Mushrooms and chocolate together? Well, who said healthy cant be delicious and sweet?

We are happy to bring you an innovative and delectable way to consume chocolate balls with the goodness of Organic Mushrooms. This unique and chocolate recipe creates a perfectly healthy treat that is sweet and delicious, loaded with lip-smacking flavours and amazing benefits of functional mushrooms. These are easy-to-make nutrient-packed snacks that will satisfy your sweet tooth and enhance your mind and body.

These little treats are absolutely delicious while they are soft, sweet, and loaded with flavour and powers from functional mushroom extracts. This snack is particularly packed with nutrients and bioactive compounds that is super beneficial for your mind and body and helps incorporate functional mushroom extracts in your diet regime in a simple but tasty way. The best part is that they can be made in 15 minutes with just a few simple ingredients.

• ½ cup walnuts grounded into powder
• ½ cup almonds grounded into powder
• 10 dates mashed together
• 2 tablespoon cacao powder
• 2 tablespoon Organic Mushrooms extracts (Reishi, Chaga, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Shiitake, Turkey Tail, Daily VitaMush)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• ¼ cup dried berries
• dark chocolate chips

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Soak 10 dates in hot water for a few minutes.
2. Grind the dry stuff together in a food processor till a fine powder is formed
3. Strain the dates from hot water and grind along with the fine powder for about two minutes until the dough is formed.
4. You can add a bit of honey if the dough seems too dry
5. You can also add maple syrup as a sweetener if you would like the mixture sweeter
6. Scrape out the mix from the blender into a plate and add the nibs of dried berries and chocolate chips and mix it together using your hands.
7. To form your balls, use a spoon to scoop out the dough and roll it between your palms.
8. Place the chocolate balls on a plate or serving tray. Then, refrigerate them until they are firm.

You can use any type of dried fruit as a substitute for dried berries. To store the balls, put them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to four weeks. Alternatively, you can freeze them in a zip-lock bag to store them for up to three months. We hope you enjoy the Organic Mushrooms chocolate balls and wish you the best of health.

Functional mushrooms have been studied extensively for their potential anti-inflammatory properties, and while they may not necessarily “cure” inflammation, they have shown promise in helping to manage it. Several types of functional mushrooms, such as Reishi, Chaga, Turkey Tail and Cordyceps, contain bioactive compounds like polysaccharides, beta-glucans, triterpenoids, and antioxidants, which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in laboratory and animal studies. These compounds can modulate the immune system and reduce the production of pro-inflammatory molecules, thereby alleviating inflammation.

For example, research has shown that polysaccharides found in mushrooms like Reishi and Turkey Tail may inhibit the release of inflammatory cytokines and promote the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, certain mushrooms contain compounds that can suppress the activity of inflammatory enzymes like cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which play key roles in the inflammatory process. Chaga is high in antioxidants and can help prevent the production of harmful cytokines thereby reducing inflammation in the body. Reishi supports the immune system and can help fight inflammation. Krestin (PSK) and Polysaccharide Peptide (PSP) found in Turkey Tail mushrooms help activate and inhibit specific types of immune cells and suppress inflammation. Research shows that Cordyceps helps suppress special proteins that increase inflammation in the body.

Functional mushrooms possess adaptogenic properties, meaning they can help the body adapt to stress and maintain homeostasis. Chronic stress and inflammation are closely linked, and by supporting the body’s stress response systems, mushrooms may indirectly help reduce inflammation.

While the research on medicinal mushrooms and inflammation is promising, it is essential to note that most of the evidence comes from preclinical studies, and more clinical research is needed to confirm their effectiveness in humans.

Additionally, functional mushrooms are not a replacement for conventional medical treatment for inflammatory conditions. Still, they may serve as complementary therapies when incorporated into a balanced and healthy lifestyle, including a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and stress management techniques. As always, individuals with inflammatory conditions should consult with a healthcare professional before adding functional mushrooms or any other supplements to their regimen.

This recipe is shared by Laska Maria Freeman.

