Best Mushroom Protein Powder
The best mushroom protein powder we have come across is from Four Sigmatic. They are best known for their incredibly delicious mushroom coffee, although their new protein formulation that includes your favorite functional mushrooms is a must try.
Although if you’re looking to incorporate protein from mushrooms into your diet, we want to list a few of our favorites. Some you can find in your local store and the other functional mushrooms are ones we would love to see added to a mushroom protein powder formulation.
These are the best mushrooms to have in a protein powder and why.
Let’s take a look at some of the best mushrooms to have in a protein powder and why.
Agaricus (portobella mushroom)
Agaricus is an edible mushroom with a mild taste and earthy aroma. It’s also used to make a protein powder that you can add to smoothies or other foods. The powder contains an impressive 21 grams of protein per serving, making it great for athletes and others looking to increase their intake of this key nutrient.
Learn more: Best mushroom powder
Agaricus also has other nutritional benefits including high levels of antioxidants like polyphenols, as well as vitamin D, which may help prevent heart disease and cancer.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps is a genus of ascomycete fungi that includes about 400 species. It is a traditional Chinese medicine used to boost the immune system and increase energy, although it’s also been shown to be effective in treating cancer.
It’s harvested from high-altitude valleys known as “cordyceps fields,” where it grows on caterpillars. The fungus then infects its host, which eventually dies and falls to the ground below. This allows for easy collection of cordyceps spores from these fallen hosts before new ones emerge from their cocoons in early summer; this process continues until there are no more dead insects left to collect from underneath fresh snowfall at higher elevations (usually around 5,000 meters).
Lion’s Mane
Lion’s mane is another mushroom that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years and is known to help with the following:
- Reduces anxiety
- Helps fight fatigue
- Improves memory performance, especially in those who have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia
Maitake
Maitake is a Japanese name for a type of edible mushroom that grows on decaying trees. Maitake mushrooms are known for their high vitamin D content, and they also contain large amounts of vitamin C, selenium, and B vitamins. The maitake mushroom has been shown to help protect against cancer and cardiovascular disease, among other health benefits.
Learn more: Best mushrooms for gut health
Reishi
Reishi is a medicinal mushroom that has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years.
It is also known as Ganoderma lucidum, ling zhi (or ling chi) and mannentake. The Japanese name reishi translates to “mushroom of immortality” and it is considered one of the most important herbs in traditional Chinese herbalism.
Reishi has been shown to help the body respond to stress, boost immune function and improve liver function.
Shiitake
- Shiitake mushrooms are a good source of protein and fiber.
- The fiber in shiitake mushrooms may help lower your cholesterol levels.
- They contain many vitamins and minerals, including iron and selenium, which are important for cellular health.
- Zinc is important for immune function, as well as cell division and growth. It also supports wound healing, which means it’s great if you’re working out regularly!
Shiitake mushrooms have copper in them as well—copper helps prevent anemia by producing red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout your body.*