A mushroom is the fruiting body of a fungus, especially when it has a stem, cap, and gills. The best-known mushroom is the white mushroom, or Agaricus bisporus, which is widely cultivated as a food crop. Many mushrooms also provide specific health benefits, depending on the particular species.
Many mushrooms contain high levels of the amino acid L-ergothioneine (ERGO), which is derived from the amino acid histidine. ERGO is an antioxidant that contains an imidazole ring with a sulfur atom attached to it. However, its specific biochemistry is different from other sulfur-based antioxidants such as lipoic acid and glutathione. ERGO can penetrate cell nuclei, allowing it to support normal cellular functions within the cell.
ERGO has an unusually long period of biological activity compared to other nutrients. Professor Robert Beelman and his team at Penn State have conducted research that shows ERGO can remain in the cells for up to 30 days. By comparison, nutrients such as vitamins A, C and E last for no more than 30 minutes.
Mushrooms comprise a significant portion of the diet for many people. However, dietary sources of mushrooms fail to provide all of their health benefits due to the large number of edible mushrooms available. A blend of specific mushrooms is therefore the best way to obtain their complete benefits.
The mushrooms in the Xtendlife blend include Cordyceps militaris, Pleurotus eryngii (King Trumpet), Agaricus blazei (Royal Sun Agaricus) and Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane). These mushrooms are grown organically and processed in the United States by M2 Mushrooms. M2 Mushrooms developed the Xtendlife blend of mushrooms specifically for Xtend-Life. This firm is the world’s leading expert in cultivating medicinal mushrooms and was able to develop a process for certifying this blend.
The objective of the Xtendlife mushroom blend is to help achieve the nutritional objectives of Zupafood ELITE. Each serving of Zupafood ELITE contains 400 milligrams (mg) of the Xtendlife blend. The results have been even better than expected.
The uses of mushroom blends depend on the specific species that it contains. Common uses of mushrooms in health supplements include the support of healthy energy levels, circulation, stress and blood pressure.
Cordyceps militaris has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2,000 years to maintain energy and vitality. Olympic athletes have also used this mushroom for endurance, power and speed. A placebo-controlled clinical trial shows that Cordyceps militaris increases energy levels in elderly people. The subjects in this study also reported a greater tolerance for cold temperature, better sleep patterns, and greater mental clarity.
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) contains high levels of hericenones and erinacines. These compounds may support the nervous system. Studies also indicate that these compounds may help to maintain cognitive functions such as concentration and recall.
Royal Sun Agaricus is an edible mushroom with a strong almond-like flavor. It’s best known for its support of the body’s ability to manage healthy blood sugar levels. Agaricus blazei may also support the immune system, according to recent research.
King Trumpet mushroom has one of the highest known levels of ERGO. It has much more ERGO than wheat bran, which was previously believed to be the best source of this powerful antioxidant. ERGO may also support healthy cellular functions and energy levels by increasing the activity of other antioxidants.
A low level of energy and vitality is generally one of the most significant signs that you need mushroom blends, especially if you’re older. These signs may also include poor physical performance in sports and other physical activities. Additional physical signs that may benefit from mushroom blends include sensitivity to cold, disturbed sleep patterns, and poor circulation. Chronic illnesses due to a compromised immune system may also indicate that you should take mushroom blends. Cognitive problems such as poor concentration and memory are additional signs that these supplements could help you.
Medicinal mushrooms While many of us have foraged for mushrooms in the woods, few of us realize the nutritional benefits those mushrooms pack. Researchers at Penn State University – as part of the organization’s Mushroom Science and Technology dep...
Support for Inflammation Management What is Reishi? Reishi is a woody textured mushroom. It is scientifically known as Ganoderma lucidum, from the Greek words ganos (“brightness, sheen”), derma (“skin”) and lucidum (“glowing”). Reishi’s Chinese name, Ling Zhi, means “herb of spiritual potency”. R...
Support for Inflammation Management What is Chaga? Chaga (scientifically known as Inonotus obliquus) is a parasitic fungus that forms a hard, blackened crust on hardwood trees, particularly birch and beech. It is found in Russia, Northern and Eastern Europe, Korea and parts of North America. Chag...
Shipping calculated at checkout
Supplements
Skincare
Superfoods
Bundles
Go Back to Ingredients