A look at some of the research on potential benefits of mushrooms

1. Reduces stress
   Medicinal mushrooms have been found to have adaptogenic properties. Landry explains that gbmushrooms.net adaptogens “help the body adapt to better respond to stressful situations.”

Compounds in medicinal mushrooms can affect cortisol levels in the body, he says. Cortisol — the stress hormone — is released when the body is under stress. Mushrooms may help regulate cortisol production, which could reduce the body’s response to stress. Landry also notes the long history of mushrooms in Chinese medicine.

2. Improves memory
   A 2022 study looked at mushroom consumption in older adults in the United States. Researchers found that those who ate mushrooms more often scored higher on cognitive tests. These findings suggest that regular mushroom consumption may help protect brain function.

Coffee containing lion’s mane mushroom extracts may help with mental sharpness and memory. A 2021 laboratory study suggests that lion’s mane may increase the production of nerve growth factor. This protein plays a key role in the growth of nerve cells. But more research is needed, particularly in human trials, to draw any definitive conclusions.

A 2023 laboratory study that was partially funded by the Australian government’s Boosting Dementia Research Initiative found that mice’s memory improved significantly when they ate lion’s mane crude extracts and Hericene A — a compound found in lion’s mane. However, further investigation is needed, especially in clinical studies involving humans.

3. Boosts immune system
   Laboratory research from 2019 examined substances extracted from turkey tail mushrooms. The research, sponsored by a company that grows and sells mushrooms commercially, noted the mushrooms may activate the body’s immune system defense and reduce swelling. Yet again, larger studies in humans are needed before final conclusions can be drawn.

4. Helps heart health
   Some medicinal mushrooms show promise for improving heart health. For example, research from 2022 indicates that cordyceps may help manage irregular heartbeat.