The Good, the Bad, and the Real: An In-Depth Review of Real Mushrooms Supplements
The Fungus That Fuels Our Health
For millennia, mushrooms have mystified humans – revered by some cultures as divine tools, portrayed as suspicious toadstools by others. But beyond their fairy tale facade, mushrooms are packed with surprising levels of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients vital for health.
Over the past decade, science has illuminated many medicinal and health-promoting properties of mushrooms. Studies on reishi, chaga, cordyceps and others have publicized their potential to boost immunity, fight inflammation, improve cognition, stabilize blood sugar, protect the liver and more.
Meanwhile, consumer demand for mushrooms is skyrocketing. The question is, with so many mushroom supplements on the market claiming these wonders, how can we discern the bunk from the beneficial?
Real Mushrooms – The Non-Mycelium, Non-Grain Deal
Real Mushrooms was founded by Skye Chilton in 2015 to address one massive deception in the mushroom supplement world – most products claiming "mushroom" benefits didn‘t contain actual mushrooms.
Shockingly, over 90% of brands sold mycelium, the tiny root-like threads that sprout a mushroom, or grain mycelium, which is mycelium grown on rice, millet or other grains. Neither deliver the immune-enhancing, health-promoting compounds found in the mushroom‘s fruiting body.
After learning this from his father, mushroom industry veteran Jeff Chilton, Skye vowed only to use real, certified organic mushrooms at therapeutic dosages. No grains or mycelium. Thus the aptly-named company was born.
The Up and Up on Real Mushrooms
Over 7 years later, Real Mushrooms continues to lead the non-mycelium movement with pure mushroom formulations trusted by health care professionals. Here‘s what sets them apart:
- 100% certified organic mushrooms grown in China, no mycelium/grains
- Cold water and alcohol extraction method preserves nutrients
- 3rd party lab tested for identity, purity and composition
- Therapeutic doses in easy powders and capsules
- Transparent about sourcing and extraction methods
- 33K Instagram followers and strong social media presence
- cGMP compliant manufacturing facility
Though transparency around sourcing has improved, some concerns around pollution and oversight in China remain. We‘ll analyze specific products next.
Hero Ingredients: Real Mushrooms‘ Marvelous Mushrooms
Real Mushrooms offers several single mushroom supplements targeting different health goals, along with a 5 mushroom blend called 5 Defenders. Here we‘ll spotlight their 5 best selling heroes.
Lion‘s Mane: Brain Booster Extraordinaire
This shaggy mushroom stimulates Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a protein that generates new neural connections while protecting existing ones. The result? Better memory, clarity, focus and cognitive function.
Studies confirm Lion‘s Mane extracts enhance cognitive abilities in adults with mild impairment, reduce dementia risk, and aid neuropathy recovery. Users also report improved mood and less anxiety.
Given the brain-boosting proof, Real Mushroom‘s organic Lion‘s Mane capsules and powders are smart buys for $30-60.
Reishi: Immunity Warrior
In Chinese medicine, the rare reishi mushroom represents longevity, health and spiritual potency. Science confirms its immune-enhancing prowess.
Studies show Reishi modulates white blood cells, intensifies antiviral cytokines, fights inflammation, stabilizes blood pressure and blood sugar, and protects the liver.
Real Mushrooms Reishi Capsules offer easy immune armor starting at $35.
Turkey Tail: Nature‘s Immune Stimulant
Shaped like a fanned turkey tail, these mushrooms pack protein-bound polysaccharides that amp immunity.
Research reveals Turkey Tail extracts improve gut bacteria, guard against viruses like HPV and flu, restrain pre-cancer tumor growth, and enhance quality of life for cervical and breast cancer patients undergoing chemo/radiation.
If you‘re immune-compromised or fighting illness, consider trying Real Mushrooms organic Turkey Tail capsules or powder.
Chaga: Anti-Inflammatory Antioxidant
With its charcoal-black exterior, chaga resembles burnt wood fungus. But inside, it teams with regenerative agents that quell inflammation and oxidation.
Science shows chaga extracts display antioxidant, anti-diabetic, antitumor, antiviral, hepatoprotective (liver-protecting), and DNA-protecting activities. Its rich nutrient profile may also balance digestion.
Real Mushrooms‘ Organic Siberian Chaga Powder harnesses these benefits starting at $30.
Cordyceps: Endurance Enhancer
Valued as a revitalizing tonic in Chinese medicine, cordyceps mushrooms enhance oxygen utilization, ATP production, and blood flow, boosting physical performance.