This is one of my new favourite recipes from my daughter-in-law @misscuccicuccicucci and from her mother @sune.choi

A twist on a Classic Korean Soup by adding mushrooms for extra nutrition.

Mushrooms are one of the only vegetables that are not sprayed with harmful pesticides and chemicals in Canada. I find local mushrooms and dry them but the extracts from @organicmushroomsca work extremely well

This is a simple recipe and one can modify it as per individual tastes and preferences.

• Brown pork chop or chuck steak (a cheaper piece of meat) also I add 2 straps of Bacon.
• I like cooking with Sesame Seed Oil, but you can use any oil you have.
• Add the white part of the Green Onions
• Remove meat from pot when browned.
• On medium or low heat, add a generous spoonful of Kimchi to the pot.
• You can simply add Organic Mushrooms extract powders to it. You can use fresh mushrooms or powdered mushrooms that are dried.
• Add whatever other vegetables you want or whatever is left in the fridge.
• Cook over medium heat and then add 2 cups of water or broth.
• For spice, you can add a full teaspoon of Gochujang paste (Hot Pepper Paste)
• Bring to a boil on Medium then to a Minimum and Simmer for an hour.
• Cook rice or noodles when ready to eat.
• Garnish with the green part of the onion.
• This pot makes enough for one person for a few days.

Fungi have been around even before humans came into existence and functional mushrooms have been known to offer health benefits to humans for centuries now. Before the medicines came into existence functional mushrooms were the natural solution for ailments and diseases and preventive healthcare. In the past decade, there has been a renewed interest and a definite rise in the consumption of mushroom supplements as people realize the benefits of preventive healthcare using century-old traditions as compared to modern pharma, sometimes in addition to modern pharma. Functional mushroom supplements have bagged the limelight in the past few years as people look for natural ways to enhance their health and wellness.

Mushroom supplements are conveniently available in multiple forms, including capsules, powders, extracts, supplement gummies and tinctures. It has become extremely easy to incorporate them into your diet regime.

Functional Mushroom supplements offer standardized dosages of the beneficial bioactive compounds, and it is easy to keep track of how much you are consuming to fulfill your nutrition deficit. It is recommended to consume 2-3 grams of mushroom extracts per day.

The bioavailability of mushroom supplements is best in terms of per-gram consumption. The supplements only contain the beneficial bioactive compounds extracted from mushrooms fruiting bodies. Supplements allow you to consume the beneficial part after discarding the remains enhancing the effectiveness of what you consume.

Functional mushroom supplements are nutrition for the body especially when you have specific health goals. Mushrooms such as Lion’s Mane are good to improve cognition while Turkey Tail can help improve digestion, Cordyceps can help with improved energy and exercise performance and so on.

Supplements have a way longer shelf life as compared to fresh mushrooms, which makes them a practical choice for those who do not consume mushrooms regularly. Organic Mushroom supplements have a shelf life between 2-3 years from the date of milling if they are stored in a cool and dry place away from sunlight.

To choose between mushroom supplements and whole mushrooms is an individual choice and preference as some people might want to consume functional mushrooms as a culinary delight although functional mushrooms do not have a good taste of their own. Whether you decide to consume functional mushrooms as a whole or as supplements, it is good as incorporating functional mushrooms into your diet offers numerous health benefits.

By Tammie Samuel 

We are happy to share this recipe shared by Tammie Samuel to cook a Black Bean Walnut Burger recipe!

These patties can also be rolled into bean balls to go with your favourite pasta sauce on those meat-free Mondays. The oat flour gives these burgers a satisfying crunchy coating. I enjoy them on their own, drizzled with tahini and topped with organic salsa, and a dark leafy side salad, but you can enjoy these healthy burgers on whole wheat buns, and homemade air-fried potatoes too!

