We’ve all heard of mushrooms before. Some of us eat them on a regular basis, while others hate everything about them. Whether you like them or not, they are known to provide a lot of benefits for the body.
Despite what most of us know about mushrooms, the major players in this market are going to be unheard of in most Western diets. That’s because the mushrooms that are known as superfoods and “mushrooms of immortality” have rarely been utilized in Western culture.
The good news is that’s all changing. The United States is finally starting to see these special mushrooms make a name for themselves. Don’t worry if you’re someone that can’t stand the taste, texture, or sight of mushrooms. Supplements make it extremely easy to add these nutrient-dense mushrooms to your diet.
In comes Four Sigmatic. Four Sigmatic has a plethora of mushroom-based products that include Four Sigmatic Ground Mushroom Coffee, Four Sigmatic Mushroom Cacao Mix, and the one we’ll take a look at in this review – Four Sigmatic 10 Mushroom Blend.
What Is Four Sigmatic 10 Mushroom Blend?
Mushroom Blend is a powerful blend of 10 functional mushrooms — those mushrooms we were boasting about above. It isn’t necessarily a new product to the market and has actually received a lot of praise in recent years, but it did enter 2020 with a new look and new formula.
The powdered blend is brought to you by Four Sigmatic, an extremely unique and interesting company standing on the front lines of the functional mushroom craze. Tero Isokaupilla, the man behind it all, created the company in 2012 after a life-long obsession with the powerful fungi.
His journey with mushrooms began with his childhood. Born and raised on a farm in Finland, Tero Isokaupilla would spend a lot of his time foraging for mushrooms. The journey would continue when he attended Cornell University to study chemistry and nutrition. This is where he would start to dig into the medicinal benefits functional mushrooms had.
With Four Sigmatic, Tero Isokaupilla has vowed to help others find success in making healthier choices. He understood that mushrooms weren’t a hot commodity in the United States and eventually moved his company’s headquarters to Los Angeles.
His company provides a line of supplements — just like Mushroom Blend — that allow consumers to receive the healthy benefits functional mushrooms provide without having to eat them directly.
Why Utilize Functional Mushrooms?
Functional mushrooms aren’t going to be the typical mushroom you find in your backyard, at the grocery store, or even in restaurants. Believe it or not, there are several thousand different species of fungi, and only about 15 of them have reached ‘functional mushroom’ status.
The name of these mushrooms — which is just an umbrella term for the different species carrying the title — was given to them because they are known to have functional benefits in the body. While they will all work their magic in different ways, they will all support and promote overall health.
Of all the benefits they provide, there are a few that they will share in common. Not only will they regulate energy levels and improve your digestion, but they will also enhance your immune system and make your skin look beautiful.
The immune power will come from the wide range of polyphenols, polysaccharides, and beta-glucans. The fiber found in them will contribute to a healthier gut and better digestion.
Last but not least, functional mushrooms are known to be an adaptogen. This means they can help combat stress, fatigue, anxiety, and much more.
Does Four Sigmatic Make Any Claims About The Mushroom Blend?
It’s always good to look at the claims and guarantees made by a product before trying it — and definitely before purchasing it. Not only will it be beneficial to know what the supplement is intended to do, but you’ll want to compare that to what it actually does in order to figure out its true value.
When it comes to Mushroom Blend, Four Sigmatic doesn’t make any claims that would cause your eyebrows to lift. They keep it simple and stick to the science.
They market Mushroom Blend as the “perfect blend of functional mushrooms” that will enhance your overall well-being. They hit on the major points we’ve already discussed, including the immune system.
They do claim that there’s no caffeine, the can is recyclable, and it’s easy to add to virtually any drink or food. If you’re worried about the taste, Tero Isokaupilla says the powder is designed to not have a strong mushroom taste. Instead, it has a smooth and earthy taste that mixes well with a lot of your daily foods and drinks.
How Can You Make Four Sigmatic 10 Mushroom Blend A Daily Excitement?
In case you don’t believe us when we say the product can be added to anything, we’ll show you just some of the ways Tero Isokaupilla suggests utilizing Four Sigmatic 10 Mushroom Blend. Trust me; you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to add to your daily routine.
- Mix it into your tea with a small dose of honey or into your coffee
- Mix it into your morning smoothie or pre/post-workout drink
- Mix it into a glass of milk, water, or juice to enhance your drinks throughout the day
- Add it into your bowl of oats in the morning
- Bake your favorite granola bar and add it into the recipe
There are a ton of ways you can use this product, and it’s a big reason why so many consumers are falling in love with it! When Tero Isokaupilla said his mission was to make functional mushrooms as accessible as possible — especially in the Western market — he wasn’t lying and he definitely succeeded.
