Myco-Zen: The power of mushrooms to balance body and mind

Myco-Zen by Mushrooms for Life is a supplement inspired by the traditions of Chinese medicine, combining the highest quality reishi spores and dual extract of lion's mane (hericia).

The name "Myco-Zen" reflects the intention of the product - to promote balance, calm and harmony ("Zen") thanks to the exceptional combination of mushrooms and their bioactive substances.

Content of active substances in the dose

Each 1g dose contains:

• 500 mg of reishi spores - rich in triterpenes and beta-glucans. More about reishi spores here.
• 500 mg of Hericium extract - obtained by double extraction method for maximum effectiveness. More about hericium here .

This dosage is fully in line with the recommendations for daily use of these mushrooms, which is commonly between 300-1000 mg per individual mushroom. The combination of reishi and lion's mane in this concentration provides balanced support for overall well-being and vitality.

Compared to competing products that often contain lower concentrations or use blends with a lower proportion of active mushrooms, Myco-Zen is the clear choice for those seeking maximum benefits.

Why choose Myco-Zen?

• Highest beta-glucan content: 32.70% - significantly higher than most competing products.
• Quality polysaccharides: 21.81%, no added carbohydrates or fillers.
• Low humidity: only 4.75% for long-term stability and durability.
• Organic cultivation: mushrooms are grown on organic farms under the supervision of experts.
• Certified Purity: the product is third-party tested for pesticides, heavy metals and contaminants.

Myco-Zen is designed to combine ancient wisdom with modern science to bring natural balance and harmony into your life. This supplement is the ideal choice for those looking for quality, purity and efficiency without compromise.

Reishi spores: The queen of mushrooms

Reishi, often referred to as the "queen of mushrooms", is prized for its bioactive components. The reishi spores are gently processed at low temperatures, which preserves the high concentration of triterpenes (at least 6%).

These spores come from organic farms in China, where the mushrooms are grown on duanwood, an indigenous nutrient medium that mimics natural environmental conditions.

In fact, reishi spores have a 300% higher triterpene content than the fruit, making them an effective form of this popular vital mushroom.

Lion's Mane: Mountain Priest

Lion's mane (hericium), also called "mountain priest", is known for its unique properties. This mushroom is grown on brown rice in naturally identical conditions and then processed using a double extraction method that maximizes the content of key bioactive compounds.

Why reishi and lion's mane (hericium) are associated

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and other Eastern healing systems, these two mushrooms are often combined to achieve harmony between the body and mind:

• Reishi is known for its ability to calm the "Shen" (spirit) and promote calm and serenity. It also helps to reduce internal tension, which improves the body's ability to regenerate.
• Lion's mane (hericium) is valued for its support of the nervous system, memory and cognitive function. In TCM, it is considered a mushroom that nourishes the brain and improves the connection between the body and mind.

Together, these mushrooms provide a synergistic effect - reishi soothes, while lion's mane stimulates. This combination is ideal for modern lifestyles where people face stress, fatigue and need support not only for the body but also for mental well-being.

Polysaccharides: Proof of quality

The polysaccharide content is 21,81 %, which is another indicator of the high quality of the product. Unlike some competing products where polysaccharide levels can be artificially increased by the addition of carbohydrates such as starch or dextrin, the polysaccharides in Myco-Zen come exclusively from fungi.

This ratio shows that the product does not contain fillers and confirms its authenticity and quality.

Exceptional content of beta-glucans

Many competing products on the market list beta-glucan* content in the range of 10-20%. However, Myco-Zen offers 32.70% beta-glucans, which is well above average. This result is a testament to the higher efficiency and quality of the extraction, which ensures maximum concentration of key ingredients.

Higher levels of beta-glucans also indicate better immunomodulatory properties, as beta-glucans are the main bioactive components of mushrooms that support the body's natural defences.

Low humidity: Guaranteed stability

The moisture content of Myco-Zen is only 4.75%, which is lower than most competing products, where values range between 5-7%. The lower moisture content ensures better stability and long-term durability of the product without reducing the active ingredients.

---

*Beta-glucans are polysaccharides (soluble fibres that come from the cell walls of bacteria, fungi, yeast and cereals such as oats) known for their ability to support the body's immunity, regulate cholesterol and contribute to heart and digestive health.

Beta-glucans from mushrooms have a unique structure and are considered to be more effective in supporting the immune system compared to those from cereals or yeast. This difference is due to their higher concentration and more specific binding of polysaccharides, which better activate immune cells.