Black Bean Walnut Turkey Tail Burgers ingredients:

1 (19oz) can organic black beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup. cooked & packed brown wild rice

1/2 cup. shiitake mushrooms, chopped; stems removed (other mushrooms work fine too)

1 flax egg (which is 1 tbsp. flax meal + 3 tbsp. water, sit for 5 min)

1/4 cup. onion, diced

1/3 cup. raw unsalted walnuts crunched into smaller pieces (I just crunch them in my hands)

1-1/2 tbsp. olive oil

1/2 tbsp. soy sauce

2 tbsp. oat flour

2 tbsp. nutritional yeast

1 tsp. smoked paprika

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. sea salt

1/2 tsp. Turkey Tail Mushroom Powder from Organic Mushrooms Canada

In a large bowl, place the beans and mash lightly with a fork, just until you reach a coarse texture. Add the cooked rice, shiitake mushrooms, flax egg, onion, walnuts, olive oil, soy sauce, oat flour, nutritional yeast, spices, and turkey tail powder.

Form into patties (I find wetting my hands makes it easier to make the burgers, as it will be very sticky). Place burgers on a lightly olive oil-greased baking sheet and bake at 375 for about 20 minutes, or until you see that crispy coating. Flip once. Enjoy!

Organic Mushrooms is looking for authentic food and beverage recipes that use mushroom extract powders and tinctures. Please share with us healthy recipes on how you cook your meals using Organic Mushrooms health supplements. You can email your recipes to us at info@organicmushrooms.us or post them on social media and tag us.

The recipes will be shared with the community created by Organic Mushrooms as blog posts on the website and will be shared on social media. Winning recipes stand a chance to receive $100 shop credit that can be used across our product portfolio. One winner will be selected each week. Make the most of this opportunity to earn shop credit and share healthy food and beverage recipes with everyone.

Organic Mushrooms health supplements are 100% natural extracts of functional mushrooms such as Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Reishi, Turkey Tail, Chaga, Shiitake and our flagship blend Daily VitaMush. Our health supplements are gluten-free, non-GMO and without any fillers. Shipping across Canada is free.

Organic means relying on natural substances and farming methods that avoid anything artificial, allowing the crop to grow sustainably only using what’s available to it from mother nature. Even before life existed on this planet, fungi have grown on decaying matter without any help from mankind. The recent upsurge in the demand for mushrooms as health supplements might have caused some growers to use artificial additives or fillers to grow the mushrooms. The main difference between organic and inorganic mushrooms is the way mushrooms are grown and the raw materials used to grow mushrooms.

Conventional mushrooms and organic mushrooms are grown differently. The key differentiator is the nitrogen source used in the growing process. While conventional mushrooms are given nitrogen in the form of a synthetic material called Urea, organic mushrooms utilize fresh or dried chicken fertilizer as a part of the composting process.

Organic mushrooms have higher benefits than non-organic, as studies have shown that the antioxidant content is much higher in organic versus non-organic produce. When it comes to Mushroom supplements, it is important to choose those that are Organic. Organic standards prohibit animal testing, GM practices, manufactured herbicides and artificial fertilizers. Hydrogenated fats, artificial colours and preservatives are also not allowed. This is because mushrooms easily absorb everything from their environment, both good and bad. They can accumulate toxins while growing non-organically, which is not the case with organic mushrooms.

At Organic Mushrooms, we have built relationships with local growers that allow us to create health supplements without any fillers in them. The extraction processes used are all natural using hot water and food-grade alcohol to extract the goodness of functional mushrooms. The patented extraction processes allow the extraction of beneficial bioactive compounds from the fruiting bodies for best use as preventive healthcare supplements. Some growers also use mycelium to extract the beneficial compounds from organically grown mushrooms.

There is a difference of opinions regarding which type of fungal structure is more beneficial in terms of nutrition and medicinal properties – mushroom fruit bodies or mycelium. It’s reasonable to think that functional fungi, at all stages of their life cycle, produce substances that are beneficial for both nutrition and medicine. Understanding the contributions of both structures to health and well-being is important and we can offer both.

We believe in quality and understand how important it is for our customers who expect quality while choosing a mushroom supplement, we believe it’s essential to be transparent about the origins of our mushrooms and our organic certification. Our growers are tested, and we ensure that all our mushroom powders are gluten-free, non-GMO and free of any fillers as we get them tested by third parties. This enables us to offer you the highest quality and purest mushroom supplements.

Thanks to lovely Tammie Samuel for sharing this amazing recipe.

