In the pursuit of a balanced and healthy lifestyle, weight management is often one of the most difficult issues that people find themselves trying to navigate. One of the more remarkable aspects of some functional mushrooms is their impact on an individual's ability to metabolize fat, regulate mood, reduce stress, support triglyceride levels and assist with weight control.Here are a few functional mushrooms associated with potential weight management benefits:
Reishi Mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum):
- A recent study conducted on Reishi’s effects on body weight and obesity-related disorder showed that compared to the placebo group the subjects supplemented with Reishi mushrooms exhibited
- A decrease in body weight of approximately 8% to 16%, decreases in the fat deposited within the body cavity of about 20% to 29%, decreases in the fat deposited beneath the skin of approximately 44% to 59%, and a decrease in liver weight, the site of abnormal fat deposition that leads to fatty liver disease, of about 17%.
- Reishi mushrooms are also well known for their adaptogenic properties, helping the body adapt to stress. Stress management is crucial for weight management, as stress can contribute to overeating and weight gain.
Cordyceps Mushrooms (Cordyceps sinensis):
- Cordyceps are believed to have metabolism-boosting properties, potentially supporting weight loss by improving the efficiency of energy production. This may contribute to enhanced exercise performance and fat utilization.
Lion's Mane Mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus):
- Lion's Mane is associated with cognitive benefits, and its inclusion in the diet may indirectly support weight management by promoting mental well-being. Emotional well-being is linked to healthy eating habits and weight control. In addition to its effects on cognition, a study conducted in 2010 showed Lion’s Mane’s positive influence in fat metabolism when compared to a placebo group.
References:
Chang CJ, Lin CS, Lu CC, et al. Ganoderma lucidum reduces obesity in mice by modulating the composition of the gut microbiota. Nat Commun. 2015;6:7489.
Cani PD, Possemiers S, Van de Wiele T, et al. Changes in gut microbiota control inflammation in obese mice through a mechanism involving GLP-2-driven improvement of gut permeability. Gut. 2009;58(8):1091-103.
Thyagarajan-Sahu A, Lane B, Sliva D. ReishiMax, mushroom based dietary supplement, inhibits adipocyte differentiation, stimulates glucose uptake and activates AMPK. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2011;11:74.
Ridaura VK, Faith JJ, Rey FE, et al. Gut microbiota from twins discordant for obesity modulate metabolism in mice. Science. 2013;341(6150):1241214.
Kazuyuki H, Yasuyuki K, Nao S, Keishi H, Toshiyuki M, Kenji S, Hitoshi S & Michio K (2010) Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 74:7, 1447-1451. doi: 10.1271/bbb.100130