Unraveling The Mysteries Of Mushroom Supplements: Tincture Vs Powder And Their Impact On Bioavailability
By Josh Shearer on 12/14/2023
Mushroom supplements: Should you choose tincture or powder? A guide to bioavailability and optimal choices. To edit this post, navigate to the admin dashboard.
Introduction
As the health benefits of medicinal mushrooms have gained global attention, a pertinent question arises: which form of consumption maximizes these benefits - tincture or powder? This article aims to unravel the mysteries of mushroom supplements, their bioavailability, and which form might be the best for you.What is Bioavailability?
Bioavailability refers to the proportion of a nutrient that, after being consumed, can be absorbed and utilized by our bodies. The higher the bioavailability, the greater the nutrient is absorbed and can have a beneficial effect on the body and mind. When it comes to mushrooms, the main beneficial components are complex carbohydrates known as polysaccharides and triterpenoids, which have a range of health benefits.Mushroom Tincture
A tincture is a liquid extract made by soaking mushrooms in alcohol to draw out the beneficial compounds, which are then preserved in a concentrated form. The advantage of tinctures lies in their fast absorption. Because they are in liquid form, tinctures bypass the digestive system and are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream when taken sublingually (under the tongue).Another advantage of tinctures is that the alcohol used in the extraction process can break down the cell walls of the mushroom, making the beneficial compounds more readily available and thus enhancing bioavailability.Mushroom Powder
Mushroom powder, on the other hand, is created by dehydrating and then grinding mushrooms into a fine dust. Powders can be easily added to meals, smoothies, or even your morning coffee.One point in favor of mushroom powder is that it contains dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion and gut health. However, the beneficial compounds are locked within the cell walls of the mushroom. Since our bodies can't effectively break down these cell walls, the bioavailability of mushroom powders can be less than that of tinctures unless they are prepared properly.A process called 'hot water extraction' is often used to break down the cell walls in the mushroom and increase the bioavailability of the beneficial compounds in powder form.Tincture vs. Powder: Which One is Better?
The choice between tincture and powder largely depends on your individual needs, lifestyle, and preferences.If you are seeking fast absorption and potentially higher bioavailability, a tincture might be the way to go. It's also more convenient and can be taken at any time, without food.However, if you are looking for a supplement that can easily be incorporated into your meals and beverages, and you value the dietary fiber content, then mushroom powder could be your best bet.Remember, choosing a 'hot water extracted' mushroom powder ensures that you're getting the highest possible bioavailability from this form.Conclusion
In conclusion, both mushroom tincture and mushroom powder have their unique benefits. It's all about choosing the one that fits best with your health goals and lifestyle. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, and enjoy the powerful, natural benefits that medicinal mushrooms can bring to your body and mind.Related posts
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References
Medicinal Mushrooms: Their Bioactive Components, Nutritional Value and Application in Functional Food Production—A Review
The Interaction between Mushroom Polysaccharides and Gut Microbiota and Their Effect on Human Health: A Review
Biomolecular Mechanisms of Autoimmune Diseases and Their Relationship with the Resident Microbiota: Friend or Foe?
A review on mushroom-derived bioactive peptides: Preparation and biological activities
Medicinal mushrooms, e.g., Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus (Bull.) Pers.), Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum (Curtis) P. Karst.), Chaga (Inonotus obliquus (Ach. ex Pers.) Pilát), Cordyceps (Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Berk.) G.H. Sung, J.M. Sung, Hywel-Jones and Spatafora), Shiitake (Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Pegler), and Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd), are considered new-generation foods and are of growing interest to consumers. They are characterised by a high content of biologically active compounds, including (1,3)(1,6)-β-d-glucans, which are classified as dietary fibre, triterpenes, phenolic compounds, and sterols.
2023
A growing number of studies have shown that mushroom polysaccharides could exert anti-diabetes, anti-intestinal inflammation and antitumor effects by regulating gut microbiota. Thus, the relationship between mushroom polysaccharides and gut microbiota was comprehensively summarized in this review. The vital role of gut microbiota in disease was also emphasized.
2023
The use of innovative approaches to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms of autoimmune diseases, as well as to further study of the factors which can have either a positive or negative effect on the course of the disease, is essential. In this line, the development of new molecular techniques and the creation of the Human Genome Program have allowed access to many more solutions to the difficulties that exist in the identification and characterization of the microbiome, as well as changes due to various factors. Such innovative technologies can rekindle older hypotheses, such as molecular mimicry, allowing us to move from hypothesis to theory and from correlation to causality, particularly regarding autoimmune diseases and dysbiosis of the microbiota. For example, Prevotella copri appears to have a strong association with rheumatoid arthritis; it is expected that this will be confirmed by several scientists, which, in turn, will make it possible to identify other mechanisms that may contribute to the pathophysiology of the disease. This article seeks to identify new clues regarding similar correlations between autoimmune activity and the human microbiota, particularly in relation to qualitative and quantitative microbial variations therein.
2022
Mushroom bioactive peptides (MBAPs) refer to bioactive peptides extracted directly or indirectly from mushrooms or their mycelia. Owing to the presence of a large quantity of high-quality proteins, many mushrooms are promising sources of bioactive peptides. The beneficial effects, including antihypertensive, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities, of MBAPs are being increasingly recognized with regards to health promotion and disease prevention. However, this field is relatively undeveloped and relevant reviews are scarce. Hence, the aim of this review was to present the current research status of MBAPs, focusing on their preparation and biological functions. An insight regarding the direction of future research has been also discussed.
2020
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