MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS - 80g

WHY DO YOU NEED MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS?
Mushrooms are not new to medicine. In fact, they're ancient remedies, medicinal golden-oldies. For centuries, Eastern herbalists have plundered the potency of a range of mushroom species to bolster the immune system, boost cardiovascular health, promote liver and kidney function and achieve internal balance. And science has finally followed suit.

MUSHROOMS GO MAINSTREAM. Science has finally confirmed what Eastern medicine has known for ages. That's why mushroom supplements are making waves in the West – particularly among individuals seeking an immune-system boost.
The proven effects of medicinal mushroom supplements include enhanced immune function and improved outcomes for a range of conditions, including:

• Respiratory problems
• Immune-system dysfunctions
• Infectious and inflammatory diseases
• Cardiovascular conditions (e.g. high cholesterol, heart disease, arrhythmias)
• Conditions of the liver and kidney
• Diabetes and blood-sugar imbalances
• Certain cancers

WORKING FROM WITHIN. Various placebo studies have shown that medicinal mushrooms exert an effect within cells. And, because they work intracellularly, they have the power to affect various body systems and functions.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?
Most mushroom supplements simply don't bring the benefits that science says they should. Why? Because they don't match the potency or dosage of those used in clinical research. But The Real Thing Medicinal Mushrooms is geared for ultimate potency and maximal effect. Here's how...

• NOTHING GETS IN THE WAY. To manufacture a mushroom supplement in capsule form, binder and filler agents must be added, which ultimately meddle with the quality and absorption rate. That's why we've kept Medicinal Mushrooms in the purest possible powder form – to ensure maximum absorption and benefit for you.
• NOTHING IS LEFT OUT. Our mushrooms are full-spectrum. This means the entire mushroom is used – both the fruit body (the part you see above the ground) and the mycelium (an underground mass of filaments). Most mushroom supplements only include the cheaper and less nutritious mycelium, but The Real Thing Medicinal Mushrooms provides you with both components for a more complete food.

The Real Thing Medicinal Mushrooms will support and step-up your immune system. The six species in this high-powered supplement are handpicked for potency and purity, plus they're 100% organic and totally free of gluten, colorants, flavourants, preservatives, brown rice and maltodextrin. The multi-talented Cordyceps sinensis mushroom has been chosen to make up 50% of the final blend, while the other five species constitute 10% each.

MORE ABOUT THE MUSHROOMS IN THE MIX
Meet the mushrooms in The Real Thing's mix:

1. CORDYCEPS SINENSIS. Helps boost stamina and energy. Great for the elderly and athletes.
2. MAITAKE. Helps to balance various internal systems and functions.
3. AGARICUS BLAZEI. Contains more immune-boosting beta-glucan than any other mushroom.
4. CORIOLUS VERSICOLOR. Helps fight infectious diseases and chronic conditions.
5. REISHI. Used for 2 000 years as a health tonic in Asian medicine.
6. SHIITAKE. Helps counter liver complaints and immunosuppressive conditions.

A MAGICAL MUSHROOM. Tibetan Sherpas are known to take the Cordyceps sinensis mushroom to elevate energy production and oxygen utilisation when climbing Mount Everest. No wonder it's the ideal supplement for elite athletes and the elderly!

1. CORDYCEPS SINENSIS
Found growing at high altitudes in the forested mountains of China, Tibet and Nepal, Cordyceps sinensis was first recorded in 2800 BC in the Pen Tsao, an ancient Chinese directory of medicinal plants. Its rarity at the time meant that only the Emperor's palace had access to this highly prized mushroom. But today, due to its performance-boosting powers, Cordyceps is a supplement of choice for many world-class athletes.

FACT: Cordyceps sinensis works its magic by increasing the concentration of adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, in cells. In fact, it increases ATP production by an amazing 29% which leads to an increase in energy for cells to use.

A 2001 study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine showed that Cordyceps increases intracellular ATP concentration and therefore energy within cells. This energetic kick gives you:

• More stamina
• Increased energy levels
• Improved endurance.

SPORTS STAR. In a 1993 athletic coup at the World Outdoor Track and Field Championships, a team of Chinese runners broke nine international records. Their coach attributed this dramatic display to a potent Cordyceps sinensis tonic. That's how medicinal mushrooms – and Cordyceps in particular – first found fame.
But Cordyceps also contributes to multi-systemic wellbeing. It contains vitamins B1, B2, B12, E, and K, all the essential amino acids, a range of sugars and polysaccharides, proteins, sterols and an array of trace elements including magnesium, iron, zinc, selenium and calcium. Plus it's been found to help improve oxygen utilisation, boost VO2 Max, increase the activity of SOD (superoxide dismutase, a powerful enzyme and antioxidant), enhance immune function, support healthy kidney function, reduce memory loss and help stabilise blood glucose levels.

