Have you heard the buzz surrounding medicinal mushrooms like Chaga, Reishi, and Lion's Mane? Well it turns out that it isn't just hype! These mushrooms have been used not only as food, but as medicine for thousands of years, and with good reason. They are powerhouses for health and wellness, with benefits ranging from boosting the immune system and decreasing allergic responses, to showing promising antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer benefits, as well as enhancing cognitive and neurologic functioning (Chaiyasut & Sivamaruthi, 2017; Dinesh Babu & Subhasree, 2008; Friedman, 2015; Jayachandran, Xiao, & Xu, 2017; Jones, 2009).
As I heed the call to share the benefits of medicinal mushrooms, I have created a magical mushroom cocoa blend to suit both warm and cooler days.
This powdered cocoa contains a blend of organic adaptogenic mushrooms (Chaga, Reishi, and Lion's Mane), along with sacred organic maca root powder and organic raw, fair trade full fat cacao. This immune boosting, richly chocolatey, and powerfully antioxidant blend is best served 1 tablespoon whisked into a mug of warm nut mylk and sweetened to taste. If you live on a tropical island, like I do, and the thought of a warm cup of cocoa on a hot summer day doesn't sound appealing, rest assured that this blend is absolutely delicious whipped into a smoothie, especially when combined with a frozen banana. Yumm.
About the ingredients:
Chaga Mushroom - Prized for their anti-cancer benefits, chaga mushrooms have also been shown to lower blood sugar in patients with diabetes.
Reishi Mushroom - Long sought after for its tonifying effects and known as the mushroom of immortality, this adaptogenic mushroom is revered for its ability to energize not only the body and immune system, but helps support the nervous system as well.
Lion's Mane Mushroom - Another magical adaptogenic mushroom, which boosts immunity, has an affinity for the brain and nervous system, and may improve memory and cognition.
Maca Root - Not only does Maca Root provide a nutty caramel flavor profile, it is another adaptogen known for balancing hormones. Native to Peru, it may increase energy, stamina, fertility, and sex drive.
This overview barely scratches the surface on the depth of information on these sacred plant allies, so do the research for yourself to have your mind blown!
Ingredients: Raw Organic Cacao Powder, Organic Maca Root Powder, Organic medicinal mushroom blend (Chaga, Reishi, and Lion's Mane).
Our favorite decadent Hot Cocoa Recipe for 2, since it is much more fun to drink hot cocoa with friends:
● 16 ounces of your favorite nut mylk heated on the stove in a small saucepan. We like to use 2 cups of unsweetened almond milk with 2 tablespoons of full fat organic coconut milk added to the mix
● 2 tsp of vanilla extract
● 2 Tbsp of coconut sugar (though maple syrup, monk fruit sweetener, and honey work well too, sweeten to taste)
Whisk on medium heat, and before it starts to boil add:
● 2 Tbsp of the mushroom chocolate cocoa mix, and whisk until well combined
● Enjoy in your favorite mug, and stir with a cinnamon stick to make it extra cosy
FDA Disclaimer:
The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from healthcare practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.
References:
Chaiyasut, C., & Sivamaruthi, B. S. (2017). Anti-hyperglycemic property of Hericium erinaceus – A mini review. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine 7(11), 1036-1040. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apjtb.2017.09.024
Dinesh Babu, P., & Subhasree, R. S. (2008). The Sacred Mushroom “Reishi”- A Review. American-Eurasian Journal of Botany, 1(2), 107-110. Retrieved from https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/d412/f2a32898ad15ecf840525d616b3c40cb9343.pdf
Friedman, M. (2015). Chemistry, Nutrition, and Health-Promoting Properties of Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) Mushroom Fruiting Bodies and Mycelia and Their Bioactive Compounds. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 63(32), 7108-7123. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.5b02914
Jayachandran, M., Xiao, J., & Xu, B. (2017). A Critical Review on Health Promoting Benefits of Edible Mushrooms through Gut Microbiota. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 18(9), 1934. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18091934
Jones, K. (2009). Reishi mushroom. Ancient medicine in modern times. Alternative and Complementary Therapies 4(4). https://doi.org/10.1089/act.1998.4.256
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