While beta-glucans from cereals have their benefits mainly for heart health and cholesterol reduction, beta-glucans from mushrooms have a broader spectrum of action, especially in the area of the body's defences.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows products containing at least 750 mg of beta-glucans to make health claims that they may reduce the risk of heart disease. While this is a source from oat foods, it is still a plant-sourced beta-glucans.

Beta-glucans from yeast are also effective, but fungi often offer a more complex bioactive composition, making them in some cases preferred for therapeutic purposes.

You might be interested in:

• Introduction to biohacking
• Tremella mushroom - Beauty Secrets of Chinese Empresses
• Vegetarian and vegan diet
• Be careful what medicinal mushrooms you eat and why
• Kick up your immunity with wild herbs and mushrooms
• What to eat in winter to stay healthy?
• Detoxify your body or lighten your body after the winter months
• How to have healthy intestines and thus the whole organism?

For whom is Myco-Zen blend intended:

Myco-Zen is a great choice for those who want to support the balance of body and mind through natural ingredients. It can be particularly beneficial for:

• Managers and people in demanding work environments: The combination of reishi and hericium helps manage stress and supports mental well-being and concentration.
• Students and learning-oriented individuals: Hericium contains hericenones, which support natural processes related to brain function, memory and cognitive abilities.
• Athletes and physically active individuals: beta-glucans and triterpenoids help the body regenerate, while Reishi supports the body's resistance to physical stress.
• Those focused on overall well-being and relaxation: called the "mushroom of immortality", Reishi contributes to calm and harmony, which is appreciated by anyone who needs to recover after a hard day.
• Caregivers and health professionals: this blend is also ideal for those who work in demanding conditions and need support to cope with physical and mental demands.

Myco-Zen is therefore suitable for anyone looking for a natural supplement made from organic mushrooms to support vitality, peace of mind and overall balance.

How to recognize a true mushroom extract

A truly high quality mushroom extract can be recognized by its high proportion of beta-glucans, which are considered to be the key bioactive components of mushrooms. These substances are responsible for many of the beneficial properties of mushrooms and should therefore form a significant part of the polysaccharides in the product.

Conversely, an unnaturally high polysaccharide content without a clear specification of the proportion of beta-glucans may indicate the presence of fillers such as starches or dextrins, which are used to artificially increase the content. This problem is common with inferior products that mislead the customer with high numbers on the label.

Trusted brands always provide independent laboratory tests that not only specify the total polysaccharide content but also separately state the amount of beta-glucans. A balanced ratio between these components is a sign of an authentic extract, while suspiciously high levels of polysaccharides (above 50%) usually indicate added substances.

Another indicator of quality is the method of production. Hot water or alcohol extraction are commonly used processes that naturally provide a certain polysaccharide content. If the product exceeds the normal values achievable by these processes, it is likely that non-mushrooms have been added.

In addition to the laboratory results, the properties of the product are also a clue - pure mushroom extract often has a coarser texture due to the presence of mushroom cell walls, while products with fillers tend to be smoother or otherwise soluble.

Transparency, third-party testing and knowledge of processing methods are the basis for choosing an authentic mushroom extract that will bring you real benefits.

Pure Grade Extract - Main Benefits:

• Professional formulations from British experts - this is not a private label with dubious ingredients without certification.
• Hot water extraction for high active nutrient content - Pure Grade Extract.*
• Capsules do not contain the hidden filler maltodextrin.**
• Dairy, soy and gluten free and suitable for vegans.
• Soil Association organic certification.***
• Made in the UK.
• 100% mushrooms - no fillers, binders or additives.
• Certificate of Purity and Quality (COA) - in the Downloads tab.

  ---

*Pure Grade Mushroom Extract refers to a high quality mushroom extract that has undergone an extraction process aimed at releasing as many bioactive compounds as possible, especially polysaccharides such as beta-glucans.

For mushroom supplements such as capsules and powders, extracts referred to as "drinks grade" are often used, which contain high amounts of maltodextrin. This filler facilitates encapsulation and gives the product a sweeter taste.

Conversely, Pure Grade represents the mark of the highest quality mushroom supplements that do not contain fillers such as maltodextrin and provide a pure, concentrated extract with a higher active ingredient content.

These extracts are produced using heat (often hot-water extraction) and in some cases alcohol, releasing not only the water-soluble but also the alcohol-soluble components. These extracts are considered to be more concentrated and effective than conventional mushroom powders.

However, there are products on the market that are of lesser quality, sometimes referred to as drinking-grade or 1:1 ratio extracts. These products are often just dried and ground mushrooms without actual extraction, which means they do not contain enough bioactive ingredients.

