Nowadays, holistic and Eastern medicine is becoming more and more popular in the Western world. That's why it's no surprise that people look for new and innovative ways to improve their health.
One of the most popular health trends is using mushrooms for their medicinal properties. A good example of such a mushroom is the turkey tail mushroom (Trametes versicolor), known for its immune-boosting properties.
Below, we discuss the turkey tail mushroom health benefits and how you can use it in your daily routine. Keep reading to learn where you can buy turkey tail mushroom supplements.
What is turkey tail?
Turkey tail is a type of mushroom that grows on dead or dying hardwood trees. The scientific name for turkey tail is Trametes versicolor, and it's a member of the Basidiomycota family.
The mushroom is also known by other names, such as cloud Mushroom, tree ear mushroom, and kawaratake (in Japanese).
The typical turkey tail mushroom has a distinctive shape that resembles the tail of a wild turkey. That's how it got its name. The mushroom can be different colors, including brown, red, yellow, and green.
What is turkey tail mushroom good for? Main health benefits
The main constituents of turkey tail mushrooms are polysaccharide krestin (PSK) and polysaccharide-peptide (PSP). These compounds have numerous health benefits, including boosting the immune system and fighting cancer.
Turkey tail mushroom is used for a wide range of health benefits, such as:
- Improving response to radiation and cancer medicines
- Alleviating fatigue
- Reducing inflammation
- Improving digestion
- Aiding in weight loss
- Protecting the liver
However, it's important to note that most of these claims are based on anecdotal evidence or animal studies. There is a lack of human clinical trials to support many of the health benefits of turkey tail mushrooms.
Benefits of turkey tail for your internal health
Although there are limited studies about some of the wider claims made about turkey tail mushrooms, there's plenty of evidence to show the usefulness of PSP and PSK.
These substances have been extensively researched for their effects on cancer, the immune system, and inflammation. Here are some turkey tail benefits.
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Rich in antioxidants
One of the most significant turkey tail benefits is that it's rich in antioxidants. These are substances that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Free radicals are unstable molecules that can build up and cause oxidative stress. As a result, they can lead to heart disease and cancer.
Research shows that turkey tail has two of the most important antioxidants: flavonoids and phenols. These substances scavenge free radicals and help protect cells from damage.
A study showed the presence of 35 phenolic compounds in turkey tail mushroom extract. The same study also found the presence of baicalein and quercetin in the extract. These are two flavonoids with potent antioxidant effects.
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Improve immune functions in certain cancers
The antitumor properties of PSK were first discovered in the 1970s when Japanese researchers found that this compound could improve the immune system function of cancer patients.
A test-tube study found that PSK inhibits the growth of human colon cancer cells. The compound also stopped the spread of the cancer cells in the sample.
However, it's important to note that turkey tail mushrooms alone do not help manage cancer. They can be used as a complementary treatment to conventional cancer therapies. Turkey tail mushrooms cancer studies are still underway.
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Fight liver toxicity
Some common causes of liver toxicity include alcohol abuse and certain medications, such as acetaminophen. Liver damage can lead to liver failure, which is a life-threatening condition.
Turkey tail mushrooms may help protect the liver from damage. The PSP and PSK compounds reduce inflammation, further protecting liver cells from damage.
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Improve thyroid functions
Since turkey tail mushrooms support immunity, they can also help regulate the thyroid gland. The butterfly-shaped gland is located in the neck and produces hormones essential for metabolism, growth, and development.
Any imbalance in hormone levels can lead to a range of health problems, such as goiter, weight gain, and hair loss. Turkey tail mushrooms can help maintain hormone levels and improve thyroid function.
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Boost immune functions
Polysaccharopeptides are compounds that help modulate the immune system. They can also help fight viral and bacterial infections.
Since turkey tail mushrooms are rich in PSP, they can help improve the body's response to infections. The polysaccharides present in these mushrooms also enhance immune function.
A test-tube study found that PSP increases the number of monocytes in the body. These white blood cells travel through the blood to reach areas of infection. They ingest foreign material and remove dead cells from the body.
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Improve athletic performance
There's some evidence that turkey tail mushrooms can improve athletic performance and help reduce exercise-induced fatigue.
A study in rats found that turkey tail mushrooms had lower blood sugar levels after exercise and at rest. The mushroom also reduced fatigue in the study subjects.
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Enhance gut health
What are turkey tail mushrooms good for in the gut? These mushrooms are rich in prebiotics, which are types of fiber that help feed the good bacteria in your gut.
A test-tube study showed that turkey tail mushrooms increase the population of good bacteria and reduce bad bacteria in the gut. Thus, these mushrooms may enhance gut health and protect against gastrointestinal disorders.
Where to buy turkey tail mushroom supplements?
Now that you know the benefits of turkey tail mushroom, you might wonder where to buy these supplements. Turkey tail mushroom supplements are available online and in some health food stores.
Longevity Botanicals is an ideal place to shop for turkey tail mushrooms online. You can get these mushrooms in the extract form or in capsules for easy consumption. For instance, the Organic Turkey Tail (Coriolus Tremetes) Mushroom Extract Powder has 100% organic fruiting body mushrooms enriched with flavonoid antioxidants.
Since Longevity Botanicals products are GMO-free, vegan, certified Kosher, and paleo-friendly, you can be sure of their quality and safety.
Moreover, you can also search for turkey tail mushrooms in your local Asian grocery stores. They may have different local names, such as Yun Zhi and Kawaratake. So, it's best to talk to the store owner to get the right mushrooms.