We hope you like this recipe. We will continue to bring you more ways of adding mushroom extracts seamlessly into your diet regime.

There is nothing better than a satisfying bowl of homemade chili.

A good source of iron, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, fibre to promote good gut health, potassium, and the big guns of the dish, Shiitake mushrooms! Consuming even small amounts of these mushrooms has been shown to cause a reduction in inflammatory molecules in the bloodstream that block the signal to muscles and tissues. This can be of great help for people with arthritis, gout, migraines, inflammatory bowel conditions, and other irritation issues.

SHIITAKE-WALNUT- SWEET POTATO CHILI

Ingredients:

2 tbsp. olive oil

1 small onion

3 garlic cloves, diced

2 celery ribs, sliced

1/2 red pepper, chopped

1/2 green pepper. chopped

2 cups. shiitake mushrooms, washed, halved & stems removed

1 (19 oz.) can black beans, drained/rinsed

2 (19 oz.) cans of kidney beans, drained/rinsed

1 (156 ml) tomato paste

2 (540 ml) cans diced tomatoes

2/3 cup. can or frozen organic corn

1 cup. mashed sweet potato ( one large sweet potato)

1 cup. raw no salt, walnut pieces

1-1/2 cups. organic vegetable broth (more if you desire a thinner chili – or if you find your chili too thin, you can always add two tbsp. flax meal to thicken it up)

1/2 tsp. sea salt (or to taste)

4-5 tbsp. chili powder (or to taste)

1/2 tbsp. turmeric

1/8 tsp. black pepper

1/2 tsp. cumin, or to taste (I’m a baby when it comes to heat, so adjust to desired taste)

**IF YOU USE NUTRITIONAL YEAST AS A B12  SUPPLEMENT spoon a couple of tbsp. into your serving bowl.

**IF YOU WANT AN EXTRA IMMUNITY BOOST spoon in 1/2 tsp. Turkey Tail Mushroom powder into your serving bowl. I purchase from, and support Organic Mushrooms Canada for my Shroom needs

Preparation:

First, wash and scrub the sweet potato, DON’T PEEL keep that nutritious jacket on! Boil until soft. Mash up, set aside.

Now grab a big pot and sauté in olive oil for about 5 minutes on medium-low heat, the onion, garlic, celery, red pepper, green pepper and mushrooms. Then add the beans, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, corn, mashed sweet potato, walnuts and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine. Now add the spices. Stir again to mix well. Cover and simmer on low for about 3 hours. Taste test through the cooking stages to make any cumin or liquid consistency adjustments.

SERVE AS IS, or serve with the options below. *Adding a whole grain like quinoa, or rice makes this vegetarian dish a “complete” protein-packed meal.

-chili over quinoa

-chili over wild brown rice

-chili topped with 1/2 sliced avocado &  3 tbsp. Greek yogurt

-chili with 2 slices whole wheat sprout bread

-chili with a side bowl of one navel orange segments, to help the body absorb iron

-chili with a  side salad of dark leafy greens

Functional mushrooms, also known as medicinal mushrooms, have been revered for centuries and have been used across the world by different civilizations for their intended health benefits. Discovered by different generations throughout history, functional mushrooms have been the medicine for generations before modern medicine was introduced. Thanks to the advancement of research and science, we now know the beneficial bioactive compounds such as Polysaccharides, Beta-glucans, triterpenes, antioxidants etc which are believed to give the power to medicinal mushrooms as we know them.

There are different ways functional mushrooms work on our bodies. We have discussed and learnt how different functional mushrooms help us with preventive healthcare and help provide the much-required essential nutrition to our body. Let us look at how functional mushrooms enter and work across different sections of the human body.

Immune system support –  Bioactive compounds such as Polysaccharides specifically Beta-glucans in the revered functional mushrooms like Reishi, Turkey tail, Shiitake are known to have immunomodulatory effects on the human body. This means that they can stimulate or suppress the immune system and may help the body fight cancer, infection and/ or other diseases. Functional mushrooms have the capability to enhance the activities of immune cells such as natural killer cells and T cells thereby strengthening the body’s defences against foreign organisms that can cause diseases.

