The Benefits of Turkey Tail Mushroom
Have you ever seen “turkey tail” in the store and wondered if it was just another seasonal food that you serve during holiday dinners? If so, you’re not alone!
While it’s not a meaty dish to be served on Thanksgiving, its name hints at the time when you’re most likely to see the turkey tail mushroom. Also known as Trametes versicolor, the turkey tail mushroom is a common sight in the woods during late summer and fall.
The turkey tail mushroom has been used for centuries in Asia for medicinal purposes. Recent studies have shown that this little-known mushroom has powerful immune-boosting properties among several other health benefits.
In this blog post, we will answer the question: what are the benefits of turkey tail mushrooms? We’ll also talk about the best (and easiest) way to consume them.
What is Turkey Tail Mushroom?
Turkey tail mushrooms are a type of bracket fungi that grow on dead or dying trees. These mushrooms are very common in North America and can be found in nearly every forested region on the continent.
This mushroom is easily identified by its colorful banding on the cap and stem. The turkey tail mushroom gets its name from its distinctive coloring, which is often compared to the tail of a wild turkey.
This mushroom has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and is only now beginning to gain popularity in the Western world.
What are the Benefits of Turkey Tail Mushroom?
Turkey tail mushrooms tout some surprising benefits, including ones that its mushroom peers don’t offer including the following:
Rich Source of Nutrients
This mushroom is an excellent source of selenium, copper, and zinc; all of which are minerals that support the next two benefits on the list.
Improves Body’s Ability to Heal Itself
Turkey tail mushrooms contain a unique type of polysaccharide called Polysaccharide-K, more commonly known as PSK. Also called krestin, this compound may support the body’s ability to heal itself, making turkey tail mushroom supplements a valuable addition to any natural medicine cabinet. [1]
Supports Hormone Health
Turkey tail mushrooms contain compounds that can help to balance hormones and support healthy hormone function. This makes turkey tail mushrooms an excellent supplement for menopausal women or men struggling with low testosterone complications. [2]
Immune Booster
Turkey tail mushrooms are a potent source of antioxidants and polysaccharides, which are known to boost immunity. One study found that the same compound that improves rate of healing, PSK, may also help to increase the number of immune cells in the body. This makes turkey tail mushrooms an ideal supplement for people who are looking to boost their immunity naturally. [1]
Anti-Inflammatory
Turkey tail mushrooms are also anti-inflammatory. Studies show that these mushrooms can help to reduce inflammation in the gut, making them helpful for those suffering from conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. [3]
The Best (and Easiest) Way to Take Turkey tail Mushroom
Turkey tail mushroom tincture supplements are a great way to get all of the benefits of this powerful mushroom without having to eat it!
But not all tinctures are made the same. If you’re looking for the best quality turkey tail mushroom supplement, look no further than GAME UP®.
Our turkey tail mushroom tincture is made with the highest quality mushrooms, and it’s potent enough to provide all of the benefits discussed in this blog post. Give GAME UP’s turkey tail mushroom tincture a try and experience the benefits for yourself.
References
- Benson KF, Stamets P, Davis R, Nally R, Taylor A, Slater S, Jensen GS. The mycelium of the Trametes versicolor (Turkey tail) mushroom and its fermented substrate each show potent and complementary immune activating properties in vitro. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2019 Dec 2;19(1):342. doi: 10.1186/s12906-019-2681-7. PMID: 31791317; PMCID: PMC6889544.
- Stamets P. Trametes versicolor (Turkey Tail Mushrooms) and the Treatment of Breast Cancer. Glob Adv Health Med. 2012 Nov;1(5):20. doi: 10.7453/gahmj.2012.1.5.007. Epub 2012 Nov 1. PMID: 27257526; PMCID: PMC4890100.
- Arulselvan P, Fard MT, Tan WS, Gothai S, Fakurazi S, Norhaizan ME, Kumar SS. Role of Antioxidants and Natural Products in Inflammation. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2016;2016:5276130. doi: 10.1155/2016/5276130. Epub 2016 Oct 10. PMID: 27803762; PMCID: PMC5075620.