The Health Benefits Of Turkey Tail Mushrooms That Boost The Immune System

For centuries, the healing “power” of mushrooms has been used medicinally throughout the world. Over the past several decades, scientific research has shown that certain mushrooms are a powerhouse of powerful compounds that have the ability to help maintain and regulate the immune system. This means that mushrooms can not only help defend us against colds and flu, but they are also making waves in other areas of treatment and research. And one of the best-studied beneficial mushrooms that have been shown to be a powerful immune booster is the turkey tail mushroom and Chaga mushroom Australia. 

What Is Turkey Tail Fungus?

The powerful health benefits of turkey tail mushrooms, like those of other medicinal mushrooms, are due to a substance known as beta-glucans. Beta-glucans are an indigestible fiber composed of complex carbohydrate chains known as polysaccharides that make up the fungus’s cell wall. Nature contains a wide range of beta-glucans. But it is the very special structure of those found in turkey tail (called PSK and PSP), which have been shown in studies to help regulate our immune system by increasing or decreasing the action of certain immune cells, promoting immunity against toxins and germs, as well as suppressing inflammation. In terms of benefits or qualities, it is similar to Chaga mushroom Australia.

Studies have shown that beta-glucans not only help maintain immunity and boost immune cells, but may also act as antioxidants, support healthy cholesterol, and balance blood sugar. 

Turkey Tail Fungus Can Help with Common Colds And Flu

In addition to immune system support, turkey tail benefits have long been thought to have antiviral and antimicrobial properties, making it useful to take at the first sign of a cold or flu, fever, or when traveling. Combined with other healthy options, turkey tail mushrooms can be a powerful and supportive tool to boost your immune defense when you’re feeling under the weather. let’s discuss the turkey tail benefits:

Turkey Tail Fungus May Be Antiviral

One research study found that 88% of people with oral HPV who were given a turkey tail had complete clearance after two months of treatment. Only 5% of the control group had the same result 

Turkey Tail Mushroom Is Rich In Antioxidants

Turkey tail’s rich source of antioxidants like phenols and flavonoids can help reduce free radical damage that can cause cell damage and inflammation in the body. Antioxidants may also help improve immune function.

Turkey Tail Mushrooms May Support Healthy Digestion

A rich source of prebiotics, turkey tail has been shown in studies to be beneficial for a healthy gut. A study found that consuming 3600 mg of beta-glucans extracted from turkey tail mushrooms per day for 8 weeks resulted in beneficial changes in gut bacteria and inhibited the growth of bad bacteria such as E. coli and Shigella bacteria). Another study found that turkey tail draws out increased populations of beneficial bacteria while reducing potentially harmful bacteria.

What to Look for in a Supplement for Turkey Tail Mushrooms

Here you’re looking to add turkey tail to your routine, you’ll find that it comes in a variety of additional forms like tinctures, capsules, or even teas. But keep in mind that not all turkey tail mushroom supplements give you the benefits you pay for.

In a high-quality turkey tail supplement, you want to see on the label that it is derived from what is called the “fruiting body” of the mushroom. The fruiting body, or the top part of the mushroom that produces the spores (also the part we like to eat from edible mushrooms), is where most of the beneficial compounds are found. Other products on the market usually use in their formulas what is called mycelium or root system of the fungus. Mycelium-based formulas do not contain as many immune-beneficial beta-glucans as those found on top of the mushroom.