Turkey tail mushroom gets its name from the way it looks – like the tail feathers of a turkey. It appears like a leaf. Turkey tail mushroom has a bunch of benefits – it stimulates the immune system, reduces inflammation, and promotes overall health and longevity. It has been used in Chinese traditional medicine for thousands of years.
We had an interesting interview with the Hybrid Herbs team and spoke a lot about Turkey Tail mushroom. Here are some of the benefits they have shared with us:
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May help fight cancer
Turkey tail mushrooms may help fight different types of cancer – lung, gastric, colorectal, and breast cancer. Even though more research of turkey tail benefits for cancer is needed, there is evidence that it may help improve survival, according to some reliable sources. There is a compound, found in the turkey tail mushroom called PSK that has anticancer properties. It has been used for cancer in Japan, and there are only a few side effects reported.
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It can prevent/treat cold and flu
Turkey tail mushroom can help your immune system fight against viruses and bacteria. It is a good idea to include turkey tail extract in your diet plan just before flu season approaches. The turkey tail mushroom may help your immune system to adapt, fight infections and illness more efficiently.
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Better digestion
Turkey tail mushroom contains prebiotics which feed the good bacteria in your gut, which is really beneficial for anyone suffering from the leaky gut syndrome. Turkey tail mushroom extract may help you have a smoother digestion process. And better digestion could possibly lead to weight loss.
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Helps treat HPV
Another benefit of turkey tail mushroom is that it may help heal infections, such as an oral strain of the HPV (human papillomavirus). According to a recent study, after taking the turkey tail supplement for 2 months, the participants showed positive results.
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Turkey tail mushroom may help HIV/AIDS patients
Due to its antibacterial and antioxidant properties, turkey tail mushroom may be quite useful in treating patients with HIV or AIDS. There is a compound found in the mushroom, called PSP that is an antiviral agent which may prevent the replication of the HIV virus.
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Other benefits
Turkey tail mushroom contains selenium, vitamin D, vitamin B3. This makes it strong immune booster. This shroom also contains Beta-glucans (a type of polysaccharides), which can stimulate the immunity by boosting natural killer cells and macrophage function (those types of cells help your immune system to fight viruses and bad bacteria).
Turkey tail mushroom also helps fight everyday stress and stimulates energy levels.
Conclusion
Turkey tail is a medicinal mushroom that has a lot of potential. It may help fight cancer, prevent flu and cold, better the digestion process, help treat human papillomavirus, help HIV/AIDS patients, stimulate the immune system and increase energy levels. If you suffer from some of the more serious conditions mentioned above, make sure to first check with your physician. Although more research is needed, turkey tail mushrooms may be really helpful and you can largely benefit from using it.