Nutraceuticals | Monterey Mushrooms

Mushroom Powder 101: Everything You Need to Know

Written by Lindsey | Sep 23, 2024 6:53:20 PM

If you’re familiar with Monterey Mushrooms, then you may be familiar with the benefits and versatility of our favorite food: mushrooms. But what you may not be familiar with is mushroom powder!

Below, we’ll go over what mushroom powder is, how it can provide several benefits, and why you should begin incorporating it into your meals and products.

 

What Is Mushroom Powder?

The term mushroom powder refers to dried mushrooms that have been ground into a fine powder. Since any species of culinary mushroom can be used to make it, there are many varieties of mushroom powder available.

 

Differences Between Mushroom Powder and Mushroom Extract

Although it may seem like mushroom powder and mushroom extract are the same product, there are a few differences to note:

Purity and potency. Though mushroom extracts can also be powders, the extracts and powders have different potencies and bio-availability. 

Flavor profiles and nutrition. Mushroom powder can be incorporated into foods more seamlessly than extracts.

Vegan-friendly. High vitamin D powder is vegan-friendly, compared to supplements, which are sourced often from animals.

 

Types of Mushroom Powder

Mushrooms contain a variety of natural vitamins and mineral, such as the antioxidant Selenium and important B vitamins like Niacin, Riboflavin, and Pantothenic Acid.

Here are a few additional benefits** of mushroom powder relative to each mushroom species:

 

White Mushroom Powder

White mushrooms provide a variety of health-promoting advantages, including enhanced heart health, better blood sugar control, cancer-preventative qualities, and improved gut health.

 

Brown Mushroom Powder

Brown mushrooms are known to help fight cancerous cells, reduce fatigue, improve cardiovascular health, increase the quality of gut health, and provide plenty of vitamin D and potassium.

 

Cordyceps Mushroom Powder

Cordyceps have been shown to enhance lung function, respiratory health, and oxygen uptake and may increase energy by increasing the synthesis of ATP in the body.

 

Lion's Mane Mushroom Powder

Lion's mane may enhance memory focus, concentration, and brain function. Beta-glucans, antioxidants, and phytonutrients that protect against neurodegenerative diseases are all present in high concentrations in lion's mane mushrooms.

 

Maitake Mushroom Powder

Beta-glucans and antioxidants found in maitake have been shown to lower cholesterol levels, improve arterial function, lower blood pressure, and boost the immune system.

 

Reishi Mushroom Powder

Reishi is high in polysaccharides and is thought to help boost the immune system. It may enhance the quality of sleep, regulate blood pressure, and reduce cholesterol, all while potentially diminishing anxiety and depression. It has also been known to help with weight loss and may fight cancer cells.

 

Shiitake Mushroom Powder

Shiitake contains beneficial substances that stop the liver from producing and absorbing cholesterol. Abundant in B vitamins, these mushrooms may help to maintain a healthy inflammatory response and balance blood glucose levels. 

 

Turkey Tail Mushroom Powder

Turkey tail is rich in antioxidants and supports the immune system with various polysaccharides. It also contains a substance that may help improve the response to chemotherapy by people with certain types of cancer.

 

Chaga Mushroom Powder

These beneficial mushrooms may aid with digestion, boost the immune system, control inflammation, raise HDL, lower LDL, and possess adaptogenic properties. They may also help with anti-aging, as they contain antioxidants.

 

Blazei Mushroom Powder

These mushrooms are known for their immune system-boosting properties and high blood pressure-reducing benefits. They also support insulin resistance and contain anti-inflammatory elements.

**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant or lactating, have a medical condition, or are on medications, please consult with your licensed healthcare provider before using nutritional supplements.

 

More Mushroom Powder Benefits

Mushroom powders contain important vitamins and nutrients, including five of the eight essential B vitamins, ergothioneine, vitamin D (when UV-B exposed), beta-glucans, selenium, and more.

Additionally, this nutritious additive may also provide the following benefits:

  • Support brain cell growth and functionality
  • Promote higher concentration and focus
  • Enhance stamina

Since mushrooms check many boxes consumers look for in an ideal food, mushroom powder is a great way to incorporate these nutritional benefits into products for consumers.

 

Can You Get Vitamin D From Mushroom Powder?

A remarkable 42% of Americans lack adequate vitamin D levels. Since mushroom powder has many of the same benefits as its core ingredient, you can indeed get vitamin D from mushroom powder, as long as the mushrooms were exposed to UV light prior to drying! Mushroom powder provides a nutrient-rich, whole-food solution for your diet, making it a no-brainer for many meals and drinks.

Because of the health implications of vitamin D deficiency, a sizable chunk of your customers may be looking for natural ways of sneaking this important vitamin into their diet. That’s why we offer our white mushroom powder in wide ranges of vitamin D levels, up to 15,000 IU/gram. 

 

How to Use Mushroom Powder

Not only does mushroom powder offer a variety of nutrients and health benefits, but it’s also a versatile ingredient that you can use in many different ways. Here are just a few of the ways you can use mushroom powder:

  • Smoothie Boosts -Immunity,  Energy, Focus
  • Adaptogenic & Nootropic Supplements
  • Superfood Juice, Tea, Coffee & Shakes
  • Healthy, Functional Snacks
  • Superfood Chocolate Bars
  • Protein-based Nutrition Shakes & Bars

 

Discover the Benefits of Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a powerhouse for many nutrients and they can be added to daily meals and drinks with ease — mushroom powder being a great example. 

Monterey Mushrooms produces a full line of nutraceutical powders and dried mushrooms. Our Fruiting Body powders are available with and without Mycelium and are cultivated on supplemented hardwood or organic sorghum.

We cultivate 10 unique species of mushrooms at our California mushroom farms. All of our medicinal mushroom varieties are grown, processed, and packed in California. Additionally, we regularly test our mushroom powders for heavy metals, pesticides, mycotoxins, polysaccharides, and various active compounds. 

Our mushroom powder options have unique benefits for different applications. Our Mycelium + Fruiting Body powders contain industry-leading potency levels and a broader spectrum of active compounds. This product is best for its mild flavor in food and beverage products.

Mycelium & Fruiting Body powders contain industry-leading potency levels and a broader spectrum of active compounds. This product is best for its mild flavor. 

Our 100% Fruiting Body powders contain premium potency levels. This product is best for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical supplement applications.

All of Monterey’s nutraceutical powders and dried mushrooms are certified organic by CCOF, gluten-free, vegan, Kosher, and Non-GMO. Furthermore, we grow, process, and pack in our own facilities to guarantee the integrity and quality of our products.

To learn more about the benefits, flavor profile, history, and more of high vitamin D mushrooms and powders with Monterey Mushrooms, download our eBook today!