Your Instagram history is living proof that you’re always willing to try out the latest wellness trend (thanks, scarily accurate algorithm) in the name of supporting your well-being. Because, let’s be honest, there’s very little you wouldn’t try at least once if it promises to support healthy digestion or energy levels.
To that end, there’s a new type of supplement making the social media rounds that lists all of the above benefits—and Brittany Michels, registered dietitian with The Vitamin Shoppe®, says you definitely shouldn’t just tap past the next time you see mushroom-based supplements in your feed.
“Although mushroom supplements have received much recent attention on social media, they’ve been used in some areas of the world for thousands of years,” Michels says. “Mushrooms are one of the most nutrient-dense foods, so it should be no surprise that this class of superfoods is more than just a passing social media health trend.”
Although consuming your run-of-the-mill grocery store mushrooms is fantastic for your health, most of these supplements contain adaptogenic mushrooms, which you probably can’t pick up at your local market—so taking them in supplement form is the way to go.
Below, Michels breaks down the many benefits of mushrooms, and explains why Force Factor‘s mushroom chews, which are newly available at The Vitamin Shoppe®, are the high-potency, budget-friendly way to get in on those benefits.
Chaga chews for daily health
If you’re looking for a supplement to support your everyday health, the chaga chews are for you. “Chaga supplementation is best for those who would benefit from increasing antioxidant intake, such as those with anti-aging or immune support goals,” Michels says.
Considered one of the highest antioxidant-containing mushrooms, chaga is traditionally used to support the immune system, thanks to its high polysaccharide content. Another recommendation Michels has when it comes to chaga chews? Consider pairing them with collagen, as chaga can stimulate collagen production.
Cordyceps chews for prolonged energy
While you might be familiar with cordyceps from the popular TV show The Last of Us, Michels promises these chews won’t turn you into a zombie—in fact, they might actually help with your energy and endurance, all while tasting delicious, of course. “Cordyceps supplementation is best for those with physical and respiratory endurance goals,” Michels says. “Athletes come to mind when I think of who these fungi may be best for.”
Research on cordyceps has found that it can support intense exercise capacity, can lengthen the time to exhaustion, and can increase breathing capacity during high-intensity exercise. Michels suggests pairing it with your favorite pre-workout prior to exercising to optimize your energy levels. Energy and endurance are not the only benefits of cordyceps mushroom chews though—they can also help to assist the pulmonary and immune systems.
Shiitake chews for gut health
Move over green powders, there’s a new digestive sheriff in town: shiitake mushroom chews. “Shiitake mushrooms provide dietary fiber, which naturally supports digestive health and well-being,” Michels says.
As a good source of prebiotic fiber, shiitake mushrooms can help feed the bacteria in your gut, which can support a more balanced digestive system. Shiitake mushrooms also contain polysaccharides, which are a major component of dietary fiber that can help the gut to *ahem* move along a bit faster.
From immune support to endurance boosts, the benefits of mushrooms can help you support your wellness goals in one (or two) chewy bites. Grab yours from The Vitamin Shoppe®, and thank the social media algorithm for its positive influence later.
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