Longevity Partner Content. Turkey tail is just one species of mushroom known for its health benefits. There are many mushrooms with supposedly medicinal properties, but turkey tail is a preferred option for those seeking immune-boosting properties.
Also known as Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor. The name stems from the circular, fan-like shape of the mushroom, as well as the tremendous colors that liken it to a turkey’s tail.
While the mushroom has numerous potential benefits, its potential to promote immune health is its most widely known property. As a result, it has become common in supplements like Turkey Tail Mushroom Capsules, alongside featuring as an ingredient in healthy cuisine.
Here Are Four Amazing Benefits Of Turkey Tail Mushrooms
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1. Could Improve Gut Health
The human gut is filled with healthy bacteria. These bacteria are essential for maintaining health, in part because they feed the immune system.
Health-conscious people often take probiotics, or foods containing live cultures of bacteria that are beneficial.
These mushrooms actually contain prebiotics. These are compounds that nourish gut bacteria and help them to flourish and function properly. In test tubes, turkey tail extract successfully increased the amount of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in the gut, both of which are beneficial bacteria. Meanwhile, it potentially suppressed harmful bacteria like staphylococcus.
In humans, an 8-week study revealed that turkey tail extract could create positive changes in the gut bacteria and may suppress the growth of E. coli.
In short, the turkey tail is full of beneficial ingredients that can improve gut health, which could, in turn, benefit both gastrointestinal and mental health.
2. Packed With Antioxidants
Turkey tail also contains a lot of antioxidants. These are compounds that prevent or reduce damage from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is caused by free radicals, which may cause damage to cells and chronic inflammation; it’s a common effect of aging, but can be worsened by lifestyle factors. Oxidative stress has been linked to a variety of negative health factors.
Luckily, it’s possible to supplement the body’s antioxidants via the diet. Turkey tail contains a vast range of antioxidants, including flavonoids like quercetin and baicalein, alongside phenols. There may be over thirty-five phenolic compounds in turkey tail.
The aforementioned antioxidants are great for promoting immune health, reducing inflammation, and encouraging the release of protective compounds.
3. May Boost The Immune System
Although antioxidants can also benefit the immune system, the primary ingredient for this in turkey tail is polysaccharopeptide. These protein-bound carbohydrates (polysaccharides) can promote a healthy immune system by activating or inhibiting specific immune cells. Furthermore, they may suppress inflammation.
Turkey tail contains two primary types of polysaccharopeptides: krestin (PSK) and polysaccharide peptide (PSP).
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PSP could increase the number of white blood cells called monocytes, which the body uses to fight infection. Meanwhile, PSK activates specialized white blood cells called macrophages.
These are both beneficial compounds that make a great addition to the diet.
4. Other Benefits
Much of the research into turkey tail mushrooms have focused on using them in adjunction to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. PSP and PSK are often used in China and Japan to help patients undergoing risky cancer therapies that have side effects. Since chemotherapy can damage the immune system, it could be possible to utilize the immune-boosting properties of mushrooms.
Other potential benefits include analgesic properties, supporting liver health, and reducing cholesterol.
More research is ongoing into turkey tail, too, so more may come to light in the future.
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How To Take Turkey Tail Mushrooms
There are lots of ways to take turkey tail mushrooms. The most obvious and traditional way is to cook with them and consume them as part of a meal.
However, for those who want to reap the benefits of this mushroom regularly, eating them is not the most convenient option. It’s possible to brew turkey tail into a tea, although some people do not like the taste. More commonly, people use mushroom powder or mushroom capsules, which are convenient for daily use.
If you decide to go down the capsules route, make sure to buy from a reputable source that uses the fruiting bodies of the mushroom rather than the mycelium. Many of the beneficial compounds can be found in the fruiting bodies. Furthermore, use a brand that has positive reviews and provides reliable information on mushroom sourcing.
Who Is Author?
Sam Eskenazi
Sam Eskenazi’s passion for learning about CBD and the cannabis industry began when he studied Nutrition and Dietetics at Central Michigan University. Over the last few years, SAM has split his time between sharing her knowledge of CBD through his articles on WayofLeaf and devoting his time to educating people about the therapeutic effects of cannabis.