Reduction of Inflammation – Inflammation happens when a physical factor triggers an immune reaction inside your body. Functional mushrooms possess anti-inflammatory properties due to their bio-active compounds such as triterpenoids, polysaccharides, phenolic and indolic compounds, fatty acids, carotenoids and vitamins which can lower the rate of expression of the genes of different inflammatory mediators. For inflammation specifically, certain functional mushrooms such as Reishi, Chaga and Cordyceps are particularly effective.

Supporting cardiovascular health – Research has found that certain bioactive compounds in mushrooms can help counteract the development of plaque in arteries. The bioactive compounds also help in lowering cholesterol levels, reducing blood pressure and improving blood circulation, thereby promoting heart health, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Functional Mushrooms such as Reishi, Shiitake and Cordyceps have been shown to help support cardiovascular health.

Cognitive boost – Functional mushrooms offer essential nutrition in the form of bioactive compounds that can help boost brain health by lowering neuroinflammation and increasing nerve growth factor (NGF). Mushroom types such as Lion’s Mane, Reishi and Cordyceps are believed to have neuroprotective properties and can help in improving memory, focus and boost overall cognition.

Enhanced Energy – Often called the “Energy Mushroom,” Cordyceps may help boost the immune system, have anti-tumour effects, increase energy levels, and have anti-metastatic and antioxidant properties. This happens by enhancing oxygen utilization, increasing ATP production and improving endurance during exercise. Cordyceps has been revered for centuries for its ability to elevate energy levels in the human body.

Liver support – Some functional mushrooms have Hepatoprotective agents which can help maintain liver health, mitigate the liver injury caused by hepatotoxic agents and thus prevent damage to the liver. The bioactive agents in functional mushrooms such as Chaga, Reishi and Cordyceps can help detoxify the liver, and reduce inflammation while protecting the liver against oxidative stress.

Managing stress response – Functional mushrooms like Reishi, Cordyceps and Chaga are adaptogens which help the body to adapt to stress and maintain balance by regulating the production of stress hormones like cortisol. Regular consumption can reduce the negative effects of chronic stress on the body.

At Organic Mushrooms, we believe in the power of functional mushrooms that have been used for centuries for various health benefits. The advancement of science and growing research along with feedback from people across the world has reintroduced the interest in the regular use of natural functional mushrooms.

It is to be noted that individual responses to functional mushrooms may vary, we advise you to consult with your healthcare professional before incorporating functional mushrooms into your daily routine, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are on medications.

Here is a recipe shared with us by one of our customers and it is sure to warm you up on chilly days as it enhances your health and wellness. Mushroom Hot Chocolate is a delightful treat for your taste buds and a boost to your well-being. You can choose amongst your favorite Organic Mushrooms extract powders to create a warm cup of health and happiness.

Hot chocolate is a classic and can set the mood right in any given situation at any given time. Now imagine adding a dose of the goddess of functional mushrooms that have been revered for centuries and what you get is just pure bliss.  Lion’s Mane, also known as the “Brain Mushroom,” is believed to enhance focus, memory, cognition and reduce anxiety. Cordyceps can help boost the immune system, have anti-tumour effects, increase energy levels, and have anti-metastatic and antioxidant properties, as well as anti-inflammatory effects. Often called the “Longevity Mushroom,” Reishi helps calm your mind, boosts energy and encourages a good night’s sleep. Often known as the “Heart Mushroom,” Shiitake has been proven to lower LDL cholesterol while maintaining healthy blood pressure and circulation. Chaga, commonly referred to as the “Mushroom of Immortality,” is an extremely nourishing wild mushroom that includes a diverse array of over two hundred different bioactive metabolites. Turkey Tail, also known as the “Cloud Mushroom,” contains polysaccharide-K (PSK), which can not only stimulate the immune system but also help fight leukaemia cells, thus improving the survival rates of individuals with certain cancers.

