The Scoop on Functional Mushrooms! / by Alexandra Pullen

Sponsored by Om Mushrooms I received product and compensation, but all opinions are my own.

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If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ve likely seen me talk about mushrooms! No, not that kind ;) I’m talking about functional medicinal mushrooms + adaptogens. They are the ultimate superfoods, and some of nature’s most healing creations. Mushrooms and adaptogens are definitely a health buzzword at the moment, but don’t let that deter you from the magic of these potent little healers. Mushrooms have been used in eastern cultures for thousands of years, so they are definitely not new — despite the fact that you may be seeing them pop up more and more in trendy LA spots. Healing herbs are a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic healing traditions.Each species of mushrooms has its own unique benefits naturally aiding wellness, beauty, sports performance, and recovery. I take a lot of different mushrooms because they all bring something unique to the table! Functional mushrooms are adaptogens, which basically means that they help the body adapt to stress and exert a normalizing effect on bodily processes. Which, if you think about it — is pretty magical and amazing! They help the body resist stressors of all kinds: physical, chemical, or biological. Adaptogens help bring us back to our baseline in a world that is constantly causing our bodies to produce excess cortisol. Personally, mushrooms are an integral part of my daily ritual — and it’s seriously so easy to incorporate once you get started.

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Helpful graphic of benefits from the Om Mushrooms website!

My favorite Immune trio from Om!

My favorite Immune trio from Om!

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Om Mushrooms specifically uses the full spectrum life-cycle of the mushroom in all of their products, so that they contain all the bioactive compounds in a balance created by nature. That way, you’re getting the full benefit of the plant. It’s important to source your mushrooms from brand that use the best practice and are of the highest integrity. Otherwise, you’re not getting the maximum benefit that these plant foods offer. Om carefully dehydrates their mushrooms at a low temperate to retain the bioactive compounds as they are found in nature. The result is the highest quality whole-food, organic mushroom powders that can be a part of your healthy daily ritual. According to their website, they emphasize “the pure whole-food, organic nature of functional mushrooms for use in everyday life.” I think I speak for all of us when I say that our biggest health concern right now is immunity. Reishi in particular have been found in studies to boost immunity and is 100% necessary right now in my opinion. Om Mushrooms pairs their immune products with other mushrooms and vitamins that work synergistically with the reishi for a profound immune impact. If your immune system feels strong, not to worry — there are tons of other functional mushrooms that can help with anything you’re hoping to achieve in the body. Lion’s Mane helps enhance cognitive function. The antioxidants in Chaga have anti-aging properties and help with vitality. Cordyceps has an energizing pre-workout-like effect. Combining various mushrooms can achieve different results, which is why it’s super convenient that Om has blends designed to help you reach your goal. They take the work out of it for you! For example, their Energy+ Blend synergistically combines the properties of cordyceps, reishi, lion’s mane, and other vitamins which creates a tonic of clean energy with no crash! They make it super easy and you can shop on their website by whatever your needs are or what goals you are trying to achieve health wise.

The best part about mushrooms, is that they’re so convenient and easy to incorporate into your diet and lifestyle as it already is right now! You don’t have to add any additional meals because you can just add it to what you already consume. Basically, you can elevate what you already eat and drink to make it a superfood! I personally LOVE the drink mixes because they taste delicious (which makes me drink more water), and it’s just really easy. I would definitely start here if you’re new to these superfoods. If you make smoothies or coffee, simply add mushrooms to it! With adaptogens, herbs, and functional mushrooms, it’s important to get variety and give your body a break. The capsules are a no-brainer too, because you just have to take them at meal times. So definitely try out a few of your top picks and rotate them every so often. 

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I’ve definitely felt the effects of these magical superfoods, and I know you will too! If you do decide to try out some mushrooms, don’t forget to use my code “ALEXANDRAPULLEN” for a discount at Om Mushrooms.