MUSHROOM SUPPLEMENT
If you're looking for mind and body immunity and wellbeing support then look no further, Pretty Pea brings you Mushroom magic at it's best. Combining an organic blend of Chaga, Lions Mane, Reishi, Shiitake and Maitake with Vitamin C for Immunity support. An all in one convenient capsule, providing important nutrients (such as vegan vitamin D) and active ingredients not found in other plants. With primary immune-boosting properties, this synergistic formula supports everything from cognitive function, mental well-being and energy levels, to healthy digestion, lower levels of inflammation, protection from oxidative stress and general wellness and vitality.
natural IMMUNe boost
Mushrooms are described as macro-fungi and are considered as nutritionally functional foods and source of physiologically beneficial medicines.
Different mushrooms have a variety of biological and pharmacologically active molecules which is why the Pretty Pea organic Mushroom Immunity formula combines 5 mushroom varieties, Chaga, Shiitake, Maitake, Lion’s Mane and Reishi for optimum benefit.
Plus with added energy boosting Astragalus and Vitamin C known for both it’s immune support and for the reduction of tiredness and fatigue makes these convenient capsules the ideal all in one support this winter.
ORGANIC INGREDIENTS
The ingredients used in this food supplement have been certified organic by the Soil Association. This means no toxic pesticides or fertilisers have been used giving you a “clean” product. Being organic also helps the mushrooms to maintain their bio-availability keeping them nutrient-dense.
medicinal mushrooms
Research has also shown that alongside their immune support, bioactive components and extracts derived from mushrooms exhibit strong anti-cancer activities along with anti-bacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic and hepatoprotective effects.
CHAGA MUSHROOM
Chaga mushroom is a type of fungus found on birch trees in cold climates. It’s been used traditionally for centuries in botanical medicine across northern Europe, Russia, China and Korea to aid immune system function and boost overall health.
It helps with the reduction of inflammation and its antioxidant and immune supporting properties help to reduce oxidative stress. Overall it’s an excellent health tonic and detoxifier.
Chaga has also been widely used in traditional medicine in Asia to facilitate breathing making it an area of worldwide interest for further research.
Chaga mushrooms are high in fibre and are edible but because of their bitter taste, most people have traditionally taken Chaga mushroom as a tea drink and nowadays take as a supplement.
Chaga mushroom has the scientific name Inonotus obliquus and in both vitro and in vivo studies has demonstrated the following benefits:
Chaga mushrooms importantly help to fight inflammation. Whilst short term inflammation is a natural response of your immune system. However, long-term chronic inflammation is linked to conditions like heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
Studies suggest that Chaga can positively impact immunity by reducing long-term inflammation and fighting harmful bacteria and viruses. It does so by promoting the formation of beneficial cytokines — specialised proteins that regulate the immune system.
Chaga mushroom also support your immune system by stimulating white blood cells – essential for fighting off harmful bacteria or viruses.
A 2020 study considered Chaga as one of the most powerful antioxidants across the world.
LION’S MANE
overaoHericium erinaceus, also known as Lion’s Mane Mushroom or Hedgehog Mushroom (or “mountain’s priest”), is another edible fungus with a long history in traditional Chinese medicine.
This mushroom is rich in certain physiologically important components, especially β-glucan polysaccharides, which are responsible for the anti-cancer, immuno-modulating, hypolipidemic, antioxidant and neuro-protective activities of this mushroom.
Lion’s Mane has also been reported to have anti-microbial, anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic, wound healing properties among other therapeutic potentials.
It helps boost the immune system by encouraging the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. It can also reduce inflammation and prevent tissue damage in the intestines, thereby helping maintain a healthy digestion.
Lion’s Mane is seen as one of nature’s most effective brain foods. It can help support learning, memory, focus and concentration by assisting in the production of nerve growth factor. Buddhist monks were said to have used Lion’s Mane in tea to enhance brain power, heighten their focus during meditation and benefit from its overall benefits on cognitive health.
Studies have found that Lions Mane mushroom can also reduce feelings of anxiousness and irritability. A pretty perfect natural solution to improve mental balance and wellbeing.
Research has shown Lion’s mane mushroom to have various health benefits, including anti-oxidative, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-hyperglycemic, and hypolipidemic effects.
It has been used to treat cognitive impairment, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease and is being studied as a potential alternative medicine for the treatment of depression.
