Also called the beauty mushroom, tremella mushrooms just might be the most popular anti-aging mushrooms of them all. For centuries, tremella mushrooms have been adorned for their beauty enhancing properties, but there are tons of other exciting health benefits that this beautiful fungus has to offer.
Interested in learning more? Everything you need to know about this magical mushroom is packed into this article. So keep reading and see why tremella mushrooms might be the next (and best) addition to your daily routine.
What Are Tremella Mushrooms?
Tremella mushrooms, or Tremella fuciformis, are often less talked about than the popular shiitake, reishi and chaga mushrooms, but their health benefits far exceed many of their mushroom counterparts.
If you ever get a chance to spot them growing wild in nature, you’d surely be enchanted by this edible fungus’ magical appearance. Tremella mushrooms are jelly-like with white or light yellowish bodies. They have been said to resemble an array of things, like a loofah or a sea creature, like the jellyfish. Funnily enough, the Japanese word for the tremella mushroom literally translates to “white tree jellyfish”!
These gelatinous mushrooms can be found growing in many subtropical and tropical areas, as well as more temperate places, like Asia, Europe and North America. They are often growing on damp fallen or dead hardwood of broadleaf trees, such as oak or beech trees.
History of Tremellas
Uses for tremella mushrooms dates back as far as 200 A.D. However, what’s more researched and documented is how they were originally used in traditional Chinese medicine. It's reported that Chinese royalty often gushed over the beautifying benefits of tremella. Yang Guifei of the Tang Dynasty, who was believed to be one of the most beautiful women in the history of Chinese culture, was obsessed with the tremella mushroom and has been described singing its praises during her time in power.
For thousands of years, tremella mushrooms were harvested only in the wild. However, in 1894, Chinese people began cultivating them for their health and beauty benefits. Since then, tremella mushroom cultivation has expanded across the globe and can be found whole or as an ingredient in products widespread.
Top 6 Beautifying and Health Benefits of the Tremella Mushroom
The list of beauty and health benefits offered by the magical tremella mushroom is expansive. Below are just a few of the most popular benefits that many people reap from this superfood fungi.
They’re Filled With Antioxidants
Polysaccharides, a carbohydrate which prevents cell damage caused by free radicals, have anti-aging properties and antioxidant effects on the body and tremella mushrooms are absolutely loaded with them!
Some studies have shown that tremella mushrooms reduced apoptosis, or the natural death of cells which occurs during normal growth or aging, in human skin fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are cells in the body that secrete collagen proteins, which essentially helps our skin recover from injury and stay wrinkle-free. Tremella mushroom's fibroblast supporting properties can help ensure that your skin doesn’t sag, that your bones remain strong and can help alleviate any joint stiffness.
They Reduce Inflammation
Once again, tremella’s polysaccharides are to thank for this mushroom's ability to reduce inflammation in the body. Tremella mushrooms have been linked to helping cure chronic inflammation in the body, or a permanent state of inflammation, which is linked to cancer, heart diseases and high cholesterol.
Other health issues that the anti-inflammatory properties of the tremella mushroom can positively impact are acne, headaches and respiratory issues.
They Keep Your Skin Hydrated and Reduce Wrinkles
The effects of tremella mushrooms on the skin are what these mushrooms are most popular for. Much of this mushroom’s health benefits are linked to - you guessed it - polysaccharides, which contain antioxidants that can help skin stay supple and healthy.
Tremella mushrooms contain high levels of vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin, which is essential to skin cell growth in order to halt or repair signs of wrinkles and aging.
Similar to hyaluronic acid, tremella can attract and pull moisture to your skin, resulting in a highly moisturized and smooth face and body. This extra moisture can ultimately improve fine lines, wrinkles and overall elasticity.
They’re Super High in Vitamin D
As mentioned earlier, the tremella mushroom contains high levels of vitamin D, which is not only beneficial in skincare, but it has plenty of other advantages on the entire body.
Vitamin D is linked to both bone and teeth health and density because it helps us absorb calcium more easily. What's more, vitamin D boosts our overall immune system, which can keep us away from cancer and improve our overall brain health.
They Can Help You Keep Your Cholesterol Under Control
Tremella mushrooms have been linked to cholesterol lowering activity, which can help prevent heart disease. Other studies have also shown that eating tremella mushrooms regularly can decrease triglyceride levels (a type of fat, or lipid, found in the blood) which can help you avoid having a stroke.
Unregulated cholesterol levels can cause serious health risks overtime as we age. Eating tremella mushrooms may be able to help you remain in control of your cholesterol over the years and ensure your health in the long run.
They Can Boost Your Immune System
Your immune system is your body's important defense against all infections, viruses and illnesses and is essentially what keeps you healthy from day to day. As we get older, our immune systems naturally decline, which leaves us more susceptible to slower healing processes and more rapid sickness.
Tremellas contain beta-glucans which act as immune supporting agents which enhance natural killer cells and macrophages. Both of which are types of white blood cells that terminate unwanted microorganisms.
Adding tremella into your daily routine may be the key to keeping you healthy for years to come!
Mushrooms for Overall Health
There are thousands of mushrooms that yield a wide array of health and beauty benefits besides the tremella mushrooms. Reishi, chaga, lion's mane, maitake, and shiitake and all popular fungi that people around the world use for a variety of reasons and ailments.
At Alchemi Mushrooms, we blend a variety of mushrooms to help your mental and physical being day to day. Whether you’re looking to boost your immune system, clear your mind, or get feel energized throughout the day, one of our daily mushroom capsules are here to help. Our company was founded on organic farms in Northern California with the goal of connecting people to nature's true medicine.
Try any of our products, or all three with The Trio package, to see how mushrooms can transform your health today.