UK’s first certified mushroom supplements – what are the benefits?

A UK CBD brand has launched what is said to be the first independently-certified mushroom wellness supplements.

The UK-based global nootropics producer, Puresport, has launched three separate medicinal mushroom capsule supplements, each designed to support wellness of the body and brain. 

The company says that the three products, Reishi, Cordyceps, and Lion’s Mane, are the first range of mushroom supplements ever to be certified by Informed Sport – the gold-standard in sport and wellness.

The brand, which was founded by former international rugby player, Grayson Hart, made its name by creating the world’s first CBD products designed for drug-tested professional athletes.

The new range of Reishi, Cordyceps, and Lion’s Mane capsules complement Puresport’s existing use of mushrooms in its products, including Mushroom Complex, which contains the latter.

The use of mushrooms in wellness

The use of mushrooms to improve body and mind stems back thousands of years, with ancient Japanese, Chinese, Roman, and Egyptian civilisations understood to administer them as medicines and natural remedies. 

Modern scientific analysis has discovered that mushrooms such as Reishi, Cordyceps, and Lion’s Mane are rich in nutrients and active properties including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, nerve growth factors, amino acids, antioxidants, and polysaccharides. 

Lion’s Mane and Chaga are also used in Puresport’s Boost Capsules, while the firm’s Trust Your Gut capsules make use of Reishi. 

Puresport founder, Grayson Hart.

Founder, Hart, said: “There is a very good reason humans have used mushrooms for medicinal and wellbeing purposes for centuries, with strong evidence of their use amongst some of the most advanced ancient civilisations in history. 

“We’ve studied those ancient practices, tried and tested over hundreds of years, and married them to modern scientific techniques to create truly innovative, natural, safe, and effective wellness products designed for life. We’re firm believers that optimal health is for everybody.

“This is just the beginning. The potential of mushrooms to revolutionise the wellness market is astonishing. This is the future of wellness and Puresport is at the forefront of it.”

Since 2018, Puresport has attracted almost 50,000 followers across social media, with more than 11,000 people attending the Puresport run clubs, yoga classes, fitness summits, and a host of other brand events in the first half of 2022 alone.

Hart continued: “Puresport was founded on the principles of safe, natural, effective, wellness products through our CBD range that earned the trust of the most stringently tested athletes. However, whilst they were designed for athletes, they are suitable for all, and the same goes for our new mushroom range. We believe everybody should have access to the supplements that will support them in living their best possible life.

“The Informed Sport certification – the first of its kind – was an absolute must for Puresport, and a clear demonstration of our commitment to the highest standards in testing. There are no mushroom products out there that have been tested more. It’s all part of the confidence we want our customers to have in our products.

“We don’t want to simply provide products though, Puresport is about much more than that. We want to educate and advocate for the use of mushrooms in wellness, and be a place where members of our growing community and beyond.”   

What are the benefits?

Reishi

Reishi is thought to help with deep sleep, and support the gut microbiome, by  positively influencing the bacteria found in your gut.

It also contains properties which can support the adrenal glands – which are responsible for the secretion of the stress hormone, cortisol. By supporting the brain to handle cortisol better, Reishi can help reduce stress and anxiety. 

Cordyceps

Cordyceps has been shown to benefit heart-health, performance, and endurance.

It can increase the body’s production of the molecule ‘adenosine triphosphate’ (ATP), which is essential in delivering energy to muscles and can improve the way oxygen is delivered throughout the body. 

Lion’s Mane

Lion’s Mane has been found to have neuroprotective compounds, and can nurture long-term brain health, and help boost focus and concentration.

It can stimulate the production of nerve Growth Factor (NFG), which plays a key role in maintaining cells in the central nervous system, which is key in maintaining cognitive function in the short and long term. 

The compounds found in Lion’s Mane also help to modulate the immune system, due to the immunostimulatory effects of polysaccharides which are found in it.

It’s thought members of indigenous Tibetan communities used the exotic medicinal mushroom Cordyceps to provide energy on long mountain hikes, while the Japanese have used Lion’s Mane for centuries to help improve concentration, and historically to enhance focus during meditative practice. 

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