From Turkey Tail to Lion’s Mane, nature’s amazing fungi are much more than tasty ingredients or pizza toppings. In fact, when it comes to boosting our health and supporting our immune system naturally, medicinal mushrooms take center stage.
But, there’s a new mushroom on the block! Blazei mushroom, or “royal sun mushroom” is now joining the ranks of popular and respected mushrooms like Reishi and Shiitake, with researchers actively studying the potential health benefits for a range of issues like cancer, diabetes, weakened immunity, stress, and more.
Let’s learn more about this new medicinal mushroom, what science says about the benefits, and how to use it safely and effectively.
What is Blazei Mushroom (Agaricus blazei Murrill)?
The Blazei mushroom, or Agaricus blazei Murrill, is a medium-sized mushroom with a smooth cap. The color ranges from white to grey and turns a ruddy reddish-brown as it matures or dries.
While it has been around for centuries, the Blazei mushroom is relatively new on the scene of medicinal mushrooms and has only recently been considered a potential superfood.
Unlike many mushrooms, the Blazei mushroom was first used and studied in the West, rather than in Asia. In one of its native regions, Brazil, it is commonly called “cogumelo de sol”, meaning “mushroom of the sun.” It goes by other names, too, like “God’s mushroom,” “mushroom of life,” and “royal sun Agaricus,” all offering insight on how prized this mushroom has become.
Blazei mushroom can be used for cooking as well as in medicinal extracts. The blazei has a nutty, almond-like smell and taste that makes it a delicious addition to many recipes.
Blazei Mushroom: A Nutrient Powerhouse
Like other medicinal mushrooms, blazei mushroom is packed with healthy nutrients that help to support our health. Here are some of the key compounds found in blazei mushroom that make it such a nutrient powerhouse:
|
B-Vitamins |
Potassium |
Copper |
Linoleic acid |
|
Vitamin D |
Calcium |
Manganese |
Proteoglycans |
|
Vitamin C |
Magnesium |
Zinc |
Beta-glucans |
|
Sodium |
Iron |
Selenium |
Coenzyme Q10 |
What are the Health Benefits of Blazei Mushroom?
It's been shown to help the immune system perform at peak levels which can potentially protect us from chronic disease. The Blazei mushroom is quickly becoming a prized medicinal mushroom. Here’s a few reasons why:
The Blazei Mushroom Boosts the Immune System
Blazei mushroom, like other medicinal mushrooms, supports the body’s immune system with a powerful blend of healing compounds and antioxidants. Much of the blazei mushroom’s immune-boosting properties are tied to its rich beta-glucan and polysaccharide content. These compounds are known to stimulate the innate immune system, treat infections, and help prevent illness. Some studies also suggest that Blazei mushroom also has an antiviral effect, protecting against viruses and other pathogens.
Medicinal mushrooms like Blazei tend to help encourage a healthy immune system holistically because they act as adaptogens. This means that they not only provide the immune system with what it needs to perform well but also helps it work more effectively no matter where the weakness lies.
The Blazei Mushroom Has Anti-Allergic and Anti-inflammatory Properties
The Blazei mushroom has shown promising effects as an anti-inflammatory medicinal and may have some benefits to those with allergies or autoimmune disease. In studies, Blazei mushroom extract decreased inflammatory cytokines. This anti-inflammatory effect may shed light on why those with asthma and allergies (as well as inflammatory autoimmune diseases like Crohn’s disease) report improvements after using Blazei mushroom.
Blazei Mushroom May Protect Against Cancer
There have been several studies on Blazei mushroom and its potential cancer-fighting abilities. One study shows that broth made from Agaricus blazei Murrill directly stopped the growth of prostate cancer cells and suppressed tumor growth. Other studies suggest that Blazei mushrooms may help prevent the spread of lung and ovarian cancers. Additional studies are underway to understand more about how this mushroom may support our bodies in fighting cancer.
Blazei Mushroom Supports the Cardiovascular and Liver Systems
Researchers have found that Blazei mushroom helps to reduce high blood pressure and potentially manage cholesterol and blood lipid levels. Other studies show that extracts of the Blazei mushroom may help protect against alcohol-induced liver damage.
How to Use Blazei Mushroom
The Blazei mushroom can be found in a variety of forms, from dried whole mushrooms to capsules and powders to liquid extracts. Here are some tips for supplementing with the Blazei mushroom.
Find a Quality Blazei Mushroom Product
Like many health supplements, quality can very. Be selective and judicious when purchasing your mushroom supplements. Not all Blazei mushroom products are high-quality. To find a reliable product, read your labels carefully. Make sure that it includes the full scientific name “Agaricus blazei Murill” and choose organic when possible. When shopping for the Blazei mushroom, it’s also important to seek out products that include the “fruiting body.” This is the portion of the mushroom that grows above ground and is more nutritious and valuable to your health than the mycelium which grows underground.
Blazei Mushroom: Where to Buy?
Blazei mushroom can be found easily online from a range of providers – and prices. Don’t be fooled by cheap versions as you may not be getting true Blazei. To get the benefits of Blazei mushroom in a supplement you can trust, try Dr. Danielle’s Immune Assist Mushroom Complex, a powerful blend of 8 apoptogenic mushrooms (including Agaricus blazei Murill).
Dose Correctly for Blazei Mushroom
Most adults will benefit from 400-500 mg doses of Blazei mushroom 1-2 times per day. It is best to consult your healthcare provider to determine the best dose for you.
When to Avoid Blazei Mushroom
Blazei mushroom is generally safe and well-tolerated by most people. But there are some cases where it should be avoided. Those who suffer severe liver disease, Hepatitis B or C, autoimmune diseases, or diabetes should avoid using this supplement unless recommended by their doctors. There is not enough research to determine if Blazei mushroom is safe for children or women who are pregnant or nursing. When in doubt, ask your doctor if the Blazei mushroom is right for you.
Boost with Blazei
We are still learning about the healing potential of Blazei mushroom, and many people around the world have experienced the positive benefits of this newly treasured medicinal mushroom. Whether you are hoping to boost your immune system, protect against disease, or simply enhance your overall health, Blazei mushroom is a safe, natural way to give your body an extra boost.
