What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Turkey Tail Mushroom Regularly

Turkey Tail Mushroom (Coriolus versicolor) has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal benefits for immune and gut health. In Chinese medicine, turkey tail mushrooms have also been used to detoxify the body and help protect against human papillomavirus (HPV) infections.

Turkey tail mushrooms can be used as a cancer treatment alongside chemotherapy or radiotherapy, due to their high amounts of polysaccharide-K (PSK).

PSK strengthens the immune system only in certain types of cancers, mainly gastric, lung, breast and colorectal cancer.

It works by stimulating the immune system to prevent the growth of tumors and the spread of cancer to the lymph nodes. It can also improve T cell counts.

Turkey tail mushrooms also contain polysaccharide peptide (PSP), two polysaccharides that may strengthen your immune system. They prevent the growth of harmful bacteria by activating the body’s immune defenses.

They also contain prebiotic fiber that promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, where 70-80% of immune cells live.

Turkey Tail Mushroom Extract may promote the growth of healthy bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium And Lactobacilli. It also helps decrease harmful bacteria like Clostridium And Staphylococcuswhich leads to infections.

They also contain beta-glucan, a type of fiber that supports gut health and helps lower cholesterol levels.

Turkey tail mushroom extract may protect against HPV, a sexually transmitted virus responsible for 99.7% of cervical cancer cases. It can also help treat it if you already have it.

Medicinal mushrooms like these may also improve the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine.

Turkey tail mushrooms are used more for their medicinal properties than their nutritional value. Still, mushrooms are generally a good source of fiber, protein, micronutrients and antioxidants.

They are particularly rich in niacin and other B vitamins, which help convert food into energy and produce enzymes that support cellular function.

Phenolic compounds in turkey tail mushrooms may reduce inflammation and help prevent hypertension (high blood pressure), type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and cardiovascular disease.

There are about 11 grams of protein and 1 gram of fat in 100 grams of dried turkey mushrooms.

You’re more likely to see turkey tail mushrooms available in supplement form rather than as a whole food. These supplements usually come in capsule, liquid, or powder form.

Medicinal mushrooms like turkey tail mushroom are typically available in doses of 800 to 3,000 milligrams of active polysaccharide per day.

Turkey tail mushrooms are generally safe to eat orally. If you are allergic to certain mushrooms, you should avoid consuming turkey tail mushrooms completely.

There is not enough research to determine if it is safe to use topically or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Medicinal mushrooms can also interact negatively with several medications, including those that treat cancer. Talk to a healthcare professional before starting turkey tail mushrooms if you are taking medication.

Ask a healthcare professional about taking turkey tail mushrooms if you are taking other herbs or supplements that may lower your blood sugar, such as cinnamon, bitter melon, ginseng, and berberine supplements.

Foraging

If you plan to pick natural mushrooms yourself, beware of mushroom poisoning. Mild cases can cause gastrointestinal upset. Severe cases can lead to liver or kidney failure, seizures, and other serious effects.

Some of the soil around turkey tail mushrooms in the wild may be contaminated.

Turkey tail mushrooms are known for the bands of color on their caps, with the lightest color being on the margin. Be careful because it can be difficult to distinguish turkey tail mushrooms from some inedible mushrooms.