What is turkey tail and where does it come from?
Turkey tail mushrooms grow in hardwood trees, but, luckily, they are not hard to find! You can find these year-round mushrooms in many forests and some stores near you. Turkey Tail mushrooms, also known as Coriolus versicolor or Trametes versicolor, are a type of edible mushroom native to North America and Asia. They are named for their distinctive appearance of thin, curved shape and colorful, banded layers that resemble the tail of a wild turkey. Turkey tail mushrooms have a long history of use in traditional medicine and have been shown to have diverse and vital health benefits. So let’s dive into some of the top health benefits you will enjoy from turkey tail mushrooms:
3 Reasons why you should incorporate turkey tail into your diet
1. Boosts immune function: Turkey tail mushrooms are known for their immune-boosting properties containing vitamins B3 and D, which can help improve the health and strength of your immune system. They contain a variety of antioxidants and polysaccharides, which stimulate and balance the immune system, helping the body fight off infections, cancers, and other diseases. In other studies, turkey tail mushrooms have been shown to stimulate the production of immune cells and reduce inflammation.
2. Reduces inflammation, aiding gut health: Studies show that Turkey Tail mushrooms also have anti-inflammatory effects and may help reduce inflammation in the body. They contain compounds called polysaccharides, which are a long chain of carbohydrate molecules that have anti-inflammatory effects. Some polysaccharides contain mucilage which are viscous substances that produce a gelatinous material when soaked in water (like chia seeds do) and help to reduce intestinal inflammation and regulate bowel movements. Some studies also show that turkey tail mushrooms can reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.
3. Supports cardiovascular health: Turkey tail mushrooms also have a positive impact on cardiovascular health and may help lower cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease. These interesting mushrooms help lower cholesterol levels by containing phytosterol which helps your body to dispose of the unhealthy amounts of cholesterol and reduces the amount that would be working to clog arteries. This fact alone makes Turkey Tail mushrooms a much-needed ingredient in your kitchen.
How to incorporate Turkey Tail into your diet
Incorporating Turkey Tail into your diet may seem difficult or expensive; it may be intimidating to try new foods and then have to think of the different ways you can utilize them. Or even though you may be sold on the benefits, you’re not sold on the earthy taste of mushrooms in general. Luckily, you don’t have to miss out on the health benefits at the expense of these concerns! At Daybreak Cacao, we’re all about making health and nutrition as simple and delicious as possible. So enjoy a dose of turkey tail every morning with our Organic Cacao + Morning Mushroom blend!
If you want to learn more about Turkey Tail Mushrooms, check out these other articles that talk about them!