Four Sigmatic 10 Mushroom Blend Ingredients
Now that we fully understand what we’re dealing with, have received a bit of the backstory behind what functional mushrooms are, and why Four Sigmatic was created, it’s time to dive into what makes Mushroom Blend so powerful.
Much like any supplement, that answer will boil down to the ingredients. Quality ingredients breed quality results; it’s as simple as that.
Luckily with this supplement, Four Sigmatic utilizes 10 of the most important and well-researched functional mushrooms on the planet. They even add in a special little bonus ingredient too!
Organic Chaga Mushroom (150mg)
The Chaga Mushroom is widely known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent supplement for your immune system. The antioxidants will help ward off free radicals in the body, while the anti-inflammatory properties will regulate inflammation in the body.
Believe it or not, Chaga was actually used as a substitute to coffee during World War II — especially in Tero Isokaupilla’s home country of Finland. Most Chaga mushrooms won’t reach full potential for up to 20 years.
What’s it used for? Immune system
Organic Reishi Mushroom (150mg)
To understand the full history of the Reishi Mushroom, you would have to go back several thousands of years in Chinese history. It’s most known for being an adaptogen, meaning it can help reduce stress and anxiety when consumed.
While this mushroom will still have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it will mainly be used for its relaxation and sleep benefits.
What’s it used for? Relaxation
Organic Cordyceps (150mg)
Cordyceps is a bit different from the mushrooms mentioned thus far. Known as a parasitic mushroom, it will require a living host in order to grow and develop. For example, one species will actually grow on the head of caterpillars in Tibet.
In addition to its ability to power the immune system, many royal families have used Cordyceps for its energy-enhancing effects. It can improve your endurance and make you feel stronger, healthier, and ready for action.
What’s it used for? Vitality
Organic Lion’s Mane Mushroom (150mg)
If you were trying to figure out how this mushroom got its name, it’s because the mushroom resembles the mane of a lion when it grows. It is heavily known as a nootropic and can provide amazing cognitive benefits in addition to its immune-enhancing properties.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom will help you improve different types of memory in the brain and body, allow you to focus and hone in on your tasks, and may even reduce symptoms of stress or anxiety.
What’s it used for? Cognition
Organic Shiitake Mushrooms (150mg)
Of all the mushrooms found in Four Sigmatic’s Mushroom Blend, Shiitake Mushrooms might be the most recognizable. Ironically, it’s not due to the amazing benefits, and most people out West won’t even know it’s a real mushroom.
One of the great things about Shiitake Mushrooms is the abundance of vitamins and minerals involved. They’ll also contain the nine essential amino acids — histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine.
What’s it used for? Skin
Organic Maitake Mushrooms (150mg)
The Maitake Mushroom was a favorite among Japanese medicine and can actually be translated into “dancing mushroom” in Japanese. Due to the mushroom’s ability to aid digestion and improve the sensitivity in your gut, it was utilized before dances.
In addition to that, Maitake will carry the same antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that have made functional mushrooms so famous. They will even help regulate blood sugar levels in the body.
What’s it used for? Digestion
Organic Enokitake Mushrooms (150mg)
The Enokitake Mushroom was widely used in Japanese, Chinese, and Korean traditional medicine. They are heavily known for their cooking power and are utilized in a wide variety of dishes across the world due to their nutrients and flavor.
In addition to providing the body with antioxidants, Enokitake Mushrooms are an excellent source of niacin. Also known as Vitamin B3, Niacin is necessary for the breakdown of fats and sugars.
What’s it used for? Cooking
Organic Agaricus Blazei Mushroom (150mg)
Here’s a fun mushroom to try and say five times fast. The Agaricus Blazei was largely utilized in Japanese, Chinese, and Brazilian medicine. It is responsible for providing support to a variety of processes in the body.
Agaricus Blazei is a common treatment for some cancers, type 2 diabetes, liver disease, hardened arteries, high cholesterol, and digestive issues. It can help regulate blood sugar levels due to promoting insulin sensitivity.
What’s it used for? Blood Sugar
Organic Meshima Mushroom (150mg)
You might find the Meshima Mushroom being called something else, such as “black hoof” due to its hoof-like appearance. It has been a staple in Chinese medicine for thousands of years, but is finally starting to make its way into Western culture.
The Chinese largely utilized Meshima Mushrooms due to their ability to improve the digestive system, fight upset stomachs, and defend the body against diarrhea. Some Asian practitioners even turn to it for cancer patients.
What’s it used for? Digestion
Organic Tremella Mushroom (150mg)
The Tremella Mushroom is mostly found in tropical and subtropical areas. If you ever stumble upon one, you definitely wouldn’t think it was a mushroom. In fact, you’d probably think it was some kind of glass flower or jellyfish.
