The global functional mushroom market was valued at USD 25,415.12 million in 2020, and it is estimated to register a CAGR of 8.44% during the forecast period 2021-2026.

Mushrooms that support immune health have benefited since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with high interest from food, beverage, and nutritional supplement manufacturers, which has carried over to the entire mushroom category.

There exists a high demand for safe and natural immune-supportive health products, including supplements featuring mushrooms that support immune health, such as chaga, reishi, shiitake, cordyceps, and turkey tail.
- Over the long term too, functional mushrooms are expected to find application in a wide variety of healthcare or pharmaceutical products, which has increases the applicability of mushrooms in the food and beverage sector. As products infused with mushroom ingredients are becoming a big part of the trend of self care, offering a recognizable source of delivery formats and impressive health benefits, the market demand is expected to continue to grow over the forecast period.

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Source: ReportLinker

We know most fungi to be beautiful to see and a number of them are also very tasty. But that they can also be deadly proves the discovery of a rare black fungus in patients in India. Black fungus infection (Mucormyosis) has struck in this country.

The infection is caused by various fungi. These so-called mucormycetes grow in the soil, in dirt and on rotting material, including rotting leaves or wood. People get the infection by inhaling the fungal spores that float around in the air and dust. These spores get trapped in the nasal passages and sinuses and that’s what causes the disease.

Not everyone exposed to the spores will get the infection. But the increase in the number of cases in India is probably due to the disease showing up in patients who have had corona and therefore have a less immune system. A connection is also seen with the drugs used to combat Covid-19. People with diabetes would also be extra sensitive to getting the infection.

The disease infects the nerves, brain and lungs. If the fungus spreads to the brain, the risk of death is 50%. Early diagnosis can be a life saver, but even then fighting the infection will be a tough task.

We are all experiencing difficult and challenging times. Times we have never experienced before and hopefully we can all recover from it. Our health is the most important thing to focus on as well as taking care of eachother. Maybe we are even more closer than ever!

This corona virus has besides to our health, also a large impact on mushroom businesses, hopefully you all have found ways to cope with it. Maybe even accelerate your innovation roadmap!

We as Mushroom Matter haved asked ourselves the question how we can become more closer and more meaningful to people around the globe during this period. So we are going to focus on the health benefits of mushrooms and make sure that the mushroom finds it's way to the consumer even more.

We are starting a positive mushroom campaign on our website and social media channels #mushroomsmatterforyourhealth and would kindly appreciate your help by sending us information you have on mushrooms and why they are so important for our health and future*. Please send us your input to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

* information we are allowed to use in relation to GDPR and authorship

The immune system is made up of a network of cells, tissues and organs that work together to protect the body against infection and maintain overall health. Mushrooms, like other fruits and vegetables, can play a positive role in supporting a healthy immune system.

The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans1 emphasizes the importance of creating a healthy eating pattern to maintain health and reduce the risk of disease. Suggestions include:

• Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.
• Move to low-fat and fat-free milk or yogurt.
• Make half your grains whole grains. 
• Focus on whole fruits and vary your vegetables.
• Drink and eat less sodium, saturated fat and added sugars.
• Vary your protein routine.

Nutrients Important for Overall WellnessThere are a variety of micronutrients, as identified by the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University2, that are important for supporting a healthy immune system including selenium and vitamins D and B6, which can be found in mushrooms.

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Source: Mushroomcouncil.com