Then we have our speciality blend called Daily VitaMush which brings out the benefits of the best organic mushrooms and fungi to provide a multitude of benefits such as improved cognitive function, healthy brain support with neuron generation, better sleep, improved lung capacity, increased energy, boosted immune system function while supporting cardiovascular health.

Once you have chosen the star ingredient of your hot chocolate, it is time to put your pot on the stove. The list of ingredients is simple as all you need in addition to your preferred Organic Mushrooms extract powder is cacao or cocoa powder, dairy-free milk, a dash of cinnamon and a sweetener of your choice.

Simply heat your milk on the stovetop. Once the milk starts to heat start by adding your favorite Organic Mushrooms extract powder while constantly stirring the pot. Continue to add a sprinkle of cinnamon and your preferred sweetener, we would ideally propose honey. Keep stirring till the milk comes to a boil and all the ingredients have been properly mixed in the pot. What you get is your delightful mug of happiness, health and wellness.

Next time you have guests over on a cold day, prepare them the organic mushrooms pot of mushroom chocolate and sip the goodness of functional mushrooms that have been revered for centuries.

Insomnia is not just a simple case of tossing and turning at night; it is a challenging sleep disorder that can disrupt your life in profound ways. Imagine lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, feeling exhausted yet unable to sleep. This condition can vary between brief bouts of sleeplessness, lasting only a night or a few weeks – called acute insomnia to a persistent companion, haunting your nights at least three times a week for three long months or more – called chronic insomnia. To make matters worse, it can be a recurring cycle, disappearing for a while before creeping back into your life unexpectedly. Insomnia takes a toll on your physical and mental well-being. The relentless battle to fall asleep or stay asleep can leave you feeling drained and irritable during the day, affecting your mood, concentration, and overall quality of life.

Common causes of long-term insomnia include stress and anxiety, a poor sleeping environment – such as an uncomfortable bed, or a bedroom that is too light, noisy, hot or cold. Long-term insomnia is usually due to stress, life events or habits that disrupt sleep – such as jet lag, shift work, or drinking alcohol or caffeine before going to bed. Mental health conditions such as depression and schizophrenia can cause Insomnia too.

While there are techniques to try and fall asleep early, Insomnia as a problem is rooted in the lifestyle of its patient. It needs to be cured properly or else it can always reoccur. Traditional Chinese medicine has long utilized functional mushrooms to address restlessness and insomnia. Recent scientific research has provided further validation to these claims, signaling the reputation of functional mushrooms as a natural remedy for sleep disturbances.

Medicinal mushrooms such as Reishi, Lion’s mane, Cordyceps and Chaga offer a plethora of health benefits, including improved sleep, stress reduction, enhanced cognitive function and immune system support. Specifically, Reishi mushrooms are renowned for their calming properties, which can aid in promoting better sleep. These mushrooms are commonly consumed as supplements and can be easily incorporated into beverages like tea or coffee, as well as various dishes.

Reishi mushrooms have garnered attention for their ability to alleviate stress and anxiety while fostering a sense of relaxation conducive to sleep. This effect is attributed to the presence of triterpenes, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antimicrobial properties.

Organic Mushrooms’ Sleep Aid Mushroom Bundle is a harmonious blend of nature’s most soothing fungi, meticulously selected to help you achieve restful and rejuvenating sleep. This exceptional bundle features the gentle yet effective properties of Lion’s Mane mushrooms, Chaga mushrooms, and Reishi mushrooms.

• Lion’s Mane Mushrooms: Lion’s Mane mushrooms are renowned for their potential to enhance cognitive function and promote mental clarity, making it easier for your mind to unwind and prepare for a tranquil night’s sleep.
• Chaga Mushrooms: Chaga mushrooms bring potent antioxidant properties to the mix, helping to reduce stress and calm your nervous system, a crucial element for achieving a peaceful night’s rest.
• Reishi Mushrooms: Reishi mushrooms are celebrated for their ability to lower stress levels, regulate mood and support relaxation, promoting a deep and restorative sleep.

For best results, the recommended daily consumption is 2-5 grams of natural mushroom extracts per day. Please note that this is not medical advice, and we recommend you consult with a medical professional at your discretion before using any health supplements for medical purposes.