What is Turkey Tail?
Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) is a potent and highly nutritious superfood that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. This beautiful mushroom gets its name from its distinctive shape and color, which resembles the tail feathers of a wild turkey. But beyond its striking appearance, Turkey Tail mushroom is also packed with powerful antioxidants and immune-boosting compounds. Studies have shown that it can help to support a healthy immune system, fight off harmful bacteria and viruses, and even help to prevent certain types of cancer.
Powerful Immune Booster
Turkey tail contains two polysaccharopeptides, Krestin (PSK) and Polysaccharide Peptide (PSP), that possess powerful immune-boosting properties. They promote immune response by both activating and inhibiting specific types of immune cells and by suppressing inflammation.
Keeping a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria in your gut is critical for maintaining a strong immune system. Turkey tail contains prebiotics, which help nourish these helpful bacteria supporting your immune system.
Turkey Tail Benefits
Immune Booster
Turkey Tail contains polysaccharopeptides that increase monocytes, white blood cells that fight infection and boost immunity.* PSK promotes immunity to toxins and supports theadaptive immune systemby stimulating dendritic cells.
Antioxidant
Contains an impressive array of antioxidants, including phenols and flavonoids, that promote immune system health by reducing inflammation and stimulating the release of protective compounds.*
Gut Health
Healthy bacteria lives in our digestive system to support the 70% of our immune system that is located there. A stable microbiome supports our overall immune system. Imbalances in this microbiome or irritable bowel symptoms disrupt the fine balance of the immune system's role to eliminate pathogens and maintain healthy self-tissue.*
The PSP in Turkey Tail has been studied for its impact on suppressing the growth of E. coli and Shigella bacteria strains. Turkey Tail contains prebiotics, which help nourish these helpful bacteria while suppressing problematic bacteria.*
Weight Management
The protein-bound beta-glucans (PBG) found in Turkey Tails has been studied as a potent anti-obesity component.*
Inhibited Cancer Cell Growth
Contains PSK, a polysaccharopeptide that actively inhibited the growth and spread of human colon cancer cells.*
"In Chinese medicine, we don't treat cancer. We treat the body," says Angela Tseng, DAOM, LAc, a core faculty member in Bastyr's School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. "If the person's immune system is strong, they can cope with chemotherapy treatment better. We can help build their resistance to illness."
Mycologist Paul Stamet's TEDMED Talk
Watch Paul Stamets' moving story about how his mother's stage 4 breast cancer was treated into remission with daily Turkey Tail supplements.
https://youtu.be/pXHDoROh2hA
(His story starts at 7:50)