A 2010 study looked at the clinical effects of Lion’s Mane on menopause, depression and sleep quality in 30 females with an average age of 41 years. It found that over 4 weeks Lion’s Mane alleviated the symptoms of depression, anxiety, frustration, and palpitation.
A study on overweight and obese participants with a BMI over 25 with an average age of 53 found that Lion’s Mane significantly reduced depression and anxiety, as well as improvement on sleep disorders after 8 weeks. The observation was linked to an increase in peripheral pro-BDNF.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor serves as a neurotransmitter modulator, and is essential for learning and memory. BDNF also regulates glucose and energy metabolism and prevents exhaustion of β cells. Decreased levels of BDNF are associated with neurodegenerative diseases with neuronal loss, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis and Huntington’s disease and is also linked to depression.
reishi mushroom
Reishi mushroom, another adaptogen fungus, has the scientific name Ganoderma lucidum. It’s used in Asian countries including China, Japan and Korea for it’s health-promoting effects. It’s used to increase energy, boost the immune system, and for general health and vitality.
Rich in polyphenols with antioxidant properties, Reishi has been demonstrated to increase vital energy, stimulating the immune system, and promoting health, and to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, neuroprotective, and blood pressure lowering properties.
One of the other main benefits of Reishi mushroom is that it contains high levels of beta-glucan polysaccharides, one of the most powerful immune system boosters. It is arguably the most effective mushroom for managing inflammation, as it works on the histamine pathways, re-regulating the immune response and influencing immune signalling. For this reason, it can also be beneficial for respiratory health.
Studies also show that Reishi might be a useful dietary supplement to enhance physical performance of patients suffering from fibromyalgia.
After a 6-week treatment period, this mushroom ‘significantly improved aerobic endurance, lower body flexibility, and velocity’.
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic rheumatic disease of unknown cause which is characterized by generalized pain, stiffness, and tenderness in specific points, and is commonly associated with other symptoms including muscular stiffness, depression, non-refreshing sleep, and cognitive impairments.
SHIITAKE MUSHROOM
Shiitake mushrooms are members of a special group of medicinal fungi or mushrooms that have been used in Japan and South East Asia for thousands of years. They can help to lower cholesterol levels, as well as fight infection (by producing interferon, a group of natural proteins that stops viruses from multiplying).
Shiitake, like Lions Mane, is also naturally rich in polysaccharides, especially lentinan which is a beta-glucan.
These medicinal mushrooms are an excellent source of minerals such as copper, the antioxidant selenium, and Vitamin B5 pantothenic acid. B5 is one of the most vital nutrients needed for human life. Necessary for making blood cells, vitamin B5 is needed to help you convert the food you eat, protein, carbohydrates and fats, into energy.
MAIITAKE MUSHROOM
A traditional Chinese tonic used for over 2000 years, Maitake is considered to be an adaptogen, which means it can help the body to better manage its stress response on a day-to-day basis. It can also help with chronic fatigue. It has been used traditionally to help balance out the body, for immunity, blood pressure and for normalising blood sugar and cholesterol levels. It is also a source of beta-glucans and polysaccharides.
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VITAMIN C RICH ACEROLA CHERRIES
Acerola fruit
Acerola cherries are nutrient-dense and exceptionally high in naturally bio-available vitamin C. With studies identifying around 150 nutritive constituents, which include bioflavonoids, proteins, mineral salts, iron, calcium and phosphorus they are super nourishing.
Vitamin C contributes to maintaining the normal function of the immune system.
It also contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of blood vessels, bones, cartilage, gums, skin and teeth, normal energy-yielding metabolism, normal functioning of the nervous system, normal psychological function, protection of cells from oxidative stress, the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, the regeneration of the reduced form of vitamin E and increases iron absorption.
HERBAL INGREDIENTS
Astragalus root
Astragalus root has been used in China for centuries as a popular herbal tonic. Its active components include flavonoids, free amino acids, trace minerals and polyphenols.
Black pepper
Black pepper is the fruit of the black pepper plant from the Piperaceae family. Piperine is the alkaloid within black pepper that is responsible for its pungency. Not only is it a very good anti-inflammatory agent, it has been added to increase the absorption and utilisation of the beneficial ingredients in the formula.
See the full range of Pretty Pea supplements that help women during perimenopause and menopause on the Hormone Balance page.
