Earth Month Smoothie with 6 Mushroom Blend

April 22, 2024 | by EASTON GILOWSKI

Earth Day in April is a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to nurture and protect the environment. It’s a time to reflect on our habits, make more sustainable choices, and appreciate the natural world around us.

One fun way to honour this month and boost our well-being is by indulging in a nutritious, antioxidant-rich Earth Month Smoothie featuring the Eversio Wellness 6 Mushroom Blend. This smoothie not only tantalizes the taste buds but also infuses the body with medicinal benefits courtesy of its unique functional mushroom ingredients: Oyster, Chaga, Tremella, Lion's Mane, Shiitake, and Maitake. 

What are the Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms?

Eversio Wellness's 6 Mushroom Blend is a testament to the power of nature's pharmacy. Comprising six medicinal mushrooms, each known for their healthy aging properties, this blend is a veritable fountain of youth. These mushrooms work in harmony to combat the signs of aging, support cardiovascular health, and bolster the immune system. 

Oyster Mushroom Benefits: Medicinal Mushroom Supplements

Oyster mushrooms are celebrated for their powerful antioxidant benefits. They have been found to offer cardiovascular protection, notably through their ability to lower serum cholesterol levels and thus reduce the risk of atherosclerosis [1,2]. Beyond cardiovascular health, these healthy mushrooms may regulate blood pressure and glucose levels, protecting against oxidative stress and displaying potent anti-inflammatory properties [3,4,5,6]. Their contribution to enhanced immune health further cements their status as a must-have for longevity [7].

Chaga: The Antioxidant Powerhouse

Thanks to their impressive ORAC value, Chaga mushrooms are unrivalled in their antioxidant capacity. This makes them highly effective in neutralizing free radicals and safeguarding the body's antioxidant defences against oxidative stress [8]. The result is a robust protection against cellular damage and inflammation, underpinning Chaga's vital role in the 6 Mushroom Blend.

Tremella Mushroom for Skin Health

Known for its hydrating and antioxidant properties, Tremella mushrooms offer significant benefits for skin health, immune function, and disease prevention [9]. Their ability to combat oxidation, reduce inflammation, and aid wound healing makes them invaluable for maintaining a radiant complexion and overall health [9].

Lion’s Mane for Brain Health

Thanks to compounds that stimulate brain cell growth, Lion's Mane mushrooms stand out for their neurogenerative properties [10]. This mushroom's ability to enhance memory and cognitive functions makes it an essential component of the blend, especially for those looking to maintain their mental sharpness as they age [11,12].

Shiitake and Maitake: The Dynamic Duo

Shiitake and Maitake mushrooms are well-known for their high levels of ergothioneine, a potent antioxidant that plays a crucial role in cellular health and the prevention of age-related conditions [13]. These mushrooms contribute to improved cognitive function, better exercise performance, and reduced inflammation and oxidative stress [13]. 

Earth Month Smoothie Recipe: A Toast to the Planet

What better way to celebrate Earth Month than with a smoothie that tastes good and does good for your body? Our Earth Month Smoothie combines the nutritional benefits of fruits, vegetables, and the Eversio Wellness 6 Mushroom Blend into a delicious, visually stunning beverage. Follow the recipe below to make your own! 

INGREDIENTS

Blue Smoothie:

½ cup frozen pineapple

⅓ cup frozen banana

¼ cup Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt

½ tbsp blue spirulina powder

1 tsp Eversio Wellness 6 Mushroom Blend

Water or milk to blend (add a little at a time – you want the smoothie thick)

Green Smoothie:

½ cup frozen mango

½ cup frozen pineapple

Handful of fresh spinach

¼ cup frozen banana

1 tsp Eversio Wellness 6 mushroom blend

1 scoop Protein powder

Water or milk to blend (add a little at a time – you want the smoothie thick)

Additional Ingredients:

Thick Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt to create the colour contrast in the glass

 

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Start by blending everything together for your blue smoothie and then your green smoothie! Place the first one in the freezer to keep chilled while you make your second colour!

2. On the Inside of a clear glass cup, make swoosh marks along the sides with your thick Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt using a spoon- this will separate your colours!  

3. Now start by pouring one of your smoothies and then alternate between the two; this will create layers of colour, creating earth within your cup!

Let's pledge to take better care of our planet and ourselves this Earth Month. By incorporating the Eversio Wellness 6 Mushroom Blend into our diets, we can enjoy a delicious, nutritious smoothie that benefits our health and honours the spirit of Earth Month. Cheers to a healthier planet and a healthier you!

