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If you’re one of those people who think one or two mushrooms is an OK amount of mushrooms, well, we have news for you. We also have news for people who think three, or even four, mushrooms is enough mushrooms. That’s right. Today we’re talking about Real Mushrooms 5 Defenders Organic Mushroom Blend Capsules. And if you guessed it contains 5 different types of mushrooms, then you get a prize (prize not included.) Before we get into the product, we’d just like to say a little something about the brand Real Mushrooms. If you are interested in consuming more mushrooms — or if you’ve heard about functional mushrooms and adaptogens, but you’re not sure where to start, — then you should start with Real Mushrooms.

Why? Well, we see a lot of mushroom-based products and brands. Some of them claim to be transparent. But most of them are not. They don’t really tell you where they get their mushrooms. What part of the mushroom they use or any of that important information. Founded by a proper mycologist, these guys seem to live and breathe that mushroom life. Like, if you ran into the founders of Real Mushrooms at a party, we’re guessing you would hear a lot of stories about mushrooms, mushroom products, mushroom facts and myths, mushroom folk tales, mushroom songs, names of mushrooms etc. And those are exactly the type of people we want making our medicinal mushroom products.

And as for the 5 Defenders Organic Mushroom Blend Capsules itself, where do we start. It contains a combination of some of the big boys of the mushroom world. Which are: Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake, Turkey Tail mushrooms and Chaga. And that includes over 20% of beta glucans. All fruiting bodies. No added starch or mycelium. It’s just the good stuff. From a great brand.

WHAT ARE THESE 5 Defenders Organic Mushroom Blend Capsules?

These are capsules that are full of wonderful medicinal mushroom extracts. Let’s break down some of the reasons why people like each mushroom. Quick note: The FDA has not approved medicinal mushrooms to be used to treat or cure any disease or ailment. We are in a space where the western cultures are starting to become more interested in these mushroom supplements. (While Asian cultures have used these fungi as various homeopathic supports for centuries.) But we need more research to fully understand their potential benefits and drawbacks.

Reishi Mushrooms: People like to consume this for immunity.
Shiitake: Help with immunity, fight inflammation (and also delicious!)
Maitake: Help lower cholesterol and manage diabetes (and blood sugar in general)
Turkey Tail: There are a number of studies that have shown it to help fight cancer cells. (It also looks like a crazy turkey tail.)
Chaga: People like to take Chaga to help fight fatigue, boost immunity and support liver and gut health (it’s also called the “King of Mushrooms” because of all its benefits.) (Also, it’s not “technically” a mushroom, but we’ve all agreed to call it a mushroom so just go with it.)

One other thing to note: These are vegan as the capsules are made of cellulose. But the capsules are not certified USDA organic because the capsule itself isn’t. Everything inside is, though.

Product Review: Rainbo Forest Juice Medicinal Mushroom Syrup

Does this Use Fruiting Bodies or Mycelium? 

Fruiting bodies all day long. Real Mushrooms really live up to their name with all their products — including their 5 Defenders Organic Mushroom Blend Capsules. If this is the first time you’ve heard of the terms “fruiting bodies” or “mycelium” then let us explain. The fruiting body of a mushroom is the part that is above ground. And that’s the part that contains the highest concentration of antioxidants and adaptogenic properties. The best part, as it were. The mycelium is the root, basically. And it contains less of that. The mycelium is less expensive the harvest and extract, so a lot of brands add in the mycelium filler and pass it off as a “premium medicinal mushroom” product. We highly suggest only purchasing the medicinal and functional mushrooms that use fruiting bodies. It’s a little pricier, but worth it.

HOW MUCH FUNCTIONAL MUSHROOMS AND ADAPTOGENS ARE IN THIS PRODUCT?

Each capsule has over 1000mgs of fruiting body functional mushroom extracts. 200 mgs of each of the mushrooms listed. If you get your calculator out you’ll see that 200 times 5 = 1,000. (Yes we needed a calculator to figure that out.)

WILL THIS GET YOU HIGH?

No! Unless the thought of feeding your body with tons of antioxidants and healthy mushrooms makes you giddy. These are not those kinds of mushrooms. That’s right, we went with the italics to really prove our point. These are not “magic mushrooms.” These are regular mushrooms that are a lot better for you than the button mushrooms you get at the store. These are mush more nutrient dense and have been used by Asian and Eastern European cultures for centuries. They also have a ton of fiber, vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

Also Read: These are the 5 Best Medicinal Mushrooms to add to your diet

HOW MUCH 5 Defenders Organic Mushroom Blend Capsules SHOULD YOU TAKE?

Take one to start out and then see how you feel. You should feel fine since these are just mushrooms. But we recommend starting with a small amount for any supplement. Real Mushrooms recommends two capsules per day. There are 90 capsules in this bottle, so that would be 45 days worth if you took the recommended dosage. (We may have also needed a calculator to figure that out, too.)

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO BECOME EFFECTIVE?

These are functional mushrooms, not aspirin or Tylenol. You don’t take two 5 Defenders Organic Mushroom Blend Capsules and then feel like a totally different person. Think of these like you would any other healthy supplement, like fish oil or vitamins. You don’t feel like Superman 15 minutes after taking a capsule, but you feel better knowing you’re giving your body healthy nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

Are These 5 Defenders Organic Mushroom Blend Capsules LEGAL?

Yes! As we mentioned earlier, these aren’t those kinds of mushrooms. These are just like the ones you get at the store (only better.)

Are These 5 Defenders Organic Mushroom Blend Capsules TESTED AND CERTIFIED?

Oh yeah. They test for heavy metals, mycotoxins and a few other bad things. They also provide certificates of analysis if you reach out to them via email.

FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA) DISCLOSURE:
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always check with your physician before starting a new dietary supplement program.