Turkey tail mushroom benefits have been well-documented for centuries. This delicious mushroom is packed with nutrients that offer a variety of health benefits. From boosting your immune system to helping fight cancer, turkey tail mushrooms are a powerful ally in your quest for good health. In this blog post, we will discuss the many benefits of turkey tails and how you can add them to your diet!
1. Great Source of Antioxidants
Antioxidants are compounds that prevent or minimize oxidative stress damage.
Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals. This may cause cellular damage and chronic inflammation.
The imbalances in these two groups of vitamins may also be linked to an increased risk of disease, including some cancers and heart illness.
Fortunately, eating antioxidant-rich foods or taking supplements that contain these powerful antioxidants can help to decrease oxidative stress and inflammation.
The antioxidant content of the turkey tail is very high, including phenols and flavonoids.
Aside from the chitin and hyphae, one study discovered over 35 distinct phenolic chemicals in turkey tail mushroom extract, as well as flavonoid antioxidants like quercetin and baicalein.
The immune system is stimulated by anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of phenol and flavonoids.
Quercetin, for example, has been found to enhance the production of immunoprotective proteins such as interferon-y while decreasing the release of pro-inflammatory enzymes like cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX).
2. Provides Polysaccharopeptides
Polysaccharopeptides are protein-bound polysaccharides (carbohydrates) present in, for example, turkey tail mushroom extract.
Krestin (PSK) and Polysaccharide Peptide (PSP) are two forms of polysaccharopeptides that may be found in turkey tail.
Both PSK and PSP have strong immunomodulating characteristics. They boost immune function by both stimulating and suppressing various kinds of immune cells, as well as reducing inflammation.
For example, test-tube research has shown that PSP increases monocytes, which are white blood cells that combat infection and increase immunity.
PSK promotes immune function by stimulating dendritic cells, which help to defend against poisons. PSK also activates macrophages, white blood cells that protect your body from dangerous chemicals such as bacteria by neutralizing them.
In countries like Japan and China, PSP and PSK are frequently utilized as anticancer medicines in combination with surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation.
3. May Improve Immune Function in Cancer Patients
Containing anticancer compounds is another one of the great turkey tail mushroom benefits, which are believed to be due to their immun-boosting abilities.
PSK, a polysaccharopeptide present in turkey tail mushrooms, has been found to slow the growth and spread of human colon cancer cells in test-tube research.
Turkey tail mushrooms also contain polysaccharides, which have been shown to target and slow the growth of certain cancers. In addition, Coriolus versicolor glucan (CVG), a sort of polysaccharide present in turkey tail mushrooms, may lower tumor progression.
Treatment with 45.5 and 90.9 mg per pound (100 and 200 mg per kg) of body weight of CVG extracted from turkey tail mushrooms daily significantly decreased tumor size in tumor-bearing mice, according to a research.
The researchers suggested that this was due to a boosted immune response.
In another study, 45.5 mg per pound (100 mg per kg) of body weight of turkey tail mushroom extract slowed the growth of cancer cells and extended survival times in dogs with highly aggressive cancer (hemangiosarcoma).
However, the most compelling evidence for turkey tail mushroom’s anticancer benefits is when it’s used in conjunction with more traditional therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation.
4. May Improve Effectiveness of Certain Cancer Treatments
Turkey tail, owing to the several health-boosting chemicals it contains, is frequently used in combination with conventional therapies such as chemotherapy as a natural approach to beat specific cancers.
Patients who took 1–3.6 grams of turkey tail mushroom per day along with traditional therapy had a significant survival benefit, according to a review of 13 studies.
According to a review conducted by the researchers, people with breast cancer, stomach cancer, or colorectal cancer who received turkey tail mushroom benefits and chemotherapy had a 9% reduction in 5-year mortality when compared to chemotherapy alone.
A systematic review of eight studies with over 8,000 participants found that individuals who received chemotherapy plus PSK had a greater survival rate than those who received chemotherapy alone after surgery.
In 11 women with breast cancer, researchers discovered that those who took 6–9 grams of turkey tail powder each day for five days after radiation therapy had an increase in immune system cells known to fight cancer, such as natural killer cells and lymphocytes.
5. May Help Enhance Gut Health
Keeping a proper balance of beneficial microorganisms in your gut is essential for maintaining a strong immune system.
Gut bacteria interact with immune cells and have an immediate impact on your immune function.
Guar gum contains probiotics that include Bifidobacteria, which aid in the maintenance of a healthy digestive system.
An 8-week study in 24 peopl, researchers discovered that consuming 3,600 mg of PSP extracted from turkey tail mushrooms per day in healthy individuals resulted in beneficial changes in intestinal flora and the suppression of E. coli and Shigella growth.
According to a test-tube study, turkey tail extract altered gut bacteria composition by increasing beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus while reducing potentially harmful bacteria like Clostridium and Staphylococcus.
Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium bacteria are associated with reduced digestive issues such as diarrhea, boosted immune systems, lower cholesterol levels, decreased risks of some cancers, and improved digestion.
Our Final Thoughts
The curative properties and the large list of the turkey tail mushroom benefits (Lycoperdon perlatum) make it an important medicinal fungus.
It has a variety of potent antioxidants and other compounds that might help strengthen your immune system and even aid in the treatment of various malignancies.
Another benefit of Turkey tail mushroom supplements also helps to improve gut bacteria balance, which has the potential to enhance your immunity.
With its immune-boosting properties, it’s no surprise that turkey tail is a popular natural treatment for improving health.
Additional Turkey Tail Mushroom Benefits
Aside from the advantages mentioned below, turkey tail may promote health in a variety of ways:
- May combat HPV: According to a research of 61 persons with HPV, 88 percent of those treated with turkey tail had positive results, such as clearance of HPV, as opposed to just 5% in the comparison group.
- May reduce inflammation: The antioxidant content of the turkey tail may help to reduce inflammation. Chronic diseases, such as diabetes and several cancers, have been linked to inflammation.
- Has antibacterial qualities: Turkey tail extract reduced the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella enterica bacteria in test tubes, which can cause sickness and infection.
- May improve athletic performance: A mouse study discovered that turkey tail extract improved exercise performance and reduced tiredness. In addition, the mice given turkey tail had decreased blood sugar levels at rest and after exercise.
- May improve insulin resistance: In a study on rats with type 2 diabetes, turkey tail extract significantly reduced blood sugar levels and improved insulin resistance.
Studies are continuing on turkey tail mushroom benefits to get a better understanding, and additional advantages of this medicinal fungus may be discovered in the near future.
Additional Resources:
You can find our favorite capsules, powders, and tincture’s on the following pages of our website and learn more about each individually:
Best Turkey Tail Mushroom Supplement
Best Turkey Tail Mushroom Powder
Best Turkey Tail Mushroom Tincture
Turkey Tail Mushroom Side Effects
Where to buy turkey tail mushroom
