The Top 6 Reasons to Add Turkey Tail Mushrooms to Your Daily Routine

Turkey tail mushrooms, known scientifically as "Trametes versicolor", are a fascinating and beneficial species of fungi that you might find intriguing. These mushrooms get their common name from their striking appearance, which resembles the colorful fan of a wild turkey's tail.

Their vibrant bands of color range from browns and reds to blues and greens, making them a distinctive and beautiful addition to the forest floor.

Historically, turkey tail mushrooms have held a prominent place in traditional medicine, particularly within Asian cultures. For centuries, Chinese and Japanese herbalists have utilized these mushrooms for their purported health benefits. 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), they are known as "Yun Zhi" and are often used to support health and overall vitality. Similarly, in Japan, they are called "Kawaratake" and have been incorporated into various medicinal practices.

Over the past few years, scientific interest in turkey tail mushrooms has surged, particularly due to their potential medicinal properties. Research has focused on their polysaccharides, specifically PSK (polysaccharide-K) and PSP (polysaccharopeptide), which are believed to be responsible for the bulk of positive benefits. 

Let’s take a look at what makes it seemingly innocuous mushroom worth the hype.

Benefits Of Turkey Tail Mushrooms

Supports Immune Health

Turkey tail mushrooms, like many other varieties of shrooms, are pretty good at enhancing immune function. There are a few things at play that help with this.

First off, turkey tail is loaded with beta-glucans, a type of polysaccharide. When you consume these, they don't just sit idly in your system. Instead, they actively bind to receptors on your immune cells. 

This interaction stimulates immune cells, making them more efficient at detecting and fighting off pathogens like viruses and bacteria. This effect is comparable to giving your immune system a wake-up call.

Another key component in turkey tail mushrooms efficacy is the presence of two unique polysaccharide compounds: PSK (polysaccharide-K) and PSP (polysaccharide-peptide). PSK and PSP are known for their ability to modulate the immune response. They don't just boost your immune system; they also help balance it, ensuring it's not overactive, which can lead to autoimmune issues.

These mushrooms are also rich in antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress in your body, which can weaken your immune system over time. By reducing oxidative stress, turkey tail mushrooms help maintain the integrity and functionality of your immune cells.

Beneficial For Gut Health

When it comes to gut health, turkey tail mushrooms work wonders. You'll find that these mushrooms are naturally rich in prebiotics, which are essential sources of nourishment for the beneficial bacteria in your gut.

But it doesn't stop there. The beta-glucans in turkey tail mushrooms play a dual role. While they boost your immune system, they also promote the growth of healthy gut flora. This is crucial because a balanced gut microbiome is key to overall health. 

Those beneficial bacteria help break down food, produce essential nutrients, and even protect against harmful pathogens.

Plus, did you know that 70% of your immune system resides in the gut, and not circulating in blood as is commonly believed?

Additionally, the PSK and PSP compounds in turkey tail mushrooms don't just modulate your immune response; they also exert anti-inflammatory properties. 

Chronic inflammation in the gut can lead to a host of issues, from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) to more severe conditions like Crohn's disease. By reducing inflammation, these compounds help maintain a healthy gut lining, which is vital for nutrient absorption and overall gut health.

Liver Support 

We can all use a little help for our liver. Yes, the organ is extremely resilient and regenerative, but there is a point when it can become overwhelming. Turkey tail can help to take off a bit of that load.

These mushrooms contain powerful antioxidants, including phenols and flavonoids, which play a crucial role in neutralizing harmful free radicals in the liver. Free radicals can cause oxidative stress, leading to liver damage and impairing its function. By reducing oxidative stress, turkey tail mushrooms help protect your liver cells from damage and support their regeneration.

The polysaccharides in turkey tail mushrooms, particularly beta-glucans, also have hepatoprotective properties. This means they help safeguard your liver against toxins and other harmful substances. 

Your liver is constantly working to detoxify your body, and these mushrooms can ease its burden by enhancing its detoxification processes.

The anti-inflammatory properties of turkey tail mushrooms also extend to the liver. Chronic inflammation in the liver can lead to conditions like fatty liver disease, hepatitis, and even liver cirrhosis. By reducing inflammation, the PSK and PSP compounds found in turkey tail mushrooms help maintain a healthy liver environment, preventing the onset of these conditions.

These mushrooms even support the liver's ability to metabolize fats. A well-functioning liver efficiently processes fats, preventing the accumulation of fat in liver cells, which can lead to fatty liver disease. By promoting healthy fat metabolism, turkey tail mushrooms contribute to overall liver health.

May Help Reduce Cancer Risk

You're probably wondering how turkey tail mushrooms can help lower the risk of cancer. Well, these mushrooms are packed with compounds that can play a significant role in cancer prevention and support.

