Today’s Solutions: November 02, 2024

We at the Optimist Daily have long shared our love of mushrooms. They have been used for health purposes for thousands of years, both mentally and physically. Today, we take a look at four varieties of mushrooms which can boost your immune system to keep you healthy this cold and flu season. 

These varieties have D-glucans, beta-glycosides, and other substances that have been determined in research to significantly stimulate our innate immune system. They are also high in selenium, magnesium, and zinc which have anti-influenza properties. 

  1. Maitake (Hen-of-the-Woods): These yummy delicacies have been shown to significantly inhibit the influenza A virus from replicating and can be added to recipes or taken in tincture and or capsule form.
  2. Shiitake mushrooms: These culinary stapes have antiviral properties and are easily found in most stores!
  3. Reishi mushrooms: This variety is also an antiviral and has been proven to effectively combat influenza A virus and the common flu. One of the powerful components in reishi are substances called triterpenes. These can make the mushroom have a bitter taste, but it can still be taken in capsule or powder form.
  4. Cordyceps: This one is technically a parasitic fungus, but it has been used as an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial in many cultures because it boosts blood flow, enhancing oxygen use and acting as an antioxidant. These aren’t grown for cooking but can be found in capsules and powders.

While mushrooms are certainly not a cure-all for every ailment, they can be easily added to your diet for an immune system boost. Prevention is the best medicine, so why not add some fungi friends to your daily diet?

Solutions News Source Print this article
More of Today's Solutions

This heartwarming Danish ad breaks down the ‘Us vs Them’ narrative

It’s rare that we publish a story about an advertisement, but then again it’s rare that an ad stirs so much emotion within its ...

Read More

NOAHs: Charlotte has a formula for long-lasting affordable housing

We recently shared how empty retail space could be the solution to California’s affordable housing crisis. Across the country in North Carolina, the city ...

Read More

A seat at the table for underrepresented communities

Climate change is already affecting all of us—however, those that bear the brunt of these consequences are predominantly from low-income, marginalized, BIPOC communities. So ...

Read More

Expanding democracy: Michigan opens new doors for formerly incarcerated voters

Malijah Gee's path from incarceration at the age of 17 to imminent freedom reflects the longing for a voice that has been suppressed for 36 years. ...

Read More