*Don’t use this image to identify turkey tail to eat in the wild
Turkey Tail is a fungi that resembles turkey tail feathers due to its colour range and shape, hence the common name. It has been used in traditional medicine for hundreds, if not thousands of years. It is a very popular medicinal mushroom alongside others like Chaga and Reishi. It grows abundantly throughout the norther hemisphere, and you have likely seen it a few times. It is sometimes used as tea, but is more often a powder or capsule.
Benefits of Turkey Tail
Potent Antioxidants
Turkey Tail is high in antioxidants, which makes it beneficial for general health and a variety of aspects. Turkey tail contains quercetin and baicalein, which have much research into their health effects.
Anti-inflammatory
Turkey tail has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which contributes to some of its other benefits here, and further establishes itself as a supplement for general health and longevity.
Cancer
Some studies have shown turkey tail can reduce tumor size and growth of certain cancer, alongside potentially protecting against some types of cancer. In fact, turkey tail is approved as an adjuvant treatment for cancer in Japan. Turkey tail is also an aromatase inhibitor, which has fueled research into its benefits in treating breast cancer.
Gut Health
Research has shown turkey tail positively modulates gut microbiome, reducing negative bacteria and promoting good bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. Turkey tail has also been shown to reduce gut inflammation. It has also been found to have some antimicrobial properties, hence the first benefit.
Insulin-Resistance
Turkey tail has been shown to improve insulin-resistance in some studies, as well as lower blood sugar.
Immune System
Turkey tail is most famous for its benefits for the immune system. A few studies have shown turkey tail improves immune function, increases certain white blood cells, and helps fight against certain viral diseases. As mentioned, it is used as an adjuvant treatment in Japan and China for certain cancers.
Skin
Turkey tail protected human skin cells from UVB light in one study.
Strength & Endurance
A study on rats found that turkey tail extract increased muscle strength and endurance.
Misc:
– Decreases Estrogen (Aromatase Inhibitor)
Related:
– Reishi Comprehensive Guide
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