First, turkey tail mushrooms are rich in polysaccharopeptides, such as PSK (Krestin) and PSP (Polysaccharide Peptide). These compounds have shown impressive anti-cancer properties. PSK is particularly notable for its ability to inhibit tumor growth and boost the immune system. It works by stimulating the activity of natural killer cells, T-cells, and macrophages, which are all crucial components of your immune system's defense against cancer cells.

Plus, as we previously noted, these mushrooms contain powerful antioxidants, such as phenols and flavonoids. Antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage your cells and DNA, potentially leading to cancer. By reducing oxidative stress, turkey tail mushrooms help protect your cells from mutations that could trigger cancerous growths.

Another mechanism by which turkey tail mushrooms may help lower cancer risk is through their anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation is a known risk factor for the development of cancer. The PSK and PSP compounds found in turkey tail mushrooms can help reduce inflammation in your body, thereby lowering your risk of inflammation-triggered cancers.

A healthy balance of gut bacteria also plays a part in reducing cancer risk. A healthy gut microbiome is essential for a strong immune system, which in turn plays a pivotal role in identifying and destroying cancer cells before they can grow and spread. The prebiotic fibers in turkey tail mushrooms can help nourish beneficial gut bacteria, enhancing your overall immune response.

Finally, turkey tail mushrooms also aid in detoxification. By supporting liver health and its detoxification processes, these mushrooms help ensure that harmful substances are efficiently removed from your body, reducing your overall cancer risk.

Improve Cognition and Brain Function 

You're probably wondering how turkey tail mushrooms can benefit your brain and cognition. Well, these mushrooms are packed with compounds that can play a significant role in enhancing your mental clarity and cognitive functions.

Many of the compounds we’ve previously mentioned are also of note here. Take for example, the phenols and flavonoids. These antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage your neurons and DNA. By reducing oxidative stress, turkey tail mushrooms help protect your brain from damage and support overall health. This can lead to improved memory, focus, and cognitive function.

Chronic inflammation in the brain is a known risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. PSK and PSP are effective in reducing inflammation, helping to lower your risk of these conditions and promote long-term brain health.

Another way turkey tail mushrooms benefit your brain is by supporting gut health. The gut-brain axis is a well-established connection between your digestive system and your brain. The prebiotic fibers in turkey tail mushrooms help nourish beneficial gut bacteria, enhancing your gut health and, in turn, supporting your brain.

Beta-amyloid protein formation in the brain is an established contributor to neurodegenerative disorders and can be successfully reduced by suppressing excessive inflammatory triggers. Turkey tail can help. 

In fact, our Field Of Greens Insight was formulated to make your favorite superfood powders even better. With the addition of the mushroom blend your cognitive faculties are supported and enhanced to deal with the rigors of everyday life and stressors that bombard us.

Promote Mood And Combat Anxiety

You’ve heard of adaptogens, right? They’re all over in the news these days. Adaptogens are natural substances that help your body adapt to stress and maintain balance. Turkey tail mushrooms are considered adaptogens, which means they can play a significant role in regulating your mood and reducing anxiety.

One of the primary ways turkey tail mushrooms achieve this is by supporting your adrenal glands. These glands produce hormones like cortisol, which is often referred to as the "stress hormone."

When you're under chronic stress, your cortisol levels can become overly elevated, leading to anxiety, mood swings, and other mental health issues. Turkey tail mushrooms help regulate cortisol production, ensuring that your body's stress response remains balanced and controlled.

The polysaccharopeptides also help to modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation. Chronic inflammation can affect your brain and contribute to mood disorders and anxiety. By reducing inflammation, these mushrooms can help stabilize your mood and promote a sense of calm.

The gut-brain axis also plays a crucial role in your mental well-being. A healthy gut is essential for the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which regulate your mood. The prebiotic fibers in turkey tail mushrooms nourish beneficial gut bacteria, which in turn support the production of these neurotransmitters. A balanced gut microbiome can lead to improved mood and reduced anxiety.

Oxidative stress can damage brain cells and lead to mood disorders and cognitive decline. By neutralizing free radicals, these antioxidants help maintain your brain's health, which is crucial for a stable mood and reduced anxiety.

Of course, turkey tail mushrooms are not meant to function as a stand-alone remedy for controlling anxiety or boosting mood. It works best in conjunction with an otherwise healthy diet and exercise plan.

Final Words

Turkey tail mushrooms, like many other therapeutic mushrooms, can do a lot for your health. While its benefits are promising, it remains a good practice to only use supplements from a reputable brand. 

Here, at Brickhouse Nutrition, we are committed to ensuring only the highest quality and safest ingredients make their way to you. Try Field Of Greens Insight for yourself.