The praises of the health benefits of mushrooms have been well-sung for over 2000 years in Asian countries. In recent years, this superfood has also triumphed as a winner for skin and hair health. These fungi can help address skin concerns, including dryness and wrinkles, while enhancing hair strength.
In the following blog, we have listed the top benefits of the mighty mushrooms for gleaming skin and fuller hair. Check out the famous and some lesser-known benefits of mushrooms that can transform your appearance.
The Power of Mushrooms for Healthy Skin and Hair
Mushrooms are a scrumptious addition to soups and pizzas, but with new research, they are also emerging as a new hair- and skincare superstar. For this reason, mushroom extracts are now used in topical serums, creams, and other beauty products.
Here are some of the research-backed benefits of mushrooms for hair and skin:
1. Improves Skin Hydration Levels
A 2024 study in the international journal nutrients, showed that Mushrooms contain polysaccharides, such as beta-glucans, that improve collagen production and help strengthen the skin barrier. A better skin barrier bards harmful agents and prevents moisture loss from the skin. Thus, mushrooms can help keep your skin hydrated and moisturized.
2. Helps Fight Acne Problems
Skin issues like acne and rashes are caused by inflammation and excess free radical activity. Mushrooms contain generous antioxidants that neutralize free radical damage and inflammation and promote skin healing. So, one of the benefits of eating mushrooms is that it makes the skin less prone to irritation.
3. Lightens Skin Pigmentation
Mushrooms are the shitake variety and contain a chemical compound called kojic acid, famous for its ability to lighten acne and pigmentation spots. Kojic acid from mushrooms also reduces photodamage and brightens skin complexion. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine further supports this claim, explaining how chaga mushroom helps curb melanin production and lighten skin.
4. Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Finnish Chaga is a mushroom found in Russia and Northern European countries and is known to be abundant in antioxidants. Consuming this mushroom fights free radical damage and diminishes the impression of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin.
5. Reduce Skin’s Pore Size
Mushroom extracts are widely used in modern beauty and skincare products. Fomes Officinalis, or tinder fungus, is a mushroom extract known for its incredible astringent properties. Using it in topical formulations can help reduce pores on the skin and make the skin appear smoother. This can keep dust and debris away from going into the pores.
6. Combats Hair Loss
An NCBI study shows mushroom consumption can reduce the production of enzyme 5a-Reductase by 70% to 80%, a compound that produces DHT (dihydrotestosterone) in the body. This activity of mushrooms further reduces DHT levels, an excess of which is responsible for hair loss. Hence, the benefits of mushrooms can also help address the issue of severe hair fall.
7. Supports Hair Growth
Mushrooms contain specific adaptogens that enhance protein synthesis and improve the hair growth cycle. Moreover, these fungi improve blood circulation and enhance the transportation of hair growth nutrients to the scalp. As a result, mushrooms uses help with new hair strand formation and promote hair growth.
8. Thickens Hair Strands
Mushrooms contain biotin and vitamin B7, which is a hero ingredient for hair heath. It is used in hair strength gummies, which help enhance keratin production and structure in hair follicles. Thus, consuming mushrooms rich in biotin can help support thicker hair strands, which are less prone to breakage.
9. Treats Dandruff
As per a recent Chinese study done in 2023, the amazing anti-dandruff proper of cordyceps militaris was discovered. C. militaris is a medicinal mushroom that inhibits the growth of Malassezia yeast, which is responsible for scalp dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
The Final Word
Mushrooms are highly nutritious for health. They are equipped with skin anti-aging and hair protective properties. Eating mushrooms or using their extracts topically can yield tremendous results for the skin, such as reduced fine lines and wrinkles, lightened spots, reduction in acne, etc. Similarly, the hair health benefits of mushrooms include preventing hair loss, enhancing hair growth, and protecting against dandruff-causing microbes. So, use this fantastic fungus in your diet and say goodbye to hair and skin problems!