 

References

[1] Dicks L, Ellinger S. Effect of the Intake of Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) on Cardiometabolic Parameters-A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials. Nutrients. 2020 Apr 17;12(4):1134. doi: 10.3390/nu12041134. PMID: 32316680; PMCID: PMC7230384.

[2] Bobek P, Ozdín L, Kuniak L. Effect of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus Ostreatus) and its ethanolic extract in diet on absorption and turnover of cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic rat. Nahrung. 1996 Aug;40(4):222-4. doi: 10.1002/food.19960400413. PMID: 8810086.

[3] Khatun K, Mahtab H, Khanam PA, Sayeed MA, Khan KA. Oyster mushrooms reduced blood glucose and cholesterol in diabetic subjects. Mymensingh Med J. 2007 Jan;16(1):94-9. doi: 10.3329/mmj.v16i1.261. PMID: 17344789.

[4] Liang CH, Ho KJ, Huang LY, Tsai CH, Lin SY, Mau JL. Antioxidant properties of fruiting bodies, mycelia, and fermented products of the culinary-medicinal king oyster mushroom, Pleurotus eryngii (higher Basidiomycetes), with high ergothioneine content. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2013;15(3):267-75. doi: 10.1615/intjmedmushr.v15.i3.40. PMID: 23662614.

[5] Pizzino G, Irrera N, Cucinotta M, Pallio G, Mannino F, Arcoraci V, Squadrito F, Altavilla D, Bitto A. Oxidative Stress: Harms and Benefits for Human Health. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2017;2017:8416763. doi: 10.1155/2017/8416763. Epub 2017 Jul 27. PMID: 28819546; PMCID: PMC5551541.

[6] Jedinak A, Dudhgaonkar S, Wu QL, Simon J, Sliva D. Anti-inflammatory activity of edible oyster mushroom is mediated through the inhibition of NF-κB and AP-1 signaling. Nutr J. 2011 May 16;10:52. doi: 10.1186/1475-2891-10-52. PMID: 21575254; PMCID: PMC3120742.

[7] Tanaka A, Nishimura M, Sato Y, Sato H, Nishihira J. Enhancement of the Th1-phenotype immune system by the intake of Oyster mushroom (Tamogitake) extract in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Tradit Complement Med. 2015 Dec 29;6(4):424-430. doi: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2015.11.004. PMID: 27774430; PMCID: PMC5067930.

[8] Pizzino G, Irrera N, Cucinotta M, Pallio G, Mannino F, Arcoraci V, Squadrito F, Altavilla D, Bitto A. Oxidative Stress: Harms and Benefits for Human Health. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2017;2017:8416763. doi: 10.1155/2017/8416763. Epub 2017 Jul 27. PMID: 28819546; PMCID: PMC5551541.

[9] Ma X, Yang M, He Y, Zhai C, Li C. A review on the production, structure, bioactivities and applications of Tremella polysaccharides. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2021 Jan-Dec;35:20587384211000541. doi: 10.1177/20587384211000541. PMID: 33858263; PMCID: PMC8172338.

[10] Ratto D, Corana F, Mannucci B, Priori EC, Cobelli F, Roda E, Ferrari B, Occhinegro A, Di Iorio C, De Luca F, Cesaroni V, Girometta C, Bottone MG, Savino E, Kawagishi H, Rossi P. Hericium erinaceus Improves Recognition Memory and Induces Hippocampal and Cerebellar Neurogenesis in Frail Mice during Aging.Nutrients. 2019 Mar 27;11(4):715. doi: 10.3390/nu11040715. PMID: 30934760; PMCID: PMC6521003.

[11] Ryu SH, Hong SM, Khan Z, Lee SK, Vishwanath M, Turk A, Yeon SW, Jo YH, Lee DH, Lee JK, Hwang BY, Jung JK, Kim SY, Lee MK. Neurotrophic isoindolinones from the fruiting bodies of Hericium erinaceus. Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2021 Jan 1;31:127714. doi: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127714. Epub 2020 Nov 25. PMID: 33246107.

[12] Conner JM, Franks KM, Titterness AK, Russell K, Merrill DA, Christie BR, Sejnowski TJ, Tuszynski MH. NGF is essential for hippocampal plasticity and learning. J Neurosci. 2009 Sep 2;29(35):10883-9. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2594-09.2009. PMID: 19726646; PMCID: PMC2765804.

[13] Fu TT, Shen L. Ergothioneine as a Natural Antioxidant Against Oxidative Stress-Related Diseases. Front Pharmacol. 2022 Mar 18;13:850813. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2022.850813. PMID: 35370675; PMCID: PMC8971627.