Mushroom Supplement FAQ’s
The brand new fourfive functional mushroom range has been designed with performance in mind. Using high extract ratios to deliver the optimum amount of active compounds, we’ve created 3 fantastic products to keep you at the top of your game from morning to night. But how do you know where to start? We’ve got you covered with some common Mushroom FAQ’s below:
What are functional mushrooms?
Also known as medicinal mushrooms, functional mushrooms are having a moment, and it’s no fluke. Athletes and anyone looking to live an active lifestyle are turning towards natural alternatives and mushrooms have grown in popularity due to their many benefits for overall health and well-being.
Varieties of mushroom such as Reishi, Lion’s Mane and Chaga have been used for 100’s, if not 1000’s of years in Asian medicine for specific health benefits. Immune support is one of the most common uses but cognitive function, focus, energy and general wellness are also top of the list.
We already know that your standard supermarket mushrooms are a great natural source of Vitamin D, but when we move beyond the humble portobello, more and more research is suggesting that there are lots of benefits to be found.
How do you use them?
Most functional mushrooms are not great for cooking and eating. Not only do they not taste great but all the beneficial compounds are held in the cell walls, which our bodies have trouble breaking down.
So when looking for an effective mushroom supplement there are some important things to know. . .
What are fruiting bodies?
The part of the mushroom used to make your supplement makes a lot of difference. Common terms you will see are 100% Fruiting Bodies, Mycelium or Full spectrum supplements.
The mushroom fruiting body is the stem and cap of the mushroom, whereas the mycelium is the underground network or the root. Full spectrum is a combination of the two parts. Supplements containing each variation are available to buy however, fruiting bodies have a significantly higher amount of beneficial compounds. fourfive uses 100% stem and cap AKA fruiting bodies in our mushroom range products, giving you a higher concentration of active compounds.
High in Polysaccharides but what does it mean?
Polysaccharides are one of the key active components in functional mushrooms.
A polysaccharide is a long-chain carbohydrate made up of smaller carbohydrates called monosaccharides that’s typically used by our bodies for energy or to help with cellular structure.
The three main functions of polysaccharides are providing structural support, storing energy, and to send cellular communication signals. Some of the most important polysaccharides are Beta Glucans which also help to modulate our immune system. Fungal Beta Glucans, those found in fungi, are one of the main reasons why mushrooms are used extensively for immune system support. fourfive Mushroom supplements contain minimum 40% polysaccharides.
How are mushroom supplements extracted?
To get the most benefit from functional mushrooms it is best to use an extracted supplement. This is because in their raw or dried form mushrooms cells have tough walls that our bodies cannot efficiently break down. By using extraction the mushroom compounds are made bioavailable meaning that your body can easily put them to use.
To extract the goodness within, whole mushroom fruiting bodies (stem and cap) are dried and turned into a powder, the powder is then simmered in hot water or alcohol to draw out the active properties. The result is a more concentrated version of the beneficial compounds. At fourfive we use a double-extraction (or dual-extraction) process which uses both alcohol and water to extract different properties. Some beneficial properties in mushrooms called beta-glucans are water-soluble whilst other properties called triterpenes are alcohol-soluble. Both of these are valuable and for that reason, it’s often best to use a double extraction method to get all the goodness you can.
What are high extract ratios?
The mushrooms used in fourfive supplements are extracted at a 10:1 ratio. This means that for every 1 gram of dried, powdered extract we put in a capsule, 10 grams of raw mushrooms were used. This makes the powder extract much more highly concentrated than others you may see on the shelves, which are typically 4:1 or even 1:1 ratio.
It also means that our extracts can be more potent than the plant from which they are sourced. This is why you may notice that other forms of mushroom supplement, such as teas and whole mushroom powders, will have much higher dosages than those for extracts, which contain a much higher potency.
What mushrooms supplements should I take?
The fourfive mushroom range has been carefully designed to help you achieve optimum performance from morning to night. We have drawn on the strengths of the best functional mushrooms available and combined these with vitamins and minerals to support daily needs.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom: Energy & Focus
This mushroom complex combines Lion’s Mane, Bacopa Monnieri, Mana root and Guarana with the power of Vitamins B6 and B12 to support brain function, focus and energy.
High strength 10:1 ratio supplement (10 grams fresh mushrooms used for every 1 gram of powder produced).
High in Polysaccharides (Min. 40% active compounds).
Reishi Mushroom: Bedtime Blend
Combines Reishi, Ashwagandha, passion Flower, Lemon Balm and L-Tryptophan with the power of Magnesium to support normal psychological function and contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
4,000mg Reishi Mushroom – High Strength 10:1 ratio
Multi Mushrooms: Ultimate Blend
This all in one blend contains 5 log-grown mushroom extracts and is perfect for anyone looking to take the optimum dose in one easy product.
Contains a total of 10,000mg of mushroom
A unique multi mushroom complex which includes 2,000mg of Shiitake, Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Chaga and Maitake Mushroom