Brain fog, fatigue, and depression<\/strong> are serious, widespread problems in today\u2019s breakneck-paced, over-stimulated, toxin-filled world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if you have the perfect healthy lifestyle, your brain may still need some more intensive support to function optimally in today\u2019s modern environment. <\/p>\n\n\n In A Hurry? Here Are Our Top Mushroom Extracts Enhanced for Cognitive Performance<\/p>\n\n\n All these nootropic mushroom supplements contain organic 100% fruiting body mushrooms, extracted to maximize beta-glucans content<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n Best Mushroom Extract Overall<\/p>\n\n\n Ultimate Mushroom Complex Capsules by FreshCap<\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n Best Mushroom Extract for Focus & Mood<\/p>\n\n\n Lion’s Mane Mushroom Capsules by FreshCap<\/a> <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n Best Mushroom Extract for Longevity<\/p>\n\n\n Reishi 415 Capsules by Real Mushrooms<\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n Best Mushroom Extract for Energy<\/p>\n\n\n Cordyceps Mushroom Capsules by FreshCap<\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n Best Mushroom Extract for Immunity<\/p>\n\n\n Maitake Mushroom Capsules by Nootropics Depot<\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n Best Mushroom Extract for Learning & Memory<\/p>\n\n\n Organic Siberian Chaga Extract Capsules by Real Mushrooms<\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n Mushrooms are having a well-deserved moment. This extensively-researched superfood provides a host of nootropic, or brain-boosting, benefits\u2013 from mood enhancement to stress relief to improved learning and memory. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This article will focus on the 5 most researched nootropic mushroom<\/strong> extracts<\/strong> that have been proven to enhance cognitive performance and emotional wellbeing, along with suggestions for my favorite<\/em> high quality <\/strong>nootropic mushroom supplements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Disclaimer:<\/strong> This article is intended for general informational purposes only. Topics discussed are based on my own personal experiences and opinions, and are not representative of what your experience may be. There is no medical advice in this article, nor anywhere else on this website. Always check with your doctor before taking any supplement of any kind. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n While most edible mushrooms are highly nutritious, offering antioxidant and immune support, nootropic mushrooms have been found to provide additional cognitive-enhancing benefits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nootropic mushrooms benefit the neurological system<\/strong> in a variety of ways, including: <\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s important to understand that scientific research into the nootropic effects of edible mushrooms on humans is still in its infancy. Most studies have been done on mice or in vitro, and many of the human studies have used methodologies considered imperfect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nonetheless, the evidence is clear that certain edible mushrooms have a great deal of promise when it comes to delivering nootropic benefits. This article will cover five of the most-researched <\/strong>nootropic mushrooms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n SPONSORED:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Want Life-changing Energy & FOCUS? RAISE YOUR VIBRATION WITH SUPERFOOD SMOOTHIES<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n Are you wondering what to look for in a mushroom extract, and overwhelmed by the number of options out there? You\u2019re certainly not alone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are thousands of mushroom extracts available on the market, and they are not all created equal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Most mushroom supplements are powdered extracts<\/strong> made by grinding raw mushrooms and then cooking in water, and sometimes alcohol, to release the beneficial compounds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Cultivation and extraction techniques vary widely, which has a big impact on the final product\u2019s efficacy and purity, so let\u2019s discuss what makes a high quality mushroom supplement.<\/p>\n\n\n The fruiting body is what most people think of when they think of mushrooms\u2013 the highly visible, nutritionally-rich mushroom itself, stem and cap. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But did you know that mushrooms also have networks of root-like mycelium that connect fruiting bodies within a larger mushroom colony? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Most mushroom supplements are extracted from mycelium, which is cheaper to produce but robs you of the highly concentrated active compounds found in fruiting body mushrooms. Simply put, fruiting bodies are more potent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For this reason, 100% fruiting body mushroom extracts<\/strong> are always recommended over mycelium-containing products. <\/p>\n\n\n Beta-glucans are responsible for the immunity-boosting properties of mushrooms<\/a>. While not directly related to cognitive enhancement and other nootropic benefits, it would be remiss not to mention this critically important, extensively researched compound. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The best mushroom suppliers test their products to verify high beta-glucan content,<\/strong> and are transparent about the exact percentage of beta-glucans present in the extract. <\/p>\n\n\n In the mushroom community, there\u2019s quite a bit of debate about the merits of hot water extraction compared to dual extraction (water and<\/em> alcohol extraction.) <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hot water extraction<\/strong> is a safe and effective technique for distilling water-soluble compounds (like beta-glucans). However, while alcohol extraction<\/strong> does unlock compounds that are not<\/em> water soluble (like terpenes and sterols), it can also reduce the efficacy of the extracted water soluble compounds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In general, it’s recommended to go with dual extraction for Reishi and Chaga supplements, because the terpenes and sterols<\/strong> found in those mushrooms are of medicinal importance. For other nootropic mushrooms, such as Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, and Maitake, hot water