The humble mushroom is one of the newest natural health and cuisine stars. Medicinal mushrooms have been utilized in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, and the rest of the world is only now realizing how beneficial they are. Among other things, these mushrooms are believed to enhance the immune system, ease stress, and give a natural energy source.
Perhaps you've heard of mushrooms' immune-boosting or stress-relieving properties, but have you considered using them for skincare? It may sound unusual, but these unassuming mushrooms offer excellent skincare qualities.
And for genuinely exceptional health and skin benefits, we turn to Turkey tail, one of the most incredible mushrooms available. Below, we’re going to explore Turkey tail mushroom benefits for skin.
Turkey Tail Mushrooms And Their Nutritional Profile
Turkey tail mushroom, or Trametes versicolor, is a potent medicinal mushroom that grows in various habitats around the world, including Asia, North America, and Europe. With just one glance at this mushroom, it's clear where its name came from. It has a fan-like form and is colored in various colors brown, giving it the appearance of a small Turkey tail.
Turkey tail offers numerous health benefits but has received particular attention for its anticancer potential. The mushroom contains two polysaccharides, PSK and PSP, which have both been demonstrated to be cancer-fighting. Isolated PSK is so potent that it's now being used as an adjuvant cancer treatment in Japan.
Turkey tail mushroom has several other significant benefits, but most people are unaware that this mushroom fungus can be pretty valuable for the skin. Here's what makes it so effective for your health and skin.
Antioxidant And Anti-Aging Properties Of Turkey Tail Mushrooms
Turkey tail is extremely rich in antioxidants, and there is much to celebrate about antioxidants. Their primary function is safeguarding your body against potentially dangerous free radicals that cause oxidative stress.
The term "oxidative stress" refers to damage that happens at the cellular level. It affects your body's cells and tissues and can eventually lead to more significant problems, including inflammation and chronic disease. There is also evidence(1) that oxidative stress hastens aging and leads to age-related diseases.
Brightly colored fruits and vegetables typically have the highest antioxidant content. But mushrooms, on the other hand, are surprisingly high in antioxidants. Phenols, flavonoids, and other potent antioxidants are abundant in Turkey tail mushrooms(2).
These antioxidants can help guard against potentially damaging free radicals that cause oxidative stress, contributing to inflammation, chronic disease, and age-related issues like high cholesterol, diabetes, and brittle nails. Antioxidants assist your body in removing oxidative stress and can provide various health benefits, including improved skin, hair, and general wellness. They are also known to support healthy tissue growth and cell growth.
Immune-Boosting And Anti-Inflammatory Effects On Skin
Like other medicinal mushrooms, Turkey tail is gaining popularity as an immune booster. This is because the polysaccharides in Turkey tail are primarily responsible for improving immunological function. Beta-glucans, for example, aid in immune system stimulation and have been demonstrated to defend against infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
PSP and PSK also play essential roles in immune system function. According to some studies, PSP can even enhance a type of white blood cell known to combat infections.
Did you know that the benefits of Turkey tail mushrooms on brain health and weight have been studied? In certain studies, the mushroom's PSK and PSP polysaccharides improved cognitive function and even decreased the risk of dementia. So, in addition to being good for your skin and immune system, Turkey tail may also boost cognitive health and aid with weight management.
Turkey tail also aids in the reduction of inflammation. There are several types of inflammation. However, they are primarily classified as acute or chronic.
Acute inflammation is typically your body's reaction to an illness, injury, or other type of trauma. It's a necessary element of your body's healing process. Therefore it's something positive.
Chronic inflammation(3), on the other hand, can be harmful. It causes significant stress on your body and has been related to the development of numerous chronic diseases and skin disorders such as psoriasis, acne, and plain old skin aging.
The antioxidants in Turkey tail mushrooms can help with inflammation, particularly chronic inflammation because they fight oxidative stress.
Indeed, flavonoids(4) have been demonstrated in studies to lower inflammation at the molecular level. For example, quercetin, a flavonoid present in Turkey tail, appears to be effective at reducing(5) both chronic and acute inflammation.
Potential Benefits For Skin Moisture And Hydration
Now how do all the benefits of Turkey tail translate to skincare? As you'll see, it can benefit your skin in various ways and from various perspectives.
It promotes healthy-looking skin
If you want to consume Turkey tail mushrooms for other health reasons, don't be shocked if your skin also benefits. Even though your skin is on the exterior of your body, it is inextricably linked to everything on the inside.
One such example is what is known as the gut-skin link. The overall health of your digestive tract, especially the microbiota in your gut, significantly impacts your skin. This indicates that any form of digestive condition, including dermatitis, acne, and wrinkled skin, might lead to skin disorders.
Your immune system and skin are also inextricably linked. They usually function together to protect your body from pathogens, but an oversensitive immune system can create several problems, particularly sensitivity, and inflammation.
Turkey tail contributes to healthy-looking skin from the inside out by strengthening your digestion and immune system. You won't see any difference immediately, but the longer you wait, the more time it takes to work.
Reduces the appearance of puffiness and inflammation
We already know that Turkey tail mushroom can aid with chronic inflammation but immediately benefits your skin. We know Quercetin in Turkey tail has been shown to decrease inflammation. As a result, it can make your skin appear less puffy, red, and irritated. According to research(6), quercetin may also have an anti-itch effect and reduce inflammation in injured skin.
Precautions And Potential Allergies
Some people may be allergic to Turkey tail mushrooms. As a result, it is essential to check with a healthcare practitioner before introducing the mushroom into skincare routines, especially for people who are allergic or sensitive to mushrooms. Remember to get your Turkey tail mushrooms from reputable providers and follow proper safety and usage requirements.
FAQs About Turkey tail Mushroom Benefits For Skin
How Can I Incorporate Turkey Tail Mushrooms Into My Skincare Routine?
As an extract, Turkey tail is the most effective for skincare. This concentrates the mushroom's beneficial elements and allows them to be easily used in skincare products. However, there are also Turkey tail mushroom powder benefits for skin.
Can I Consume Turkey Tail Mushrooms For Skin Benefits, Or Are They Only Effective When Applied Topically?
Turkey Tail mushrooms can be used in various ways, including a simple decoction of the fresh fungus soaked in water and sipped as tea. This fungus, however, is also available as an extract in combination with other therapeutic components such as capsules and tinctures. While Turkey tail mushrooms can be consumed for antioxidants and skin benefits, using them topically has a much more significant impact.
Are Any Potential Side Effects Or Risks Associated With Using Turkey Tail Mushrooms On The Skin?
Applying Turkey tail on the skin rejuvenates and keeps it looking healthier and younger. However, some may experience rashes.
Key Takeaway
Turkey tail mushroom benefits for skin include rejuvenation and reducing puffiness and inflammation. It also wards off signs of aging by combating oxidative stress and promotes healthy-looking skin from the inside. Look for organic and high-quality Turkey tail extracts in your skincare products to improve your skin health.
References
- Free radicals, antioxidants and functional foods: Impact on human health, (1)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249911/
- Antigenotoxic Effect of Trametes spp. Extracts against DNA Damage on Human Peripheral White Blood Cells, (2)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4517545/
- Chronic inflammation in the etiology of disease across the life span, (3)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31806905/
- Flavonoids, Inflammation and Immune System, (4)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5084045/
- Flavonoids as Cytokine Modulators: A Possible Therapy for Inflammation-Related Diseases, (5)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27294919/
- Soothing and anti-itch effect of quercetin phytosome in human subjects: a single-blind study, (6)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4777224/
Let Us Know Your Comments