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The Healing Powers Of Medicinal Mushrooms: Comparing Mycelium vs Fruiting Body, Which Is Better For Health?

Ready to harness the power of medicinal mushrooms? First, learn the difference between mycelium vs fruiting body - and which is best for you!

Tanys

Feb 25, 2023 • 7 min read

Mushrooms are not only a delicious addition to your meals, but they are also an excellent source of nutrition and have been used for their medicinal properties for centuries. With the rise in popularity of functional foods, people are turning to mushrooms for their potential health benefits. However, not all parts of the mushroom are created equal when it comes to medicinal properties. Here we will explore the differences between mycelium and the fruiting body of the mushroom and which one is better for health.

What is Mycelium?

Mycelium is the vegetative part of the mushroom, consisting of a network of thread-like structures called hyphae. These hyphae grow underground and act as the mushroom's root system. Mycelium is responsible for breaking down organic matter in the soil and plays a crucial role in the ecosystem's nutrient cycle.

Mycelium is also used in traditional medicine, where it is believed to have immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. This is because mycelium contains high levels of beta-glucans, which are complex polysaccharides that have been shown to stimulate the immune system and reduce inflammation.

Beta-glucans work by activating immune cells such as macrophages and natural killer cells, which can help to destroy harmful pathogens and cancer cells. Mycelium extracts have been shown to have antitumor effects in animal studies, and they are also used to treat various conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome and autoimmune diseases.

What is Fruiting Body?

The fruiting body, on the other hand, is the visible part of the mushroom that we are most familiar with. It is the reproductive structure that grows above ground and produces spores for reproduction.

The fruiting body is rich in polysaccharides, beta-glucans, and triterpenes, which are believed to have immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor properties. Fruiting body extracts are often used for their antioxidant and antitumor properties. Triterpenes work by inhibiting the growth and proliferation of cancer cells, as well as promoting apoptosis (programmed cell death) of cancer cells.

Which is Better for Health: Mycelium or Fruiting Body?

The debate over which part of the mushroom is better for health is not a new one, and it ultimately depends on the specific health condition being treated. However, there are some general guidelines to follow.

Mycelium is rich in beta-glucans, which have been shown to have immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory effects. Beta-glucans work by activating immune cells such as macrophages and natural killer cells, which can help to destroy harmful pathogens and cancer cells. Mycelium extracts are often used to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and improve overall health.

The fruiting body, on the other hand, is rich in triterpenes, which have also been shown to have antioxidant and antitumor properties. Triterpenes work by inhibiting the growth and proliferation of cancer cells, as well as promoting apoptosis (programmed cell death) of cancer cells. Fruiting body extracts are often used for their potential to prevent and treat cancer, as well as to promote overall health and wellness.

It's worth noting that while mycelium and fruiting bodies have different compositions and offer different health benefits, they can also work synergistically when used together. Some mushroom supplements contain both mycelium and fruiting body extracts, as well as other components of the mushroom such as spores and sclerotia. These supplements are designed to provide a more comprehensive range of health benefits and may be particularly effective for promoting overall health and wellness.

Interesting FAQs

Mycelium is sometimes called "the internet of the soil" because it plays a crucial role in nutrient cycling and communication between plants. Mycelial networks can stretch over large distances and connect multiple plant species, allowing for the exchange of nutrients and information.
The fruiting body is often used in traditional medicine practices in East Asia, where it is believed to have a variety of health benefits. In Chinese medicine, for example, the reishi mushroom (which is a type of fruiting body) is often used to promote longevity, improve immune function, and support liver and kidney health.
Some mushroom species have a unique life cycle in which they produce both a mycelial stage and a fruiting body stage. For example, the lion's mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) produces a mycelial stage that can be used for its immune-boosting properties, as well as a fruiting body stage that can be used for its cognitive and nerve-regenerating properties.
Both mycelium and fruiting body extracts can be prepared using different extraction methods, which can affect the bioavailability and effectiveness of the active compounds. For example, hot water extraction is commonly used to extract beta-glucans from mycelium, while ethanol extraction is often used to extract triterpenes from the fruiting body. Different extraction methods can also yield different ratios of active compounds, which can affect the specific health benefits of the extract.
While mycelium and fruiting body are the most well-known parts of the mushroom, there are actually many other parts of the mushroom that can be used for medicinal purposes. For example, the spores of certain mushroom species (such as the shiitake mushroom) contain polysaccharides that have been shown to have immune-boosting effects. The sclerotia (or "mycelial masses") of certain species (such as the reishi mushroom) also contain unique bioactive compounds that have been shown to have a variety of health benefits.

The Choice Is Yours

Ultimately, the choice between mycelium and fruiting body extracts may depend on the specific health condition being treated, as well as personal preferences and lifestyle factors. As with any supplement, it's important to choose a high-quality product and to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any mushrooms for medicinal purposes.

In general, mycelium extracts are more commonly used for immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory purposes, while fruiting body extracts are more commonly used for their antioxidant and antitumor properties. However, the specific health benefits of each part of the mushroom can depend on the species of mushroom being used, as well as the extraction method used to produce the supplement.

When choosing a mushroom supplement, it's important to look for supplements that use the fruiting body as the primary ingredient. The supplement should also be standardized to contain a certain percentage of beta-glucans or triterpenes, depending on the health condition being treated.

It's important to note that not all mushroom supplements are created equal. Some supplements use myceliated grain, which is a mixture of grain and mycelium. These supplements are often marketed as "full-spectrum" or "whole-mushroom" extracts, but they may not be as effective as supplements that use the fruiting body.

In addition to choosing the right type of mushroom supplement, it's also important to consider the quality of the supplement. Look for supplements that are made from organic mushrooms and are free from additives and fillers.

The extraction method used to make the supplement can also affect its effectiveness, so look for supplements that use a high-quality extraction method.

Conclusion

In conclusion, medicinal mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and are now gaining more attention from the scientific community. The debate between mycelium and the fruiting body as the better source of health benefits continues, with both having their own unique qualities. While mycelium may contain higher levels of certain compounds, such as beta-glucans, fruiting bodies have a wider range of bioactive compounds.

Ultimately, the choice between mycelium and fruiting body may depend on individual preferences and health goals. However, it is clear that incorporating medicinal mushrooms into our diets can have numerous potential health benefits and should be considered as a part of a holistic approach to wellness.

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