Long used intraditional Chinese medicine, turkey tail is packed with antioxidants and other health-boosting compounds.
Researchers are still exploring its range of health benefits.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
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More clinical research is needed to determine the specific uses of turkey tail for human health.
Similarly, PSK helps support theimmune systemby activating the body’snatural killer cellsto fight off infection and disease.
Turkey tail acts as a prebiotic, stimulating the development of “good” bacteria in the gut microbiome.
Improved Athletic Performance
Turkey tail may boost stamina and fight fatigue to enhance athletic performance.
A study using animal models found that turkey tail extract increased endurance and strength in mice.
Oxidative stress is considered bad because it can lead to organ and tissue damage.
Antioxidants counteract thefree radicalsthat cause this damage.
These molecules help to protect the immune system by reducing inflammation and activating immune cells.
They also help maintainhealthy gut bacteria.
Protection Against HPV
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection.
Scientific research shows turkey tail may be able to help treat HPV and prevent cancer.
When taken with another medicinal mushroom, turkey tail may help remove HPV from the cervix or mouth.
The polysaccharides in turkey tail have beneficial effects on cancer because of HPV.
Turkey tail may be able to boost the effectiveness of theHPV vaccine, as well.
It is important to note that the research was conducted via animal studies.
More research is needed to explore the direct impact on human bone health.
Other findings suggest turkey tail may protect against bone loss related to certain cancer treatments, as well.
More research is needed to see the mushroom’s direct impact on cognitive function.
Other evidence suggests that the mushroom might be able to boost immune responses in aging bodies.
However, more human-based research is needed to definitely state its effects.
What Are the Side Effects?
Dosage: How Much Should I Take?
There are no guidelines for a standard turkey tail dose.
Dosages vary widely in studies exploring the benefits of turkey tail extracts and supplements.
For example, studies examining turkey tail as an adjuvant therapy for cancer have used 39 grams per dose.
Many turkey tail supplement manufacturers recommend starting with 13 grams daily to support overall health.
Before harvesting, be sure you have correctly identified that the mushroom is turkey tail and not a look-alike.
Though turkey tail is edible, the texture can be described as tough and leathery.
It can also be added to soups or blended into smoothies.
Dried whole turkey tail mushrooms can be used to make extracts and tinctures.
Supplements
Turkey tail supplements are available in capsule, powder, and tincture forms.
Some turkey tail supplements contain the whole mushroom, including the fruit body and mycelium (root structure).
The mushrooms are dried and then ground into powder.
Other turkey tail supplements contain extracts of the mushrooms beneficial compounds.
These products provide a concentrated amount of health-supporting compounds with the full spectrum of health benefits.
Summary
Turkey tail is a medicinal mushroom with a long history of use in traditional medicine.
Turkey tail is generally safe to consume with few side effects.
Talk to your healthcare provider to determine if turkey tail supplements are right for you.
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