Turkey Tail Mushroom Benefits For The Skin

Turkey tail mushrooms, also known as Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor, are not your average fungi. They grow abundantly in the wild, showcasing a mesmerizing display of concentric rings in a vibrant palette of brown, yellow, purple, grey, green, and black, with outer margins in cream or white. Their distinct fan-like shape, reminiscent of a turkey’s tail, makes them a captivating and unique discovery in nature.

The use of turkey tail mushrooms in traditional medicine is not a recent trend but a practice that dates back to 200 BC, during the Han Dynasty in China. This long-standing history of medicinal use is a testament to the potent health benefits of these fungi, instilling a sense of trust and reliability in their efficacy. Today, they are widely accepted as medicinal fungi, significantly treating diseases and boosting the immune system.

Turkey Tail Mushroom

Turkey tail mushrooms are not just a local secret, but a global treasure. Found in woodland forests across the world, these fungi have thrived in the wild for centuries. From North America to Asia, and Europe, the reach of turkey tail mushrooms spans continents. Whether harvested in the wild or grown on a small scale, these medicinal fungi are within reach of health-conscious individuals worldwide.

Typically, turkey tail mushrooms are unpalatable because of their chewiness and leathery nature and are not consumed fresh. These mushrooms are mostly dehydrated or dried and ground into a powder as a medicinal supplement. The powdered extraction, however, enhances the flavor of curries, stews, smoothies, and soups or vegetable and rice dishes. Or, you may use it to make simple tea.

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet of 2000 calories. It is intended for general nutrition advice

Health benefits of turkey tail

Fortifies the immune system

Packed with anti-oxidants, turkey tail inhibits or curtails possible damage to our body cells and tissues precipitated by oxidative stress.

The wonder mushroom packs phenol and flavonoid, potent anti-oxidants that help support your immune system by reducing inflammation. Further, Studies have found that the protein-bound mushroom extract Polysaccharide Peptide (PSP) enhances the mobility of immune cell types, enabling them to ward off infections.

It helps combat cancer. 

Clinical reviews and studies have established that turkey tail mushroom extract may be helpful in cancer treatment. Science backs that the therapeutic effects of medicinal mushrooms on certain cancers with the highest mortality rates, such as gastric, breast, and colorectal cancers, have led to promising results.

Following painstaking in-depth research, clinical trials and cohort studies documented the efficacy of mushrooms, turkey tail, and shitake, in particular, in the treatment of such critical cancer cases.

Today, potent extracts from turkey tails work as supplements in cancer treatments in China and Japan. Because of their potent immune-boosting attributes, turkey tail mushroom extracts inhibit the growth of certain cancer cases.

Following intensive research, another polysaccharide compound called Coriolus versicolor glucan (CVG) in turkey tail extract seemed to help suppress certain tumors. The in-depth meta-analysis also uncovered that the PSK (Polysaccharide K) compound in turkey tail combined with chemotherapy treatment may improve colorectal, intestinal, and breast cancer survival.

Turkey tail mushroom

Improves gut health and general metabolism

Scientific research has revealed that the PSP in turkey tail, in combination with prebiotics, promotes the levels of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Following a test-tube study, experts discovered that the extract from turkey tails boosted the level of friendly bacteria called Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus while warding off potentially damaging bacteria like Clostridium and Staphylococcus, offering a positive impact on the gut microbiome.

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Protects the liver

The human liver is responsible for many vital functions, including the critical job of protein synthesis, nutrition absorption, and detoxification. Highly vulnerable, the liver can be subjected to a stressful lifestyle, junk food, and excessive alcohol intake, leading to detrimental results.

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Clinical studies have propounded that turkey tail mushroom extracts may support liver function by therapeutic healing of damaged liver. History records that turkey tail mushrooms have been long adopted in traditional Chinese medicine to alleviate liver disorders like jaundice.

Recent studies have discovered that turkey tail mushroom extracts work as a shield against fatty liver disease caused by excessive alcohol drinking. Turkey tail mushrooms safeguard the liver by curtailing fat accumulation and reducing inflammation caused by alcohol consumption.

Scientists discovered that the polysaccharide peptide (PSP) in turkey tail extract had hepatoprotective drug-like effects in mice.

Boosts athletic performance

Murine studies and experiments on mice with turkey tail mushrooms provided evidence that turkey tail mushrooms could improve and enhance athletic performance and endurance. Ingestion of turkey tail supplements into mice led to surprising results such as better performance, endurance, and low signs of exhaustion.

It may enhance insulin resistance.

Scientists opine that regular consumption of turkey tail mushrooms may play a key role in curbing sudden sugar spikes and improving insulin resistance. Following a murine study, rats with type 2 diabetes showed a substantial drop in blood sugar levels and improved insulin resistance.

Apart from the potential health benefits of turkey tail mushrooms as listed above, studies and clinical research have demonstrated that they may further:

*improve cognition function

*help combat viruses and promote healthy bacteria

*Foster the nervous system function

*Prevent flu

*Fight off anxiety

*Nurture skin health

Caveat

While the health benefits of turkey tail mushrooms are undeniable, it’s crucial to exercise caution. Overconsumption of these medicinal fungi may lead to potential side effects. However, by maintaining moderation and seeking advice from your healthcare provider, you can enjoy the benefits of turkey tail mushrooms without compromising your health, providing a reassuring message about their safety.

You can certainly tweak your diet plan to introduce turkey tail mushrooms, provided you maintain moderation and stick to the recommended dose following advice from your healthcare provider.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the above text are solely research-based, not medical advice; the author solicits reader discretion and cross-references or consulting a healthcare practitioner for further substantiation.