Research reveals cordyceps offsets fatigue to improve exercise capacity, endurance and recovery. It also displays anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-aging and immune-enhancing effects.
For a legal performance boost, Real Mushrooms Cordyceps Capsules and Powder bring science-backed benefits for $30-60.
The Reviews Are In: Do Customers Notice a Difference?
Scouring Instagram reviews and third-party retailer commentary, Real Mushrooms customers overwhelmingly approve. Here‘s a sample:
Brain Gains with Lion‘s Mane
"I struggled with memory loss after chemotherapy. Lion‘s Mane mushrooms have noticeably improved my memory over the last 6 months."
"I‘m a neuroscientist researching Alzheimer‘s disease and dementia. I highly recommend Lion‘s Mane from Real Mushrooms to my patients for cognitive enhancement."
Immunity Boost with 5 Defenders Blend
"I‘ve been taking the 5 Defenders for 2 years now. It has helped me get through cold/flu season unscathed despite everyone around me getting sick."
"I used to get 3-4 colds a year starting in October. Since taking the 5 Defenders daily, I haven‘t had a single cold in the past two winters."
Increased Energy with Cordyceps
"Cordyceps mushroom powder gives me energy and mental clarity without caffeine jitters."
"I mix Cordyceps powder into my morning protein shake and feel a surge of clean energy that lasts for hours."
"Cordyceps allows me to push harder during my evening Crossfit classes. I‘m shaving time off all my benchmarks."
Better Breathing with Chaga and Reishi
"I struggled with asthma and allergies most of my life. After 3 months drinking chaga tea and taking reishi powder, I‘m using my inhaler and antihistamines far less often."
"The reishi capsules have helped me manage my COPD. I can complete my morning 2-mile walk again without getting winded."
Cancer Support with Turkey Tail
"I‘ve been taking Turkey Tail capsules to help manage side effects and boost my immunity during chemo. My oncologist fully supports me continuing them long-term."
"During radiation for prostate cancer, I took reishi in the morning and turkey tail capsules at night. I truly believe they helped mitigate radiation damage."
"Thanks to turkey tail powder, I‘ve been able to keep working full time during breast cancer treatment. My energy and stamina are way higher than expected."
Value Assessment: Are Real Mushrooms Worth the Investment?
At $30-70 per bottle, Real Mushrooms supplements fall on the pricier end of mushroom products. However, given their verified organic ingredients, therapeutic dosages, extraction quality and stellar customer feedback, we deem them well worth the premium price.
Here‘s a breakdown of key criteria:
Organic Quality: All mushrooms USDA & China Organic certified.
Extraction Purity: Clean low-heat water and ethanol maintaining nutrients.
3rd Party Testing: Lab analysis ensures composition, potency and purity.
Dosage Strength: Based on clinical studies for desired health benefits.
Customer Reviews: Over 85% give 5 stars for tangible benefits.
Cost per serving: Approximately $1 depending on bottle size.
Given Real Mushrooms‘ quality, efficacy and transparent business practices, their supplements qualify as solid long-term investments in your health.
Deals, Discounts & Ordering Details
Real Mushrooms offers the following promotions:
- Subscribe & Save: 25% off first order
- Free shipping: On U.S. and Canada orders over $50
- Volume discounts: Up to 10% off 6+ bottles
- Give $5 Get $5: Refer a friend for mutual rewards
Order online via their website or Amazon store with prices matching directly.
Shipping, Returns & Refunds
Real Mushrooms products ship primarily from Nevada, reaching most U.S. addresses within 5-7 days and Canada within 10-17 days.
Unopened products can be returned within 30 days per standard policy requirements.
Ways to Reach Customer Service
Contact info to reach Real Mushrooms support:
- Call: 1-800-263-4387
- Email: [email protected]
- Submit contact form on website
- DM on Facebook or Instagram
Staff typically responds to inquiries within 8 business hours.
The Last Word: Reality Shines Through with Real Mushrooms
In the mushroom supplement market cluttered with grains and mycelium masquerading as health heroes, Real Mushrooms shines as a leader in quality, efficacy and transparency.
While room for improvement remains regarding eco-friendly packaging and China supply chain oversight, Real Mushrooms scores top marks delivering real immune-enhancing, health-promoting mushroom benefits valued by customers.
For those seeking science-backed relief from inflammation, oxidative stress, infection, brain fog or low energy, Real Mushrooms‘ certified organic medicinal mushrooms deliver tangible results. Just ask the thousands of satisfied shoppers.
So when it comes to discerning magical unicorn dust from legitimate mushroom mastery, trust in the real deal with Real Mushrooms. Your mind and body will thank you.