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Tremella Mushroom Benefits That Will Surprise You (for Beauty & More)

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Tremella Mushroom

Mushrooms are known for their immense health benefits. They have been one of the most trusted natural solutions to a variety of ailments over the years.

You’ve likely heard of one of the more popular mushrooms like Cordyceps, reishi, or lion’s mane

But have you heard about Tremella mushroom? 

If you are seeking natural anti-aging benefits, this “beauty mushroom” might just be the solution. 

Here are the wonderful benefits of Tremella mushroom:

  • It’s beautifying (and has natural plant collagen)
  • It’s good for the immune system
  • It aids in digestion
  • It might help lower cholesterol
  • It can help detox the body

And there’s more. Let’s dive deeper and learn more about Tremella mushroom!

What is Tremella Mushroom? 

Tremella mushroom is one of the earliest types of mushrooms to be certified for medicinal purposes. The use of Tremella mushroom dates as far back as 200 A.D.

And here’s a fun fact: Tremella mushroom was initially reserved just for royalty and royalty alone! Only the royal family and wealthy people could afford this superfood in ancient times.

Like most other mushrooms, Tremella mushroom is laden with vitamin D. It also possesses a high level of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.

The fruiting body of the Tremella mushroom takes the shape of a loofah bath sponge. 

The appearance of the fruiting Tremella mushroom body.

Family and Other Names

Tremella mushroom belongs to the jelly fungus family. 

This family of mushrooms are characterized by their gelatinous fruiting bodies that take the color of snow.

This color is why Tremella mushroom is commonly called “snow fungus” among many English natives.

It’s also called:

  • Silver ear fungus
  • White fungus
  • White wood-ear fungus
  • White jelly mushroom
  • Tremella fuciformis

This mushroom is referred to as Shiro kikurage by the Japaense, which translates to “white tree jellyfish.”

Where it Grows

Tremella mushrooms are densely located in tropical and subtropical regions. They are also commonly found in temperate regions of Asia, Europe, Oceania, and North America. 

Tremella mushrooms growing in the wild.

History of Cultivation

For a very long period, people only adapted to harvesting Tremella mushrooms in the wild.

It was first cultivated in China in 1894 during the Qing dynasty.

The major challenge in cultivating Tremella mushrooms is that they are mycoparasites. They feed on other fungi for nutrition, unlike other mushrooms that require wood for their sustenance.

Nevertheless, the immense nutritional benefits of this mushroom encourage its cultivation.

Nutritional Components of Tremella Mushroom 

The impressive health benefits of Tremella mushrooms are neither abstract nor magical. These benefits are due to the nutritional components of this fungus, including:

  • Carbohydrates 
  • Glycoproteins
  • Ergosterol
  • Protein 
  • Polysaccharide 
  • Vitamin D
  • Dietary fibers 
  • Fatty acids 

Each of these compounds has unique health benefits that contribute to the mushroom’s overall health and therapeutic value. 

Related: Best Mushroom Supplements

Health Benefits of Tremella Mushroom

Since its discovery, Tremella mushroom has been a significant substance for Japanese and Chinese herbalists and their various healing processes. 

This mushroom is one of the earliest traditional Chinese medicines, known and used for its beauty and skin benefits.

But the use of Tremella mushroom is not limited to topical applications for skin beauty alone. 

Ancient practitioners also used it as a yin tonic. They believed it provided nutritional support for the brain, stomach, immune system, heart, and lungs. 

Here is a complete (and surprising) list of Tremella mushroom’s health benefits that give the fungus its renowned global attention.

1. Reduces Wrinkles (and Boosts Skin Hydration) 

Tremella mushroom is one of the most effective natural beauty remedies (and has been since ancient times).

It is efficient for this purpose because of its high polysaccharide content.

These polysaccharides are effective because they are antioxidants helpful in keeping your skin hydrated and healthy.

The unique polysaccharide compound in Tremella mushrooms has an impressive water-retention capacity that you might not find in any other mushroom.