Companies can thus cheat customers by selling products that have not undergone a rigorous extraction process but merely contain mushrooms in powder form, which reduces their effectiveness. Some of these products may be cheaper, but do not reach the quality or therapeutic properties of a true mushroom extract.

For quality assurance, it is recommended to focus on products with a specified beta-glucan content that have undergone either hot-water extraction or dual extraction (combination of water and alcohol), depending on the type of mushroom.

It is important to pay attention to production methods and mushroom sources, as products made from poor quality mushrooms or without proper extraction may be less effective and beneficial.

**Manydietary supplement manufacturers actually use maltodextrin as a cheap filler without clearly stating this on the label, which can be misleading to consumers. Maltodextrin is often used to increase the volume of capsules and powders, especially where the amount of active ingredient is too small to fill an entire capsule.

This low-cost filler may form a significant proportion of some products without being clearly listed among the ingredients, which is allowed if maltodextrin is used in minimal quantities or is part of other ingredients.

This leads to the fact that manufacturers can claim that their capsule contains a high amount of mushroom extract, but in fact it contains a much smaller amount of active ingredients and a larger proportion of filler, such as just maltodextrin.

This trick is possible because it is not mandatory in some cases to explicitly mention maltodextrin if it is part of other ingredients or in small quantities. Consumers should therefore be cautious and choose products from manufacturers that clearly state the active ingredient content and the amount of beta-glucans in the extract.

It is also recommended to verify the transparency of the brand regarding the production methods to ensure that the product contains a real amount of active ingredients and is not just filled with cheap fillers.

***A good indicator of transparency and true quality is the organic certification from a reputable organisation such as Soil Association Organic.

The Soil Association Organic certification offers consumers an important assurance when choosing mushroom supplements. Products with this certification must meet strict organic standards, which means that the mushrooms are grown without the use of pesticides, fungicides and artificial fertilizers. This is particularly important for fungi, which are very porous and readily absorb substances from the environment, including potentially harmful chemicals.

Soil Association certification also means that products are 100% transparent, traceable and environmentally friendly. Customers can be sure that they are choosing a product that not only supports their health but also protects the environment. When choosing between mushroom brands, Soil Association certification is a strong indicator of product quality and integrity

Fun facts about mushrooms

Reishi and hericium mushrooms are fascinating for their composition and long history of use. They bring together traditional approaches and modern science, making them a valuable part of natural supplements.

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

• Reishi and the Japanese nobility: in Japan, Reishi is known as "mannentake", which means "10,000 year mushroom". Historically, this mushroom was reserved for emperors and nobility because of its rarity and supposed life-extending properties. It was so rare that only one out of 10,000 wild Reishi mushrooms was considered "imperial quality".
• Reishi as a symbol of longevity: In Chinese culture, Reishi appears in art, including paintings and sculptures, as a symbol of longevity, health and spiritual immortality. It is often mentioned in Taoist texts as a divine herb.
• Spore collection in modern times: the Reishi spores are considered even more effective than the fruiting bodies. Today in China, in large-scale cultivation, mushrooms are covered with nets when spores are collected so that they are caught without contamination. The processing of these spores into a bioavailable form involves advanced technologies to break down their hard chitin coating.

---

Hericium (Coral Coral, Lion's Mane)

• Use by Buddhist monks: In traditional Buddhist practices, Hericium is said to have been consumed by monks to enhance their ability to concentrate during meditation. His qualities promoting mental clarity made him a spiritual helper.
• Samurai and Lion's Mane Tea: In feudal Japan, samurai drank Hericium tea before battle as part of rituals to increase mindfulness and mental strength.
• Nerve health research in Japan: Japanese scientists are intensively studying hericenones and erinacins, compounds unique to Hericium that have the potential to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF), a key component of nervous system health. Thanks to these studies, Japan has become a center of Lion's Mane research.
• A rare culinary delicacy: in parts of Europe and North America, lion's mane is a prized delicacy due to its seafood-like texture, often compared to crab or lobster meat. It is known among collectors as the "shaggy mushroom" because of its fluffy appearance.

---

Connection in traditional medicine

Both Reishi and Lion's Mane mushrooms are stalwarts in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and have often been combined to achieve a balance between spiritual and physical well-being.

Reishi was traditionally used to "calm the spirit" (Shen), while Lion's Mane "nourished the mind". This combination was seen as an ideal means of promoting vitality and overall harmony.

This fascinating information highlights not only the cultural significance but also the timeless value of these mushrooms in various traditions around the world.