While these mushrooms are high in Vitamin D and will carry antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, they are very popular in the beauty industry. They can hydrate skin, prevent and reduce wrinkles, and are even utilized among chemotherapy patients.
What’s it used for? Skin
Organic Rose Hips (45mg of Vitamin C)
Four Sigmatic has a deep obsession with using rose hips in their product and for a good reason, too. Despite their weird name, rose hips are simply rose seeds. If you grew up around any rose plants, you’re likely familiar with this ingredient but haven’t seen it used in a supplement.
Rose hips can be an excellent immune system enhancer due to it being loaded with Vitamin C. This can help treat and prevent colds, the flu, and allergies all year long. Some studies even suggest it to be a treatment for certain forms of arthritis.
What’s it used for? Vitamin C
Four Sigmatic 10 Mushroom Blend Dosage, Packaging, And Pricing
Most supplement companies are focused on making their product look good and appealing, especially when it comes to the packaging. I’m not saying Four Sigmatic doesn’t do that – because it’s got a nice vegan, clean, green feel to it — but they didn’t allow that to get in the way of providing an environmentally-friendly can.
There isn’t much to it. It’s just a small can with a white top to it. The label contains a lot of green, and you won’t see a lot of claims and guarantees smothered around the can. It’ll look a lot like a can of peas, which I actually like! It’s different, unique.
As we saw from the ingredient list, each mushroom will be found in 150mg servings. The Rose Hips provided 45mg of Vitamin C.
In terms of pricing, you can purchase each 30-serving can for $30. If you’re taking it once per day, it won’t be too bad. Unfortunately, it can get expensive if you’re taking it several times per day. They do offer a subscription option as well, which will save you 20% bringing the cost down to $24.
There also won’t be any alternative flavors. Don’t worry; it won’t have an awful mushroom taste that everyone’s so scared of. Picture an earthy, but smooth flavor — not bad, but it’s not fruit punch.
Four Sigmatic 10 Mushroom Blend Pros vs. Cons
Every supplement will come with a list of pros and cons. If you want to find the supplement that works best for you, it’s imperative you weigh each pro and con before forming a final decision.
We’ve seen what Mushroom Blend contains, we’ve heard the founder’s story, and we’ve discussed how much it will cost you. It’s clear that there are going to be way more pros than cons to this supplement.
We’ll help you sort through them all so you can figure out — once and for all — whether this is a quality product for you.
Pros
- Founder of the company has a deep passion for functional mushrooms; he isn’t just trying to make a quick buck like most supplement companies
- Four Sigmatic offers a deep line of similar products you can experiment with, including skin products and coffee
- New look and new formula in 2020
- Organic, Caffeine-Free, Vegan, Sugar-Free, and 3rd Party Lab-Tested
- Utilizes the 10 most prominent functional mushrooms
- Supports the immune system with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
- Easy to use and versatile
- The can it comes in is recyclable (it’s the small things that truly matter)
- Beneficial for energy, immune system, energy, and skin health
- With no caffeine or stimulant, you can add this to your diet anywhere, anytime, and even several times a day
- Money-Back if you aren’t satisfied
Cons
- Although the flavor won’t imitate a mushroom, it won’t come in any “fun” flavors
- 30 servings might not last you a long time if you’re taking it multiple times daily
- You have to get over your fear of eating mushrooms, even though you aren’t physically eating mushrooms
Claims vs. Reality
We mentioned above how important it is to compare the claims of the product to what that product really does. Ideally, the two would sync up perfectly. Unfortunately, many supplement companies will end up shooting themselves in the foot with unfaithful marketing.
With Four Sigmatic’s Mushroom Blend, that’s simply not the case. Tero Isokaupilla has done an incredible job with this product, from top to bottom. He understands how powerful these mushrooms are for the immune system, and he markets it exactly for that. The addition of Vitamin C from Rose Hips is just icing on the cake.
While these mushrooms provide much more benefits outside of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, you won’t find these claims smothered all over their marketing. They inform and educate; they’re not just trying to sell you something because it’s something to buy.
Great product, great owner, great vision, what’s not to like here?
Final Verdict: Four Sigmatic 10 Mushroom Blend
When it comes to mushroom supplements, Four Sigmatic is in a league of their own. They’ve revolutionized the way people view mushrooms and have effectively brought the benefits of functional mushrooms to Western culture.
They care about their product, they care about their mission, and they care about giving others an accessible way of consuming these superfoods — or “mushrooms of immortality” as some might call them — on a regular basis.
If you’re like me and have never shown any interest in mushrooms, Four Sigmatic 10 Mushroom Blend could very well change your whole perspective.
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