What A Day Taking Functional Mushrooms Looks Like + How It Can Boost Your Skin, Gut & Brain Health

We’re always on the lookout for functional foods that we can add to our lives that will enhance the way we feel and how we show up in the world. Maybe you’ve heard about functional mushrooms and some of their benefits, but you’re wondering which mushrooms to take and how to actually use them in your everyday life.

Each mushroom species has its own functional superpower, so these nutritional powerhouses can help support everything from brain health and immune defense to natural energy and youthful radiance. "Mushrooms are a truly unique superfood," says Sandra Carter (M.A., MPH, Ph.D.), integrative health expert and founder of Om Mushrooms. "They contain many key nutrients like super antioxidants, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes that we have a hard time getting from other plant or animal sources, which makes them an essential part of activating and balancing our immune system, nerve and brain health, and cardiovascular system."

Like all superfoods, they’re not a magic bullet, so it's best to incorporate them into your daily routine to reap the extraordinary benefits. Besides making sure you take them regularly, another thing to be aware of is the quality of the mushroom powders you're buying—look for pure, whole food mushroom powders, organically grown in the United States (we love Om, Organic Mushroom Nutrition). One of the best things about these mushroom powders like lion's mane, reishi, cordyceps, chaga and turkey tail (besides the long-term benefits) is that they’re easy to use and you can simply add to drinks, smoothies, dressings, sauces, soups, stews, and even desserts.

Serves 1

Method

Place cashews, coconut butter, date, and water in a high-speed blender and process until smooth. Add in the lion's mane and matcha powders, and process again until well-combined. Pour and enjoy.

Serves 1

Method

Serves 3 to 4

Method

To make Tahini Chaga Sauce, in a small bowl, whisk ingredients together until well-combined. Taste for seasoning and add a little more water if a thinner consistency is desired.

To make the stir fry, heat a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add enough oil to cover the base of the pan and heat through. Add scallions and broccolini, along with a pinch of salt. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until broccolini is bright green and starting to get tender.

Set broccolini aside on a plate and place the pan back on the heat, adding a little more oil if needed. Add asparagus and another pinch of salt and cook for 3 minutes, stirring once or twice, until starting to turn bright green.

Add in snow peas, edamame, garlic, and chili and cook, stirring, until warmed through, about 2 minutes. Tip broccolini back into the pan and stir to combine everything over the heat. Taste for seasoning and serve immediately.

Serves 2

Method