Active substances in mushrooms:

Polysaccharides

Polysaccharides are a natural part of fungi and are often studied for their potential to support balanced functioning of the body.

Triterpenoids

Triterpenoids are among the important substances contained in reishi. These ingredients are considered useful in traditional approaches in supporting the balance of the body.

Antioxidants
Antioxidants present in mushrooms such as reishi and hericium play a role in protecting cells from adverse environmental influences and contribute to their natural vitality.

Hericenons

Hericenones, found in the lion's mane (hericium), are interesting for their ability to naturally support the mind-body connection. They are the subject of research into supporting the natural functions of the brain and nervous system.

Myco Zen and Ayurveda - synergy:

The following Ayurvedic herbs can be recommended to complement the Myco Zen blend:

• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera):

Why: Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that supports overall balance and endurance, which blends well with Cordyceps and Reishi.

• Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri):

Why: Brahmi has traditionally been used to support cognitive function, which harmonizes with heritia, which also focuses on supporting concentration and memory.

• Turmeric (Curcuma longa):

Why: Turmeric is known for its antioxidant properties and is a great complement to mushrooms like Reishi and Tremella, which have similar cell-protecting properties.

• Tulsi (Holy Basil):

Why: Tulsi, like Reishi, contributes to overall well-being and promotes balance, which is ideal when combined with adaptogenic mushrooms.

• Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus):

Why: Shatavari is a revitalizing herb that helps promote vitality, which pairs well with maitake, known for its ability to contribute to overall body balance.

• Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica):

Why: Gotu Kola is popular in Ayurveda and TCM for its ability to improve circulation and support brain function. Combined with Hericium, it can help amplify the effects on memory and concentration.

How to combine?

Reishi (spores) and Hericium can be taken together with one or more of the herbs listed. An interesting option is to take these combinations in capsules, powder or tea. The key is to tailor the choice of herbs to specific needs, for example:

• For stress and mental well-being: Ashwaganda + Reishi + Hericium. Tip: https://www.pravebio.cz/fermentovana-smes-tranquility/
• For memory and concentration: Hericium + Brahmi + Gotu Kola. Tip: https://www.pravebio.cz/living-nutrition-nootropic/
• For immunity and detoxification: Reishi + Turmeric + Triphala. Tip: https://www.pravebio.cz/living-nutrition-kef-flamex/

These combinations combine thousands of years of Eastern healing traditions to create a comprehensive approach to promoting overall health.

---

If you understand English, you can learn more about mushrooms in Paul Stamets' video. Paul is a renowned mycologist who has been researching fungi for over 40 years.

He is known for his work on the medicinal properties of mushrooms and their ecological uses, particularly in the field of mycoremediation (the use of mushrooms to clean the environment). Stamets is the author of several books including Mycelium Running and The Mushroom Cultivator.

---

Studies:

• Improvement of cognitive functions by oral intake of Hericium erinaceus

Ingredients

Organic Ganoderma lucidum fruit powder, Organic Hericium erinaceus fruit powder

*Certification Bio - Soil Association Organic UK

Nutritional values

Dosage

The recommended dosage is 1g (approximately 1/2 teaspoon) 1-4 times a day. The powder has a mild taste, which makes it easy to add to a variety of drinks or dishes. You can stir it into smoothies, add it to hot drinks like tea or coffee, or use it in breakfast cereals.

Myco Zen will have a slightly earthy taste with slightly bitter notes, mainly due to the reishi content. Hericium has a more neutral taste, so the overall profile will not be too pronounced.

The mixture can easily be added to oatmeal porridge or semolina porridge, which you can make with breadfruit flour instead of wheat flour !

To balance out any earthy taste of reishi and shiitake, add fruit, nuts, coconut nectar, coconut situp from the wild Kithul palm or good quality honey to the porridgeto balance out any bitterness of the reishi.

You can take it at any time of the day according to your schedule.

• It is recommended to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it according to your body's response.
• If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication, it is recommended that you consult a physician for use.
• Always consider your personal reaction to the product and if in doubt, consult your therapist for individual recommendations.

Alternatives to Explore

Fermented mushrooms

For those of you who want to harness the potential of fermented mushrooms based on kefir-kombucha fermentation, try Living Nutrition's fermented mushrooms - it's the same mushroom source and our favourite Graham Botfield is again behind the development.

Fermentation helps to break down the cell walls of mushrooms, making it easier for the body to absorb their components. This process increases the availability of active ingredients, which means that the body can better utilize the beneficial compounds.

