidant, preventing cell damage. They are an incredible source of fiber which is essential for a healthy digestive system, blood sugar regulation, and promoting a feeling of fullness. Consuming fiber-rich foods such as oyster mushrooms can aid with weight management and prevent constipation.  On the other hand, dietary fiber is typically insignificantly low in milk, eggs, and meat. Oyster mushrooms have been recognized for their potential immune-boosting properties. They include beta-glucans, a type of soluble fiber related to improved immunological function. Beta-glucans increase the activity of immune cells, including macrophages and natural killer cells, which aid in the body’s defense against infections and illnesses. These mushrooms are high in antioxidants, which help fight oxidative stress and lower the risk of chronic diseases. They are an excellent source of ergothioneine (sometimes used as medicine), a unique antioxidant with neuroprotective characteristics. This is an amino acid only produced by bacteria and fungi so we need external source for its supply. It’s level decreases with age. Oyster mushroom supplies the highest amount of ergothioneine as per a Japanese study in 2013.   They are naturally low in cholesterol and fat, making them an ideal choice for anyone attempting to reduce their consumption of saturated fat and cholesterol. For people who are lactose intolerant or live a dairy-free lifestyle, oyster mushrooms offer a lactose-free option. While milk is a wonderful source of calcium and upto vitamin D, oyster mushrooms are also high in these minerals. In addition, unlike dairy milk, they do not contain cholesterol. They can also be used as a plant-based protein alternative for eggs. They have a comparable protein level but are lower in calories and fat. Additionally, oyster mushrooms lack the cholesterol present in egg yolks instead lovastatin present in oyster mushroom helps control cholesterol. These mushrooms have a meaty texture and umami flavor, making them a tasty meat replacement, particularly red meat, which can be high in cholesterol and saturated fat and has been linked to a variety of health problems when ingested in excess. While meat is a good source of protein and minerals like iron and zinc, oyster mushrooms can provide equivalent levels of these nutrients while being lower in saturated fat and cholesterol. That’s why oyster mushroom is known as “Delight of Diabetics” with many published field studies of diabetes control. Oyster mushrooms are a wonderful complement to any diet due to their exceptional nutritional profile, versatility in cooking, and health-promoting properties. Whether you are a vegetarian, vegan, or simply looking to diversify your food sources, oyster mushrooms provide a number of benefits that make them deserving of a prominent role in your diet. Making informed dietary choices and selecting nutrient-rich options like oyster mushrooms can assist us in prioritizing food as a source of nourishment and wellness over relying entirely on medicine.Furthermore, growing oyster mushrooms have extra benefits. Agriwaste used as substrate or growing medium, very less water requirement, capacity to grow without soil, and cost-effectiveness make them an appealing option for environmentally responsible and economic super-food production. We can contribute to a more environmentally friendly and resilient food system by adopting oyster mushroom cultivation. The best part is that Oyster mushrooms can be dehydrated and powdered which becomes even more high in nutrition and can be added to any food or drink of your choice.So, why not give BETi oyster mushrooms a try and uncover their potential for maximum health and well-being? For more such information keep on reading the BETi Blogs. Written by- Ms. Paridhi Soni Pursuing M.Sc. Applied Microbiology Student Intern, Team BETi Edited by- Dr. Pooja Dubey Pandey M.Sc., Ph.D. Biotechnology , Founder Director , BETi Innovative Pvt. Ltd. References Lesa, K. N., Khandaker, M. U., Mohammad Rashed Iqbal, F., Sharma, R., Islam, F., Mitra, S., & Emran, T. Bin. (2022). Nutritional Value, Medicinal Importance, and Health-Promoting Effects of Dietary Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus). Journal of Food Quality, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/2454180 Yin, Z., Liang, Z., Li, C., Wang, J., Ma, C., & Kang, W. (2021). Immunomodulatory effects of polysaccharides from edible fungus: A review. Food Science and Human Wellness, 10(4), 393-400. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fshw.2021.04.001 Podkowa, A.,

Oyster Mushroom: A Nutritional Powerhouse for Optimal Health to avoid  Medicines Read More »

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