Functional mushrooms have become increasingly popular over recent years, reinforced by UK searches for ‘mushroom supplement’, which have increased significantly over the past year. The global functional mushroom market is expected to grow to $19.3bn in 2030. But what are functional mushrooms, how can they benefit us, and what does science have to say about them?
To explain more, Dr Rayyan Zafar, the chief scientific officer at Moodeys and a Scientist at Imperial College London, offers his take. In doing so, he dispels many myths surrounding mushrooms, highlighting their extraordinary benefits, how you can experience them and more.
What are Functional Mushrooms?
Dr Rayyan states, “Functional mushrooms are fungi with proven health-promoting properties — they’re not just food, they’re medicine. They contain bioactive compounds like beta-glucans, terpenoids, and polysaccharides that influence immune function, brain health, and stress resilience. In fact, over 700 species of mushrooms are known to possess pharmacological properties, but only a handful have been rigorously studied for human health.
“Some examples of functional mushrooms include lion’s mane, chaga and reishi mushrooms. There are also different types of functional mushrooms; for example, adaptogenic mushrooms are a subset that helps regulate the body’s stress response.”
Misconceptions about Functional Mushrooms
With the growing interest in functional mushrooms, there are some misconceptions that people have adopted.
Dr Rayyan breaks some of these down: “There is a temptation to think that functional mushrooms are a new wellness trend. These mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, so it’s nothing new.
“Some people may have functional mushrooms confused with other substances, but they are not magic pills; they are also not psychoactive compounds, so they’re not addictive or toxic. Functional mushrooms offer real benefits for people seeking natural ways to reduce stress, improve cognitive function, and support overall health.”
What are the Benefits of Functional Mushrooms?
“The benefits of functional mushrooms are wide-ranging,” says Dr Rayyan. First, there’s your immune system. Mushrooms like Reishi and Turkey Tail have beta-glucans that stimulate your immune cells.
“There’s also the impact on your memory and productivity. Lion’s Mane has been shown to improve memory and recall in adults with mild cognitive impairment. In one 2009 study, people taking Lion’s Mane scored significantly higher on cognitive function scales after 16 weeks.
“Different types of functional mushrooms can help with different things. For example, adaptogenic mushrooms can help with stress. It works to balance cortisol levels and helps you respond to it more effectively. Cordyceps falls into this category, and when used correctly, it can be a valuable tool against fatigue and low energy, especially in today’s fast-paced world.”
Where to get Functional Mushrooms?
Functional mushrooms can be bought from retailers, but you can also get them in supplements. Good supplements will combine these mushrooms with vitamins and other nutrients to enhance their benefits.
Moodeys offers a range of naturally sourced, organic, functional mushroom supplements. Taking supplements in capsules supports improved absorption for improved results. Moodeys also contains five times the concentration of its competitors. Its supplement, ‘Wake-Up Call,’ packs a healthy punch with lion’s Mane, ginkgo biloba, and bacopa bacoside.
Wake-Up Call by Moodeys is an ideal supplement to take first thing in the morning. Its unique formula combines functional mushrooms and adaptogens like Lion’s Mane to deliver essential vitamins and minerals to support mental health, digestion, and overall well-being.
Each capsule is crafted from 100% organic ingredients, ensuring purity and potency. Incorporate Wake-Up Call into your daily routine to experience better focus, productivity and natural energy. It can also help with improved memory and reduce tiredness and fatigue. Wake-up Call works best when you take two capsules first thing in the morning.
If you’re not ready to commit to the full bottle, you can try some samples for £6.49.
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