Mushrooms in Delicious Gummy Form!

Fungi is all the rage. And what’s not to love? They grow like … fungus… and have a truly staggering array of nutritional properties that get the body, and brain, kicking in high gear. Today, we’re introducing you to Fungies, a truly unique mushroom-based gummy supplement.

Meet Fungies — Mushroom Gummies

Try out the coolest way to get extremely beneficial mushrooms into your diet: gummies!

For the longest time, mushrooms were slept-on in the supplement industry. Mushrooms typically aren’t the first things that come to mind when you’re trying to build a supplement stack to optimize your body, mind, and general health.

Luckily, that’s changing. The incredible properties of certain varieties of mushrooms are starting to hit the mainstream, and with that comes awesome new delivery formats.

Our favorite by far is Fungies – super-healthy fungus cooked into delicious gummies.

Healthy and sweet? Can it be?

Rob Kaufman, co-founder of Fungies, has had a long tenure in the health and fitness space. He became well-known in these parts for his passion for biohacking. Kaufman’s already made waves with his other brand, SteelFit, which we’ve covered on PricePlow extensively.

One of his favorite biohacking substances is mushrooms. Specifically, those that have loads of research and thousands of years of anecdotal evidence backing their benefits for mental and physical performance. The big three are cordyceps, reishi, and lion’s mane (which we’ll dive into a bit later on).

The problem, like with so many things that are good for you is that old fashioned mushroom supplementation is less than ideal. Fungi are typically stuffed into gigantic capsules, boiled down into revolting tinctures, or not packaged in anything at all — forcing consumers to suck down a spoonful of terrible powders.

So Rob decided to merge the most tasty and simple delivery mechanism in the supplement world – gummies – with the awesome benefits of mushrooms. And so, Fungies was born. It’s the first of its kind.

Launching 3 Mushroom Gummy Supplements

Fungies has launched with three functional mushroom products: Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and Cordyceps

There are an estimated 2 to 4 million species of mushroom in the world. Granted, a large portion will kill you upon consumption, but the point is: there are a lot of mushrooms out there.

Guided by scientific and anecdotal evidence backing their efficacy, Rob narrowed down that rather lengthy list to three types of mushrooms. His goal was to identify fungi that promotes wellness in the body and in the mind. His all-start list of mushrooms are: lion’s mane, reishi, and cordyceps.

The three products Fungies developed out of the gate are composed of these three awesome species of mushroom.

We’ll get into each product below, but first, sign up for Fungies news alerts below:

Fungies Product Launch

At launch, the team over at Fungies released three gummy products, one for each of the core mushrooms we talked about above.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom Gummies by Fungies

The first of Fungies’ debut gummies is Lion’s Mane Mushroom Gummies. Lion’s mane is an extremely interesting ingredient backed by a strong body of research, noted primarily for the following benefits:

• Brain Function

  

  Lion’s Mane has an impressive body of research supporting its neurological benefits, such as improved clarity and focus.

  Lion’s mane is supported by an extensive body of research backing its effect on brain function – specifically, memory and recall. In a study conducted in Japan, 50 to 80-year-old adults showing signs of mild cognitive decline were dosed with 3 grams per day of lion’s mane for 16 weeks. Following the end of the study, subjects taking the fungus saw an increase in functioning and cognitive ability.^[1] Additional studies on mice linked lion’s mane to improved memory and general cognitive function.^[2,3]

  In relation to nootropic properties, lion’s mane has been shown to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) production, which is a protein in the brain responsible for maintaining neurons.^[2,4]

  Not only can lion’s mane stimulate brain function, but it’s also been shown to have neuroprotective benefits by enhancing acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that aids in nerve-cell communication.^[3]

• Mood

  Several studies have demonstrated its efficacy in combating feelings of anxiety and depression. One four-week study on middle-aged menopausal women found lion’s mane treatment improved their menopausal symptoms – such as difficulty concentrating, anxiety, and irritability.^[5]

  One suggested mechanism for this property is owed to the fact that lion’s mane contains amycenone, a compound that’s been shown to decrease inflammation, which plays a large role in depression.

• Sleep

  Sleep is essential to proper functioning of the brain and the body. Lion’s mane can potentially improve your sleep quality by making your circadian rhythm more efficient. Research in mice has indicated a reduced level of wakefulness at the end of the “active phase” of the sleep cycle and therefore advanced the sleep-wake cycle.^[6]

These are just a few of the lion’s mane benefits, as exhibited through rigorous research. If you want a deeper dive on the plethora of other benefits of the mushroom, check out our long-form write-up on the topic: Lion’s Mane: The Nerve Growth Nootropic Mushroom.

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Lion’s Mane Mushroom Gummies are launching with a sweet, fruity Blueberry-Strawberry flavor.

Reishi Mushroom Gummies by Fungies

Reishi helps the body maintain healthy immune function and can enhance the impact of rest and relaxation.

Ganoderma lucidum, or “Reishi”, has been used medicinally for thousands of years, particularly in the Far East and dating back at least as far as the Ming Dynasty.^[7]

The benefits of reishi

Historical usage shows that reishi has been used to:

• Help regulate the immune system and fight off infections^[7]
• Control blood glucose levels^[7,8]
• Aid sleep and recovery^[7]

Unfortunately, reishi has been studied less than lion’s mane in the rigorous, structured setting of a lab or in controlled trials. Still, the anecdotal reports stemming from reishi supplementation is overwhelming, to say the least.

