Mushrooms are not plants. They comprise a completely
separate kingdom that is distinct from both animal and plant kingdoms.

In fact, mushrooms are more similar genetically to the
animal kingdom than the plant kingdom.

Mushrooms do not contain chlorophyll, so they cannot produce energy from
the sun. Instead, they metabolize the decaying matter on which
they grow.

Because mushrooms are so different from the plant
kingdom, they possess unique beneficial compounds that do not occur in herbs.

Nootropics are supplements that are used to boost the cognitive abilities and the brain functioning of individuals. Since there are many different ways that the brain functions, there is no way to accurately sum up what all nootropics do, as some of them will impact learning, others will impact cognition, and others may impact memory.

There’s a massive array of benefits from consuming
various mushrooms. Most major aspects of health can potentially be improved by
supplementing with the right type of shroom.

Research suggests that cardiovascular health, liver
and kidney function, gut health, the immune system, some types of cancer, blood
pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, weight, inflammation, and energy levels can
all be managed by taking certain types of mushroom supplements.

The 6 Nootropic Mushrooms

As mentioned above, only 6 mushroom species have been identified with
plenty of evidence to work as a nootropic and
benefit your brain.

Lions Mane, Chaga, Reishi, Cordyceps, Maitake, Oyster

Lions Mane, Chaga, Reishi, Cordyceps, Maitake, Oyster

Lions Mane is one of the most popular natural nootropic supplements for increasing
brain power.

Notably, this fungus may be one of the most potent boosters of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in the body

Researchers have found that the organic compounds hericenones and erinacines, found only in lion’s mane, can induce Nerve Growth Factor synthesis
in nerve cells.

For this reason, lion’s mane has been shown to help
with lifting brain fog, raising
mood, and improving memory.

This is one of the best nootropics out there for overall cognitive function, and we think it is well worth considering for your daily stack.

Chaga is an extremely powerful anti-inflammatory agent,
with a well-documented ability to fight oxidative stress in the body and brain.

In fact, these medicinal mushrooms have one of the
highest ORAC values of any known food. The ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) scale is used to measure the capacity of any food to scavenge harmful free radicals from cells and prevent oxidative damage.

Chaga can keep neurons healthy, which can lead to a holistic improvement in cognitive function across
the board.

This is especially important as you age and your brain cells naturally begin to deteriorate. In this way, Chaga mushrooms could be a potent anti-aging supplement.

Chaga is also considered an adaptogen which means that it can normalize the body’s hormone levels in response to stress.

Adaptogens like Chaga are known to lower anxiety levels and allow you to keep a level head during difficult situations.

Reishi is the most widely used medicinal mushroom in traditional healing practices. In fact, it is the most prized natural remedy in Chinese traditional medicine, with ginseng coming in second.

Several Eastern cultures have used this “mushroom of immortality” for thousands of years to treat a wide variety of illnesses.

Reishi is prized for its effects on memory. Multiple trials suggest that it can improve this ability, especially in the face of cognitive decline.

It is also suggested that it may be able to help regulate the body’s hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis, which is responsible for the “fight or flight” response.

This could improve your response to stress and anxiety, allowing you to keep calm in difficult circumstances.

There are also clinical trials showing that reishi may fight depression and fatigue by raising mood and energy levels

Cordyceps mushroom is a rare
and highly prized fungus that grows in the high elevations of the Himalayas.

This fungus has an energizing
effect on the body and brain and can act as a cognition and mood booster. Multiple studies back this up

This revitalizing effect also
seems to carry over into mental health. As an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory medicine, cordyceps
may prevent neural degeneration as you age, keeping your mind young and agile

This popular and tasty
culinary mushroom also appears to have some nootropic qualities.

Maitake can reportedly improve levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
(BDNF). BDNF is a crucial neuropeptide that helps your nervous system maintain old neurons and grow new ones

As you might guess, this is an extremely important function. The brain’s ability to grow and regenerate is necessary for healthy cognition across the board.

It is particularly critical for forming and storing new memories, as this process relies on physically making new neural connections.

Maitake also activates the brain’s AMPA receptors, which are implicated in many crucial cognitive functions,
including emotional regulation.  This
could have a positive wide-ranging effect on cognition and mood.

Oyster mushrooms, or Pleurotus species,
are a group of gilled mushrooms. While mushrooms are classified as fungi, which are technically different from plants, they are a great addition to any meat-free diet.

Oyster mushrooms are a good source of fiber,
protein, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. They also
provide antioxidants,
which are substances that help reduce cellular damage in your body