Tremella mushroom has a water holding capacity that is 5000 times its weight! Consequently, this gives the fungus the ability to keep the skin nourished and hydrated.

Tremella mushroom also has high amounts of vitamin D, an essential vitamin that aids skin cell growth.

Vitamin D is also effective in repairing and preventing premature skin aging. It also helps to keep the skin hydrated.

In short, Tremella mushroom helps keep your skin supple, hydrated and may work to diminish fine lines and wrinkles by generating a hydration film on the skin and increasing its elasticity.

2. Cuts Down Inflammation 

Another significant benefit of Tremella mushroom is its ability to help mitigate the possibility of inflammation.

Let us first clarify that inflammation, in most cases, is the body’s response to infection and injury. However, too much inflammation can be dangerous to the body.

It can lead to other chronic diseases and illnesses.

Tremella mushroom can help to prevent inflammation due to its high anti-inflammatory properties.

Credit these properties once again to the active polysaccharide composition of the fungus. These compounds are what give Tremella the functional ability to help prevent inflammation from spreading in the body.

The anti-inflammatory properties of Tremella mushroom give it the ability to fight against various body illnesses and diseases (ex. tumors, high cholesterol, and heart diseases).

These same properties help mitigate the adverse effects of respiratory illnesses, headaches, acne, and other conditions influenced by inflammation.

3. Fights Free Radicals 

Tremella mushroom is a rich source of antioxidants, which on its own grants a lot of amazing benefits to the fungus.

The polysaccharides in Tremella have shown both anti-aging and antioxidant effects. They help improve the activities of antioxidant enzymes.

This activity is essential because these enzymes help mitigate the damaging effect these free radicals might have on the body.

Tremella mushroom also has compounds that can subdue human skin injuries and help alleviate oxidative stress in the body.

The combined effect of these antioxidants and the active polysaccharide compounds of Tremella mushroom help maintain skin integrity and prevent weak bones, joint stiffness, and saggy skin.

Ongoing research is also being conducted into Tremella mushroom’s ability to fight tumors.

4. Great Source of Vitamin D

Think you can only get vitamin D through sunlight? Think again. Tremella mushroom is one of the food sources that provide a rich vitamin D source (which itself has many impressive health benefits). 

Besides being one of the essential vitamins for healthy skin, vitamin D is also beneficial to various body functions. 

The active vitamin D constituent of Tremella mushroom is helpful in promoting:

  • Stronger bones and healthier teeth. It achieves this by assisting the body with the easy absorption of calcium. 
  • A boost to the body’s immune system. Vitamin D enhances the body’s response to various diseases and illnesses. Likewise, it helps to keep the brain healthy and improves cognitive function.
  • Regulation of healthy cell growth

5. Supports the Body’s Immune System

Another impressive benefit of Tremella mushroom (that supports its widespread popularity) is its ability to support the body’s immune system

The body’s immune system plays a crucial role in defending the body against various foreign bodies, diseases, and infections that might cause actual or potential harm. 

How This Works

One study revealed that the beta-glucans in Tremella mushroom act as an immunostimulating agent to support the body’s immune system. These beta-glucans enhance the function of two types of white blood cells (macrophages and killer cells). 

In short, Tremella mushroom has compounds that help the body to fight off disease. We’ll take it!

6. Regulates Cholesterol

While cholesterol has some benefits in the body, it becomes toxic as it builds up.

The problem is that cholesterol levels have a high tendency to increase rapidly as we age.

The properties of Tremella mushroom function to keep the body’s cholesterol levels in check. They also help to decrease triglyceride levels.

Related: Reishi Mushroom for Sleep

How To Use Tremella Mushroom

Tremella mushroom is a versatile compound!

There are several ways to use Tremella mushroom to harness its full benefits. 

