The Truth About Full Spectrum Mushroom Products: MOG vs. Traditional
In the world of mushroom supplements, you've probably come across the term "Full Spectrum." It sounds impressive, but what does it really mean? Today, we're diving deep into the mushroom world to compare Mycelium on Grain (MOG) products with traditional mushroom products. Buckle up, because what you're about to learn might surprise you!
Must Have Products For Beginners
What's the Deal with "Full Spectrum"?
Manufacturers use the term "Full Spectrum" to describe products that supposedly contain all fungal parts: mycelium, mushroom, and spores. They also claim these products include secondary metabolites and extra-cellular compounds secreted by the mycelium into the grain. Sounds great, right? Well, let's dig a little deeper.
MOG Products: Not What You Might Think
Here's the kicker: MOG products aren't 100% mycelium. They're grown on cooked, sterilized cereal grains like rice, oats, or sorghum. The twist? This grain isn't separated from the final product. So what you're getting is more like Tempeh (a fermented soybean product) than pure mushroom goodness.
Analysis shows that MOG products can contain a whopping 30-60% residual grain. That's a lot of starch that has nothing to do with mushrooms!
The Telling Signs: Alpha-Glucans and Ergosterol
Real mushrooms contain very low levels of alpha-glucans and no starch. MOG products? They're loaded with alpha-glucans from the grain. This suggests that the amount of actual mycelium in these products is minimal.
Want more proof? Ergosterol testing (a key indicator of fungal matter) shows that MOG products have as little as one-tenth the amount found in actual mushrooms. Yikes!
Beta-Glucans: The Immune-Boosting Powerhouses
Beta-glucans are the real stars of the mushroom world, responsible for their immune-boosting properties. Here's where the difference really shows:
- MOG products: Average 6% beta-glucans
- Real mushrooms: Average 35% beta-glucans
That's a massive difference in potential health benefits!
"In the world of mushroom supplements, 'Full Spectrum' often means full of grain. Real mushroom power lies in the fruiting body, not in mycelium grown on grain."
Further Readings
ā How to choose the Yoga Mat based on your yoga level?
ā How to master the Yoga Hardest positions?
"When it comes to mushroom supplements, don't be fooled by fancy terms. A true full spectrum product should be rich in beta-glucans and low in starch - just like nature intended."
Full Spectrum Mushroom Products: Debunking the Hype
Have you ever wondered what "Full Spectrum" really means when it comes to mushroom supplements? It's a term that's thrown around a lot in the industry, but today we're going to peel back the layers and reveal what's really inside your mushroom supplement bottle.
The "Full Spectrum" Claim
Manufacturers of mycelium-based products often boast that their supplements contain all parts of the fungus: mycelium, mushroom, and spores. They even claim to include secondary metabolites and extra-cellular compounds secreted by the mycelium. Sounds impressive, right? But let's dig a little deeper.
The Truth About Mycelium on Grain (MOG) Products
Here's where things get interesting. Most U.S. producers grow their mycelium on cooked, sterilized cereal grains like rice or oats. But here's the kicker: they don't separate the grain from the final product. So what you're actually getting is more like Tempeh (a fermented soybean product) than pure mushroom goodness.
How Much Mycelium Are You Really Getting?
Studies have shown that MOG products contain mostly starch from the residual grain. In fact, ergosterol testing (a key indicator of fungal presence) reveals that MOG products have as little as one-tenth the amount of ergosterol as actual mushrooms. That's a big difference!
The Beta-Glucan Breakdown
Beta-glucans are the real stars of the mushroom world, responsible for many of their health benefits. Here's where the difference really shows:
- MOG products: Average 6% beta-glucans
- Real mushrooms: Average 35% beta-glucans
That's nearly six times more beta-glucans in real mushrooms!
The Mushroom Mystery
Despite claims of containing actual mushrooms, MOG products rarely specify the ratio of mycelium to mushroom. And those tiny "primordia" they sometimes mention? They're just baby mushrooms that contribute very little to the overall product.
