Functional Mushroom Benefits for Men
Article at a Glance:
- Emerging research suggests that functional mushrooms may help support men’s health and well-being.
- Functional mushrooms provide various nutrients like antioxidants and polysaccharides that have far-reaching health benefits.
- Functional mushrooms' health benefits include supporting longevity, managing stress, enhancing workouts, improving mood, and supporting fertility.
Functional mushrooms, like Lion's Mane, Reishi, and Cordyceps, have been used for thousands of years to help support physical and psychological health. In recent years, these unique mushrooms have captured the attention of men looking for an alternative to traditional supplements.
From polysaccharides to antioxidants, functional mushrooms provide various nutrients to support men's health. These powerful mushrooms may help you combat stress, support your exercise routine, enhance your fertility, improve your mood, and even prolong your life!
Let's explore some of the many ways in which functional mushrooms can benefit your health and well-being.
Promotes Longevity
Functional mushrooms contain high amounts of powerful antioxidants. [1] Antioxidants are unique compounds that can help to neutralize free radicals and reduce the effects of oxidative stress. Emerging research suggests that high levels of antioxidant activity in the body may help promote health and longevity. [2]
Furthermore, one study found that the polysaccharides, or long chains of carbohydrates, found in functional mushrooms may also have life-extending properties. [3]
Helps Manage Stress
Balancing life's ever-increasing demands can feel overwhelming and lead to a stress response that doesn't turn off. This type of chronic stress can negatively impact your physical and psychological well-being.
Studies suggest that men experiencing chronic stress are more likely to have various conditions, including impaired cognition and memory, suppressed immune response, heart problems, and gastrointestinal complications. [4]
Mushrooms like Reishi have adaptogenic properties meaning they have a unique ability to help reduce the adverse effects that stress places on your body, helping you feel more balanced and relaxed. Research shows that Reishi extract appears to have a calming effect on the central nervous system, which can help combat stress. [5]
Being in a constant state of stress can also interfere with your sleep cycles, and insufficient sleep can further your stress response. One study found that Reishi can help improve sleep quality and sleep duration. [6] [7]
Supports Exercise Endurance
In recent years, functional mushrooms have received widespread attention among men looking to fine-tune their workouts and help speed up recovery. Studies have shown that Cordyceps may help enhance athletic performance by increasing vasodilation (widening the blood vessels to allow increased blood flow), which can help promote effective oxygen use throughout the body. [8]
During exercise, lactic acid can build up in the body and cause muscle fatigue and a burning sensation. One study found that Cordyceps may help alleviate muscle fatigue by reducing the accumulation of lactic acid within the muscles. [9]
May Support Fertility in Men
Functional mushrooms appear to play a role in supporting fertility in men. One study found that Cordyceps, when given to diabetic male rats, was shown to increase libido and support normal erectile function. Researchers theorize that Cordyceps may help increase testosterone production and suppress oxidative stress, which can promote sexual functioning in men. [10]
Another study examined the effects of Cordyceps on sperm production and sperm motility in rats. Researchers found that rats taking Cordyceps had improved sperm quantity and quality compared to those without any functional mushroom supplements. [11]
While the studies on functional mushrooms and men’s fertility are limited, the current research suggests that studies on humans are warranted and could be met with promising results.
Supports a Healthy Mood
Juggling the demands of life can sometimes throw off your mood. Functional mushrooms like Lion’s Mane may get you back on track and feeling better.
Some animal studies have found that Lion’s Mane extract can help support normal levels of “feel good” hormones like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. [12]
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking to get the most out of your workouts, manage stress more effectively, and live a long, healthy life, functional mushrooms may support you in reaching your goals. And rather than forage through the woods to reap the benefits of these powerful fungi, the future of wellness can be delivered right to your doorstep.
Each of our Fungies® gummies contains the equivalent of 500mg of either Reishi, Cordyceps, or Lion's Mane per serving and is gluten-free, gelatin-free, and vegan-friendly. Did we mention that they're delicious too?
So grab a bottle (or two) today and experience the power of functional mushrooms firsthand.
References
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