Here are the common ways to use it:

  • Take it as a Dietary Supplement. Tremella mushroom is entirely edible because of its sweet taste and meaty texture. Therefore, it can be made into various dishes and integrated into the regular daily diet. Southeast Asians, for example, often prepare Tremella mushroom as part of desserts or soups.
  • Drink it. Tremella mushroom extract can be made into juice or blended with your favorite smoothie. You can also steep Tremella mushroom into a nourishing tea that can be prepared and taken just like your regular daily java.
  • Use it Topically. Tremella mushroom extracts can be used topically on the skin to keep it moisturized and glowing. It can also be included in homemade skin and beauty products like face masks, anti-aging moisturizers, and serums
Traditional Chinese sweet snow fungus soup with lotus seed, red dates and goji berry.

Side Effects of Tremella Mushroom 

Tremella mushroom use is considered to be relatively safe, and there are no known severe side effects.

Nevertheless, it’s essential to consume various Tremella mushroom products appropriately. Topical applications should not be ingested, and the manufacturer’s instructions should be followed when using capsules, extracts, or other supplements.

Take caution when purchasing any processed Tremella mushroom products and ensure you only buy quality products from reliable sources. The purity and quality of the Tremella mushroom you are using are crucial to your safety and the possible benefits you can derive from the compound.

If you have any underlying health condition, are actively using medications, preparing for surgery, or just completed surgery, you should consult your physician before taking Tremella mushroom or any other supplement. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should also seek medical advice before using any Tremella mushroom supplement.

Finally, ensure you pay attention to your body’s response to Tremella mushrooms and regulate your dose appropriately. Stop immediately and seek medical advice if you notice any adverse reaction or interaction.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tremella Mushroom

What is Tremella mushroom good for? 

Tremella mushroom is suitable for a lot of purposes. It has enough polysaccharides that help hydrate the skin, promote cognitive function, promote nerve growth, prevent cancer, moisturize the skin, and reduce cholesterol levels in the body to prevent toxin buildup. 

What does Tremella mushroom taste like? 

Tremella mushroom has a fairly bland and somewhat sweet taste like black fungus. When the mushroom is stewed or rehydrated, it can have a gelatinous and crunchy texture.

Can I eat snow fungus raw? 

Snow mushroom is another name for Tremella mushroom. Yes, you can eat Tremella mushroom raw if you like. It has a generally edible texture and fairly sweet taste. However, the cooked or boiled form of Tremella mushroom is more nutritional than eating it raw. It can also be processed into Tremella mushroom extracts or Tremella mushroom powder. 

Does snow mushroom contain collagen? 

Snow mushroom (or Tremella mushroom) contains a high percentage of plant collagen. Collagen is the major structural protein that is mainly found in connecting tissues. Consequently, it can hold up 500 times its weight in water. This property helps it to keep the skin hydrated and maintain a glowing appearance. 

Can Tremella mushroom be eaten overnight? 

Yes, you can eat Tremella mushroom overnight. It is a high-end nutritional supplement with loads of benefits, and has no known severe side effects.

A Final Word From Wellness Nova

The discovery of various functional mushrooms is one of the significant highlights in traditional Chinese medicine.

Tremella mushroom, also known as snow mushroom, wood-ear mushroom, or silver ear mushroom has a wide array of benefits.

It can be processed into Tremella mushroom extract or Tremella mushroom powder. It can also be cooked or ingested in teas, juices, or smoothies (or just eaten raw).

Tremella mushroom is highly beneficial to the skin, supports cognitive function, decreases inflammation, lowers cholesterol, and might even help the body combat obesity.

Talk about a super mushroom!

Have you ever tried Tremella mushroom? What benefits did you notice? Let us know in the comments!

Article by:

Wellness Nova Team

Our detailed review has been contributed to by multiple members of the Wellness Nova Review Team to ensure the best research and highest standard of quality. Have a good or a bad experience with one of the products? Please let us know, we love the feedback!
  • Tina Mcnaven says:

    It truly is the beauty mushroom!

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