extraction is preferable. <\/p>\n\n\n Just as conventional produce can introduce harmful chemicals into your diet, non-organic mushroom supplements also contain traces of pesticides, fertilizer, and other artificial additives. Additionally, mycelium-based products contain the substrate upon which the mushrooms were grown (often sawdust or grain), potentially introducing more unwanted chemicals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s important to always seek organic, non-GMO mushroom extracts<\/strong> made from whole, fruiting body mushrooms to ensure you are enjoying the nootropic benefits of mushrooms without putting damaging toxins into your body. <\/p>\n\n\n We should all care about where our food comes from and who worked to produce it\u2013 and that includes our nutritional supplements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My favorite mushroom extract brand uses mushrooms harvested in China, but the owners of the company are very open and transparent about why they prefer Chinese farmers and how this results in a higher quality supplement for the consumer<\/a>. They have a long, mutually respectful relationship with their partners in China, which means a lot to me as a consumer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The bottom line is to do your research<\/strong> on brand values and manufacturing operations before buying any<\/em> supplement. Geographical origin does not guarantee quality. Global supply chains are complex, so it\u2019s important to understand how the products you consume are grown, harvested, and processed.<\/p>\n\n\n SPONSORED:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Want Life-changing Energy & FOCUS? RAISE YOUR VIBRATION WITH SUPERFOOD SMOOTHIES<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n Scientific name: Hericium erinaceus<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Cutting a striking silhouette with its full, shaggy white \u201cmane,\u201d Lion\u2019s Mane<\/strong> has been consumed by Buddhhist monks for centuries, and offers a vast range of science-backed benefits\u2013 particularly nootropic benefits. <\/p>\n\n\n My absolute favorite Lion\u2019s Mane supplement is FreshCap Lion’s Mane Mushroom Extract Capsules!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n Lion’s Mane Mushroom Capsules by FreshCap<\/a> <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n This supplement is extracted from organic, whole, handpicked fruiting body Lion\u2019s Mane mushrooms. FreshCap rigorously tests their supplements for potency, and its Lion\u2019s Mane extract does not disappoint\u2013 its composition has been verified to contain over 25% beta-d glucans, the most beneficial active compound in Lion\u2019s Mane.<\/p>\n\n\n Scientific name: Ganoderma lucidum<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Reishi<\/strong> remains one of the most popular and mysterious nootropic mushrooms, and has been used by Buddhist monks for thousands of years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With promising data on anti-cancer properties<\/a> and immune modulation mechanisms<\/a>, Reishi also offers impressive nootropic benefits. <\/p>\n\n\n In my opinion, the clear winner here is Reishi 415 by Real Mushrooms<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n Reishi 415 Capsules by Real Mushrooms<\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n Using the dual extraction method to unlock abundant beta-glucans, terpenes, and sterols, this supplement is made from whole fruiting body organic reishi mushrooms. With the final product independently tested for beta-glucans and<\/em> triterpenes, you can be confident that you’re receiving maximum benefits from this extract. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Reishi is known to have a bitter taste that many consider unpleasant. For this reason, capsules are a bit easier to take than the raw powder. Only you know your own personal preferences\u2013 so choose wisely. (Luckily, Reishi 415 is available in both<\/a> forms<\/a>.)<\/p>\n\n\n Scientific name: Cordyceps militaris, Cordyceps sinensis, etc.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Many people don’t realize that “Cordyceps” is actually a genus containing over 400 fungi species!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The two most popular Cordyceps mushrooms for nootropic supplements are Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lab-cultivated Cordyceps militaris<\/strong> has been shown to contain higher levels of Cordycepin, the unique bio-active compound responsible for the anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective benefits of Cordyceps. <\/p>\n\n\n This was a difficult choice… so it’s a tie between Cordyceps by FreshCap Mushrooms<\/a> and Cordyceps-M by Real Mushrooms<\/a>! <\/p>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"\/\/ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/widgets\/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07NY3WR4L&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=vitalethos-20&language=en_US\" "\\"\\"")
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What Are Nootropic Mushrooms?<\/h2>\n\n\n
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What Makes A High Quality Mushroom Extract?<\/h2>\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMycelium vs. Fruiting Body Mushroom Extracts<\/h3>\n\n\n
Concentration of Beta-Glucans<\/h3>\n\n\n
Hot Water Extraction vs. Dual Extraction<\/h3>\n\n\n
Conventional vs. Organic Mushroom Extracts<\/h3>\n\n\n
Location and Labor Concerns<\/h3>\n\n\n
1. Best Mushroom Extract for Focus & Mood: Lion\u2019s Mane<\/h2>\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat are the Nootropic Benefits of Lion’s Mane? <\/h3>\n\n\n
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What is the Best Lion\u2019s Mane Mushroom Extract? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
Best Lion’s Mane Extract<\/h4>\n\n\n
2. Best Mushroom Extract for Longevity: Reishi<\/h2>\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat are the Nootropic Benefits of Reishi?<\/h3>\n\n\n
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What is the Best Reishi Mushroom Extract? <\/h3>\n\n\n
Best Reishi Extract<\/h4>\n\n\n
3. Best Mushroom Extract for Energy: Cordyceps<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.vitalethos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/shutterstock_1140393647-1024x683.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat are the Nootropic Benefits of Cordyceps?<\/h3>\n\n\n
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What is the Best Cordyceps Extract? <\/h3>\n\n\n