Functional mushrooms are popular because of their potential to support immune function, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. However, if your body cannot absorb them, then what’s the point?
The biggest hurdle for us humans is a thing called chitin. In this article, we'll explore what chitin is, why breaking it down is crucial for absorbing the benefits of functional mushrooms, and how our proprietary double-steam extraction process makes this possible.
What is Chitin?
Chitin is a mushroom’s armour. It works as a protection for a mushroom out in the natural world. A structural polysaccharide found in the cell walls of mushrooms is a tough, fibrous substance that also appears in the exoskeletons of crustaceans and insects. It works well for structural integrity but poses a challenge for human consumption. The reason? Our bodies lack the necessary enzymes to break down chitin effectively, making accessing the valuable benefits (compounds) locked within difficult. The reason we’re taking the mushrooms to begin with!
The Importance of Breaking Down Chitin
Functional mushrooms are rich in bioactive compounds such as beta-glucans, terpenoids, and antioxidants, known for their health-promoting properties. However, these compounds are bound within the chitin matrix of the mushroom's cell walls. Without breaking down chitin, our bodies cannot absorb these beneficial compounds efficiently, rendering the mushrooms less effective as nutritional or medicinal supplements.
How Stay Wyld Organics Unlocks the Benefits of Functional Mushrooms
Recognizing the challenge of chitin, we've developed a proprietary double-steam extraction process to make the bioactive compounds in functional mushrooms more bioavailable. This innovative method involves two critical stages:
• First Steam Extraction: The initial steam extraction process gently breaks down the chitin structure, releasing water-soluble compounds such as beta-glucans. This stage ensures that these essential polysaccharides are available in a form our bodies can readily absorb.
• Second Steam Extraction: The subsequent extraction phase targets the non-water-soluble compounds, including terpenoids and antioxidants. This step ensures we capture the full spectrum of beneficial compounds in functional mushrooms, maximizing their health benefits.
Our double steam extraction method is designed to ensure that every part of the mushroom's potential is unlocked and made accessible for absorption. By breaking down chitin and releasing water-soluble and non-water-soluble compounds, we ensure that our functional mushroom products deliver the maximum possible health benefits.
Enhancing Bioavailability with Micronization
After harvesting our mushrooms, they go through a steam process to ensure the critical medicinal components become available for absorption by the human body. They then undergo a micronization process known to increase bioavailability further. Bioavailability is one of the most important factors when considering medicinal mushrooms, and our products are processed to work in your body, not just in the lab.
Embracing Whole Mushroom Benefits
Through our proprietary extraction process, we're not just breaking down barriers but unlocking a world of wellness. Functional mushrooms have been revered for centuries for their health benefits, and by making their bioactive compounds more bioavailable, we're bringing ancient wisdom into modern health practices. Whether you're looking to support your immune system, manage stress, or improve your overall well-being, our functional mushroom products offer a natural, effective solution. We grow Lion's Mane, Chaga, Reishi, Cordyceps and Turkey Tail at Stay Wyld Organics.
In conclusion, the challenge of chitin in functional mushrooms is significant but not insurmountable. With innovative extraction techniques like our proprietary double steam extraction and the micronization process, we can break down this barrier, unlocking the full potential of functional mushrooms and making their myriad health benefits accessible to all. Embrace the power of nature with us and experience the transformative effects of functional mushrooms on your health and well-being.
All of our mushroom supplements are grown in Canada and our whole lion's mane mushroom, whole cordyceps mushroom, whole Chaga mushroom, whole turkey tail mushroom, and whole reishi mushroom all go through this micronization process. And we produce the best mushroom powders, mushroom capsules, mushroom gummies and supplements in Canada.
Figure out what mushrooms would be the best mushroom supplement for you. From anxiety, stress, immunity, energy, focus and more, the benefits await.