Reishi Mushroom Gummies are releasing with a Delicious Apple flavor, to start.

Cordyceps Mushroom Gummies by Fungies

Cordyceps is a great choice for those looking for a boost in energy and workout performance!

Cordyceps sinensis, shortened to cordyceps, grows abundantly in the high alpine meadows of Tibet. Its mycelium – the “fruiting body” produced when the spores germinate – resemble caterpillars.

Like reishi, cordyceps has a long and storied history in traditional Chinese medicine^[3] due to its extensive list of purported health benefits. Here are a few of them:

• Reduces stress^[9]
• Promotes muscle protein synthesis^[10]
• Improves glucose metabolism^[11,12]
• Boosts virility^[13,14]
• Increases energy and endurance^[9,15]

Cordyceps covers the more physical side of things, whereas lion’s mane primarily offers cognitive benefits, and reishi offers some unique immune system benefits.

Cordyceps Mushroom Gummies is launching with a tangy Mango-Pineapple flavor.

A warm welcome to Fungies

As far as we’re concerned, the supplement industry’s lack of experimentation with functional mushrooms is shameful. Lion’s mane, cordyceps, and reishi, among other types of fungi, are backed by a young but promising body of scientific research, in addition to the veritable avalanche of anecdotal evidence going back thousands of years and preserved via oral tradition.

Until now, the options on the market for mushroom supplementation have been limited to absolute basics, like pills and powders.

Fungies decided to take these awesome natural organisms and alchemized them into a delicious naturally-flavored, non-gelatin, gummy. Mushroom gummies… We can’t wait to take them for a spin.

References

1. Mori K, Inatomi S, Ouchi K, Azumi Y, Tuchida T. Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytother Res. 2009;23(3):367-372. doi:10.1002/ptr.2634. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18844328
2. Brandalise F, Cesaroni V, Gregori A, et al. Dietary Supplementation of Hericium erinaceus Increases Mossy Fiber-CA3 Hippocampal Neurotransmission and Recognition Memory in Wild-Type Mice. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM. 2017;2017:3864340. doi:10.1155/2017/3864340. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5237458/
3. Zhang J, An S, Hu W, et al. The Neuroprotective Properties of Hericium erinaceus in Glutamate-Damaged Differentiated PC12 Cells and an Alzheimer’s Disease Mouse Model. Prokai-Tatrai K, ed. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2016;17(11):1810. doi:10.3390/ijms17111810. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5133811/
4. Lai P-L, Naidu M, Sabaratnam V, et al. Neurotrophic properties of the Lion’s mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2013;15(6):539-554. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24266378
5. Nagano M, Shimizu K, Kondo R, et al. Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake. Biomed Res. 2010;31(4):231-237. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20834180
6. Furuta S, Kuwahara R, Hiraki E, Ohnuki K, Yasuo S, Shimizu K. Hericium erinaceus extracts alter behavioral rhythm in mice. Biomed Res. 2016;37(4):227-232. doi:10.2220/biomedres.37.227. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27544998
7. Wachtel-Galor, Sissi. “Ganoderma Lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi).” Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd Edition., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Jan. 1970, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92757/.
8. Gao Y, Lan J, Dai X, Ye J, Zhou S; “A phase I/II study of Lingzhi mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (W. Curt.: Fr.) Lloyd (Aphyllophoromycetideae) extract in patients with type II diabetes mellitus”; Int J Med Mushrooms; 2004;6:33–40; https://www.researchgate.net/publication/247855021_A_Phase_III_Study_of_Ling_Zhi_Mushroom_Ganoderma_lucidum_WCurtFrLloyd_Aphyllophoromycetideae_Extract_in_Patients_with_Type_II_Diabetes_Mellitus
9. Jong-Ho KOH, et al; “Antifatigue and Antistress Effect of the Hot-Water Fraction from Mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis”; Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin; 26(5) 691 – 694; 2003; https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/bpb/26/5/26_5_691/_pdf
10. Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S; “Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition.”; CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92758/
11. Zhao, C; “CordyMax Cs-4 improves glucose metabolism and increases insulin sensitivity in normal rats”; Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine; 2002 Jun; 8(3):309-14; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12165188
12. Choi, S; “Improvement of insulin resistance and insulin secretion by water extracts of Cordyceps militaris, Phellinus linteus, and Paecilomyces tenuipes in 90% pancreatectomized rats”; Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry; 2004 Nov; 68(11):2257-64; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15564662
13. Huang, BM; “Effects of Cordyceps sinensis on testosterone production in normal mouse Leydig cells”; Life Sciences; 2001 Oct 19; 69(22):2593-602; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11712663
14. Hsu, CC; “In vivo and in vitro stimulatory effects of Cordyceps sinensis on testosterone production in mouse Leydig cells”; Life Sciences; 2003 Sep 5; 73(16):2127-36; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12899935
15. Hirsch, K. R., Mock, M. G., Roelofs, E. J., Trexler, E. T., & Smith-Ryan, A. E.; “Chronic supplementation of a mushroom blend on oxygen kinetics, peak power, and time to exhaustion”; Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 12(Suppl 1), P45; 2015; Full source available at https://blog.priceplow.com/wp-content/uploads/hirsch-cordyceps_militaris_improves_tolerance_to_high_intensity_exercise_after_acute_and_chronic_supplementation.pdf; abstract at https://www.jissn.com/content/12/S1/P45