This mushroom is therefore used clinically to help treat:

• High cholesterol
• Diabetes and blood-sugar imbalances
• Respiratory, renal and liver disease
• Sexual dysfunction in men
• Infectious diseases, immune-compromised states, and fatigue.

FACT: A 2002 study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine concluded that Cordyceps can help lower blood glucose levels and increase insulin sensitivity. This makes it invaluable for diabetics and people with insulin resistance.
In addition, a 1999 study published in the Japanese Journal of Pharmacology showed that Cordyceps exerts a powerful anti-cancer and anti-metastatic effect. Its ability to boost the immune system and protect the body from the ravages chemotherapy and radiation make it a frequent adjunctive treatment to conventional cancer therapies.

2. AGARICUS BLAZEI
This mushroom is found in the rainforests of Brazil, where it's been dubbed "cogumelo de dues" (mushroom of God). Local villagers hailed it as a longevity tonic, but modern research shows that Agaricus blazei contains more of an immune-stimulating polysaccharide called beta-glucan than any other mushroom. This glut of beta-glucan is thought to contribute to the mushroom's ability to help inhibit tumour growth – especially in cancer of the uterus.

FACT: Agaricus blazei is not just an immune-stimulating species. It's also been found to help reduce blood glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

3. CORIOLUS VERSICOLOR
With over 400 published studies illustrating its significant immuno-modulating effects, Coriolus versicolor is probably the best-studied mushroom around. It's also made a clinical name for itself in the treatment of respiratory, urinary and digestive-tract infections, as well as hepatitis B and other liver ailments.

VERY SPECIAL K. Coriolus versicolor comes with anti-microbial, anti-viral and anti-tumour properties. These infection-fighting features have been attributed to a potent compound known as Polysaccharide K (PSK), or Krestin.
PSK is also setting trends as an adjunctive cancer treatment in Japan. In fact, a recent review from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre examined a range of studies on the effects of PSK – in most cases involving cancer of the oesophagus, stomach, colon and breast. The conclusion? Patients who receive PSK in conjunction with surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation generally have longer disease-free periods and increased survival rates than those receiving standard treatment alone.

4. MAITAKE (GRIFOLA FRONDOSA)
Because it can grow to a weight of 20 kg, Maitake has earned the title "King of Mushrooms". It's rich in amino acids, a selection of vitamins and minerals like potassium, calcium and magnesium. In modern alternative medicine, this right-royal mushroom is used to help treat fatigue, hypertension, liver disease, and breast, prostate and liver cancer. Plus its beta-glucan content is now being studied to further clarify its immune-enhancing and anti-cancer effect.

THE REGULATOR. In Japan, Maitake has long been used as an "adaptogen" to help balance various body systems. Research now supports this mushroom's regulating effect on glucose, insulin, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Plus it's being investigated as useful weight-loss aid.

5. REISHI (GANODERMA SPP.)
Its Chinese name, Lingzhi, means "herb of spiritual potency". But, because Reishi has multiple health benefits and no significant side-effects, its physical potency can't be overlooked. It's now been added to the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia and Therapeutic Compendium and is used clinically for bronchitis prevention and to help treat hypertension, cardiovascular conditions, allergies, high blood lipids, hepatitis and even fatigue and altitude sickness.

FACT: Reishi is not only an impressive immune-booster. It's also often promoted as an antioxidant, analgesic, blood-pressure stabiliser and libido enhancer.
Research has also revealed that this mushroom can help eliminate or at least reduce the side-effects of chemo and radiation therapy (like hair-loss, nausea, vomiting, insomnia and loss of appetite) if taken before, during and after treatments.

6. SHITAKE (LENTINULA EDODES)
This mighty mushroom is being studied for an array of immunological benefits: from anti-viral action to the treatment of allergies, arthritis, immuno-suppressive conditions, Candidiasis, high cholesterol and hepatitis. And, because Shiitake also contains Lenthionine (a powerful compound that's been found to inhibit platelet aggregation) it's also being investigated as a potential thrombosis treatment.

A SUPER SOURCE: In the East it's prized as a medicinal food that strengthens the immune system and liver, but Shiitake is also one of very few known natural sources of vegan and Kosher vitamin B12.

HOW DO YOU TAKE IT?
Because the average mushroom supplement is "diluted" by binder and filler substances you need to take massive doses to ensure an effect. But The Real Thing Medicinal Mushrooms is so pure and concentrated that less is indeed more when establishing the optimum dose.

• FOR MAINTENANCE: Take 1 flat teaspoon once a day. Best taken with a starchy meal, but avoid taking with fruit, which speeds up gut transit time and reduces absorption.
• FOR A MORE MEDICINAL DOSE: Take 2 to 3 rounded teaspoons daily for 6 to 12 weeks – consistency is key, as it gives the body time to utilise the full medicinal benefit. Then revert to the maintenance dose (1 flat teaspoon daily).