When it comes to protecting our bodies from harmful environmental substances, our immune systems are in charge. It’s crucial to protect ourselves from viruses and bacteria, especially during the winter. Though we don’t have extreme weather in Florida, we’re still susceptible to airborne diseases like the flu and cold.
Some of the best items you can have in your arsenal are medicinal mushrooms. There are many published research articles that have established the incredible health benefits of these unique and powerful mushrooms, which have been used for thousands of years.
When taken regularly, medicinal mushrooms can help restore the body to its natural state, enabling all organs to function normally. These mushrooms can also help:
– Boost your immune system
– Manage weight
– Increase vitamin D
– Support your adrenal glands
– Lower blood pressure
– Support the nervous system
– Reduce edgy-cravings
– Get your skin glowing, and
– Help boost workout recovery
Here are three brands to try:
Multi-Use Mushrooms
Immune Matrix by Mushroom Matrix
Immune Matrix is a supplement made from a blend of 100 percent organic mushrooms, developed for daily health and optimal immune support. Created with seven types of mushrooms, this blend will supply you with antioxidants, vitamins and digestive enzymes. Agaricus blazei, turkey tail, maitake and shiitake mushrooms in this blend are known for their ability to activate and balance immune response. Simply add one teaspoon of Mushroom Matrix powder to your favorite juice, smoothie or recipe everyday. I’ve tried it mixed with plain water as well as in a smoothie. MushroomMatrix.com
Mushrooms On-The-Go
Mushroom Optimizer by Jarrow Formulas
When you’re traveling and need to boost your immune system against airplane germs, take a bottle of mushroom optimizer capsules with you. This product also has a seven-mushroom blend that includes cordyceps, white wood ear, turkey tail, reishi, maitake, shiitake and himematsutake. I take three capsules each day when I travel as a preventative measure or if I feel like I’m catching a cold. I usually feel better within an hour of taking the capsules. Jarrow.com
As a Hot Beverage
Hot Chaga Tea by Four Sigma Foods
If you are a big coffee drinker and looking to replace it with a healthier beverage or just give it a nutritional boost, then try Instant Chaga. It is a little bitter, so if you’re drinking it alone, some creamer and sweetener can make it more pleasant. If you’re adding it your coffee, try just one half a packet at a time. This instant beverage contains dual extracted and wildcrafted chaga and is boosted with synergistic herbs. One sachet is equal to 9.5 pounds of blueberries in ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity that measures antioxidant capacities) value! foursigmafoods.com
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About Alina Z.
Alina Z., aka “The Green Goddess,” is a certified holistic health coach, detox specialist and raw-food chef (she conducts occasional classes at Whole Foods in Boca). Prior to moving to Florida, Alina hosted her own TV show in Maryland—“Entertaining A to Z”—for people who didn’t have time to cook but wanted to eat healthy. Catch one of her web episodes at eHow.com, visit Alina’s website at alinaz.com, or follow her on Facebook (facebook.com/CoutureFood) or Twitter (@CoutureFood). The Green Goddess blog runs every other Wednesday at bocamag.com.
