Health and WellnessCorinne BalerosApril 07, 2022Health and Wellness, healthy diet, functional mushrooms, superfood, Recipe, protein, Plant-based recipes

Dietitian Desiree Nielsen Shares Tips, Health Benefits and Recipes on Functional Mushroom

Health and WellnessCorinne BalerosApril 07, 2022Health and Wellness, healthy diet, functional mushrooms, superfood, Recipe, protein, Plant-based recipes

Want to learn more about the latest and greatest health trend?

Registered Dietitian, host of the Allsorts podcast, and author of the #1 National Bestseller plant-based cookbook, Eat More Plants, Desiree Nielsen shares tips and health benefits of the latest health trend – functional mushrooms.

Although functional mushrooms are not considered a plant, the power of incorporating plants and fungi into your daily routine helps to fortify your body and creates a solid foundation for your health. Desiree explained that one of the reasons why functional mushrooms have become such a high-demand trend is because as an organism fungi it is quite fascinating. The way a fungi grows with their mycelium, and how it spreads and propagates bring out the unique physical and chemical compounds.

*How much do you know about the potential health benefits of functional mushrooms?*

Functional Mushrooms 101

What exactly are functional mushrooms? They are types of fungi that are heralded for health benefits beyond their nutritional compositions. Each species of mushroom has its own unique benefits. And believe it or not, functional mushrooms have actually been used in many traditional medicine systems around the world for centuries and many of us in North America are just recognizing it for the first time.

*As with all ingredients, where the functional mushrooms are grown is of utmost importance. Optimi’s functional mushrooms are locally grown in British Columbia.*

“We’re always looking for ways to fortify our immune systems. Things like lion’s mane and cordyceps are actually an incredible component for modern living as we demand more of our minds and our bodies than ever before. ”

— Desiree Nielsen

There are many different types of mushroom species and many of us are only used to culinary mushrooms like chateaugay and oyster mushrooms but functional mushrooms are of a different type of species such as chogha, which can be found growing in the forests of B.C. They all consist of different biochemical profiles like polysaccharides known as beta-glucans. Beta-glucan polysaccharides have a fairly robust history of clinical research for the ability to augment our immune system.

*Take functional mushroom supplements on daily basis to support your long-term health and wellbeing.*

Supplements, in general, are not pharmaceuticals or medications. They are meant to be taken on a daily basis to build up inside the body to have a long-term effect. We add supplements to our diet to bring our body to that extra level. Desiree recommends that we should be systematic when we introduce a new supplement to our bodies - to give it 12 weeks to observe if there’s an impact on our bodies and then assess whether or not you need to try a higher dosage. How your body feels when you introduce functional mushrooms to your body for the first time is really dependent on the individual’s diet. One may feel normal on the first day, but see a tremendous difference on the second day. It’s important to know what your intended purpose is and to be aware of the functions of the mushroom you’re trying out. Cordyceps, for example, is a type of mushroom that is very energizing in the body, so when you take cordyceps, you should expect to feel more energy. Another example Desiree shared with us was the Lion’s Mane, which gives you a better sense of focus.

*The Optimi product range consists of single strain supplements, an Optimi blend, and a vegan protein powder.*

In the wake of the mushroom boom, Desiree has collaborated with Optimi to create an innovative smoothie recipe, fighting off fatigue while improving brain function, cognition and focus. Optimi is a BC-based company that recently announced the official launch of its line of functional mushroom supplements to Canadian consumers. The BC-based company is transforming the health and wellness space with formulations made with the highest quality fruiting body mushrooms for whole body and mind optimization. Optimi is now selling high-demand functional mushroom varieties such as Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Turkey Tail, Chaga, and Cordyceps, which are all known for their significant health and benefits and are now being widely adopted by the Western Market.

Optimi’s evolving product line features six supplements and a vegan protein powder formulation made from quality fruiting body mushrooms. Every Optimi product contains nutrient-dense fungi, converted from the whole fruiting body with super-charged benefits for the body and mind.

And yes, you’re up for a treat today! Desiree has shared with us her superfood smoothie recipe that she swears by. Transport yourself with a taste! This pina colada-inspired green smoothie is rich in vitamins A + C for healthy skin and immunity as well as boasting plenty of minerals like iron, potassium and manganese. Adding 22 grams of energizing protein + a full dose of Optimi’s functional mushrooms, this smoothie will be sure to power you up all morning long.

Try it and let us know if you feel the difference!