Grain, Grain, and More Grain
Here's a shocking fact: MOG products can contain 30-60% grain starch. That's right, up to more than half of your "mushroom" supplement could be grain!
What About Those Beneficial Compounds?
While MOG producers claim their products are rich in secondary metabolites, there's little research to back this up. In fact, studies have found high amounts of beneficial compounds like triterpenoids in real mushroom products, but almost none in MOG products.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to getting the full spectrum of mushroom benefits, traditional mushroom products come out on top. They contain the complete range of nutritional and medicinal compounds that nature intended.
Don't just take our word for it. A study by the United States Pharmacopeial Convention found that out of 19 reishi mushroom products tested, only 5 could be considered genuine. And three of those were extracts from companies specializing in real mushroom products.
Choosing the Right Mushroom Supplement
So, next time you're shopping for a mushroom supplement, remember:
- Look for products made from actual mushrooms, not mycelium on grain.
- Check for high beta-glucan content and low alpha-glucan (starch) content.
- Be wary of vague "Full Spectrum" claims without supporting data.
Remember, when it comes to mushroom supplements, it's what's inside that counts. Choose wisely, and enjoy the real power of mushrooms!
Conclusion
While MOG products might sound impressive with their "Full Spectrum" claims, the science tells a different story. If you're after the real benefits of mushrooms, stick with traditional mushroom products. They're nature's true full spectrum offering, packed with all the goodness fungi have to offer ā without the extra helping of grain!
Remember, when it comes to mushroom supplements, it's what's inside that counts. Choose wisely, and enjoy the real power of mushrooms!
If you want to buy mushroom grow kits or supplies for beginners, you can check out more on our store
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Full Spectrum" mean in mushroom products?
A: "Full Spectrum" is a term used by manufacturers to describe products that supposedly contain all fungal parts: mycelium, mushroom, and spores, as well as secondary metabolites and extra-cellular compounds. However, this term can be misleading, especially when applied to Mycelium on Grain (MOG) products.
Q2: What are Mycelium on Grain (MOG) products?
A: MOG products are made by growing mycelium (the root-like structure of fungi) on cooked, sterilized cereal grains such as rice, oats, or sorghum. The grain is not separated from the final product, resulting in a mixture of mycelium and grain.
Q3: How do MOG products differ from traditional mushroom products?
A: MOG products contain a significant amount of grain substrate, while traditional mushroom products are made from actual mushroom fruiting bodies. MOG products typically have lower levels of beneficial compounds like beta-glucans and higher levels of grain-derived starches compared to traditional mushroom products.
Q4: Are MOG products 100% mycelium?
A: No, MOG products are not 100% mycelium. They contain a mixture of mycelium and the grain it was grown on, often with a significant proportion (30-60%) being residual grain.
Q5: How can I tell if a product is made from real mushrooms or MOG?
A: Look for the following indicators:
- Beta-glucan content: Real mushrooms typically have higher levels (around 35%) compared to MOG products (around 6%).
- Alpha-glucan content: High levels indicate the presence of grain starch, which is more common in MOG products.
- Ergosterol levels: Real mushrooms have significantly higher levels of this fungal compound.
Q6: What are beta-glucans and why are they important?
A: Beta-glucans are complex sugars found in the cell walls of fungi. They are responsible for many of the immune-boosting properties associated with mushrooms. Traditional mushroom products typically contain much higher levels of beta-glucans compared to MOG products.
Q7: Do MOG products contain the same secondary metabolites as mushrooms?
A: While MOG producers often claim their products contain beneficial secondary metabolites, research suggests that levels in MOG products are significantly lower than in traditional mushroom products. For example, studies have found high amounts of triterpenoids in reishi mushrooms but very low levels in MOG reishi products.
Q8: What are primordia, and why are they mentioned in relation to MOG products?
A: Primordia are the initial aggregation of mycelia that precede the actual mushroom stage. MOG producers often cite the presence of primordia as evidence of mushroom content in their products. However, primordia are very small and contribute little to the overall quantity or quality of the product.
Related Readings
Products Featured In This Blog
This page has been viewed 0 times.