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In the last few decades, scientific research has proved that certain mushrooms are a powerhouse of potent compounds that can help support and regulate the immune system. This means mushrooms might not only help us defend against the cold and flu but also make waves in other areas of treatment and research. And one of the most well-studied beneficial mushrooms that reveals itself as a potent immune booster is the turkey tail mushroom (Trametes Versicolor and Coriolus Versicolor).
What is Turkey Tail Mushroom?
A super common mushroom in North America and forests worldwide, you can find turkey tails growing mainly on the bark of dead trees. A tough, woody mushroom, you won’t find turkey tail sitting next to the culinary-friendly shiitakes and portobello mushrooms at the grocery store. But if you ever walk through wooded areas, you may unknowingly already encountered it on your travels.
Logs and fallen branches. You only need one look at a turkey tail mushroom, and you’ll understand its name is a perfect fit. Considered a “bracket-style” mushroom, the turkey tail grows in layers of fan-like clusters with bands of colors that look exactly like a wild turkey’s tail. As ordinary as the turkey tail mushroom may be, it’s as beneficial to our health and immunity as it is beautiful.
What are the Health Benefits of Turkey Tail Mushrooms?
Known as Yun Zhi in Chinese medicine and Kawaratake in Japan, turkey tail mushrooms have a variety of essential health benefits. But their most well-known and well-researched health benefit is the way they can stimulate immune function. Like other medicinal mushrooms, the powerful health benefits of turkey tail mushrooms lie in beta-glucans. Indigestible
fiber made of chains of complex carbohydrates called polysaccharides, beta-glucans gives structure to the mushroom’s cell wall. A variety of beta-glucans can be found throughout nature. But it’s the unique structure of the ones found in turkey tail (referred to as PSK and PSP) that have been proven in studies to help regulate our immune system by increasing or decreasing the action of specific immune cells, promoting immunity to toxins and germs as well as suppressing inflammation. (1), (2), (3) Not only have beta-glucans been
shown in studies to help support immunity and stimulate immune cells, but they also can act as antioxidants, support healthy cholesterol, and balance blood sugar. (4) They’re so effective that specialized turkey tail extracts are currently used as a complementary therapy in China and Japan. Heavily researched since the 1970’s many studies also suggest that turkey tail mushrooms may have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. (5)
