Medicinal mushrooms are a type of fungi used in cultures around the world for general health and wellness. Turkey tail is a type of medicinal mushroom that is known to possess immune-boosting properties.
The turkey tail (or Trametes Versicolor) mushroom owes its name to its impressive colours and resembles a turkey’s tail. These multi-coloured mushrooms grow on tree trunks in wooded areas and are found in abundance in different parts of the world. In Chinese traditional medicine, turkey tail extract is used to treat respiratory problems.
5 Immune-boosting Benefits Of Turkey Tail Mushroom
1. Turkey Tail Mushroom Are Packed With Antioxidants
Medicinal mushrooms, and the turkey tail, in particular, are teeming with antioxidants that are beneficial for the body. These antioxidants are known to reduce the damage that is caused by oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between antioxidants in the body and free radicals. This can lead to damage at the cellular level, inflammation, and the risk of developing serious health conditions.
Turkey tail’s antioxidant nature boosts the immune system’s health by lowering inflammation and spurring the release of compounds that are protective in nature.
2. Take Turkey Tail Mushroom Supplements to Boost Immunity
The medicinal mushroom is an adaptogen that contains Polysaccharopeptide. These are a type of carbohydrate commonly found in the turkey tail extract. These compounds contain immune-raising properties. They support the immune response by activating and inhibiting certain types of immune cells and by containing inflammation.
3. Turkey Tail Mushroom Can Improve Gut Health
Having a good balance of healthy bacteria in the gut is essential for a healthy immune system. Since the bacteria in the gut interacts with immune cells, it affects the body’s immune response.
The prebiotics present in the turkey tail contributes to supporting healthy gut bacteria. Studies have shown that having good Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus bacteria levels are associated with improving intestinal conditions such as diarrhea and reducing cholesterol levels.
4. Turkey Tail Mushroom Can Reduce Inflammation
Turkey tail mushroom, as previously stated, is rich in antioxidants such as phenols and flavonoids that may reduce inflammation in bodies.
5. Turkey Tail Mushroom with Antibacterial Properties
Turkey tail mushroom extracts were found to repress Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella’s growth in a test-tube study. These bacteria are known to cause infection and illness if left untreated.
How to Prepare Turkey Tail Mushrooms?
It is advisable not to consume wild turkey tail mushrooms since the soil around the mushroom may be contaminated with bacteria. Moreover, some types of mushroom are poisonous and can be difficult to tell them apart from the ones which are safe to consume.
The turkey tail mushroom is chewy and has an earthy flavour. Its extract can be infused with tea and may also be used in cooking. Generally, the can mushroom extract is available for purchase as a powder or tea.