In addition, fermentation can increase the amount of important substances such as antioxidants and polysaccharides. Fermented mushrooms are also generally gentler on the digestive system, which is beneficial for those with more sensitive digestion or digestive problems.

Pure extracts are produced using methods such as hot water extraction or combined water and alcohol extraction, which focus on extracting specific compounds such as beta-glucans or triterpenoids.

These extracts provide concentrated doses of these ingredients, which can offer focused support in areas such as vitality and overall body functioning.

Fermented mushrooms offer better digestibility and absorption, while pure extracts provide more concentrated doses for specific benefits.

Key features of fermented mushrooms:

• Rich in nutrients that have many beneficial effects.
• Fermented mushroom supplements offer a convenient way to receive a concentrated dose of mushrooms in an easily digestible form.
• Fermented mushrooms can potentially contribute to good gut function and promote good bacteria, which aids digestion.
• Fermented mushrooms are used in traditional medicine around the world to promote vitality and longevity.
• They contain vitamins and minerals such as potassium, niacin, iron and vitamin D that contribute to the overall well-being of the body.
• They have a high concentration of antioxidants, including ergothioneine and glutathione, which have promising effects in modern research.
• Fermented mushrooms are particularly notable for their beta-glucan content, which we write about in more detail above.

As fermented mushroomsand common extracts have unique properties. For example, recent studies have shown the efficacy of fermented cordyceps ^{1, 2, 3, 4.}

Capsules

Are you a person who prefers convenience and precise dosing? Then they are for you myco Zen capsules is the ideal choice. You don't have to deal with the taste of the powder, which is especially appreciated by those who don't want to change the taste of their food or drinks.

Capsules are also a great option if you are often on the go and need quick and easy use without preparation.

The powder, on the other hand, is suitable for those who like to experiment and add mushrooms to their favourite dishes or drinks.

Other adaptogenic blends that may interest you

• https://www.pravebio.cz/mushrooms4life-myco-qi/
• https://www.pravebio.cz/mushrooms4life-mycomplex/
• https://www.pravebio.cz/mushrooms4-life-mycomplex/
• https://www.pravebio.cz/bio-fermentovana-smes-vitalnich-hub/
• https://www.pravebio.cz/smes-adaptogennich-hub-mushroom-bio/
• https://www.pravebio.cz/suseny-vyvar-a-protein-houby/
• https://www.pravebio.cz/neurogeneticky-napoj-collagenius/
• https://www.pravebio.cz/bylinnna-smes-proti-stresu-stress-guardian/

Each mushroom is cultivated by expert growers in specialised areas of China where these mushrooms have grown in the wild for thousands of years. They are grown organically in nature-identical conditions.

Why choose Mushrooms Mushrooms for Life

The vital mushroom market is flooded with products that often fall short of high standards, so it is important to choose carefully and check that the supplement you choose meets your needs.

Beware of marketing gimmicks such as "Full Spectrum". In fact, the term often refers to the products of the mycelium, which is the underground network of fungal filaments that helps sustain the life of the fungus and everything around it.

Although full-spectrum products may contain all parts of the fungus, i.e. spores, mycelium and fruiting bodies, this does not always guarantee higher quality.

Manufacturers often use the term "full spectrum" for products based primarily on mycelium, which may not have the same active ingredient content as products made primarily from amniotic fluid, which is richer in bioactive compounds.

For best results, a high-quality mushroom dietary supplement should meet the following criteria:

• Made from mushroom extract, not powder: Extracts are more concentrated and have a higher active ingredient content than ordinary powders.

• Derived from fruiting bodies, not mycelial biomass: fruiting bodies contain higher concentrations of active substances such as beta-glucans, whereas mycelium often contains fillers.

• Hot water extraction: This process ensures high availability of key polysaccharides, such as beta-glucans, which support the body's natural functions.

• Dual extraction (with hot water and alcohol): this procedure is especially necessary for mushrooms such as Reishi and Chaga. Hot-water extraction yields polysaccharides, while alcohol extraction isolates triterpenoids, which have additional bioactive properties. Dual extraction ensures that the product contains both water-soluble and alcohol-extractable substances, providing a full spectrum of active ingredients.

• Sourced organically: organic certification ensures that the mushrooms are grown without the use of chemicals and in accordance with natural growing conditions (e.g. China, Siberia).

• Verifiable beta-glucan or hericenone content: transparency on the content of active ingredients is essential to verify the quality of the product.

• Tested for purity and heavy metals: Independent laboratory testing ensures that the supplement is free of contaminants and safe for long-term use.

We guarantee that the Mushrooms for Life brand meets all these conditions and there is no better brand on the European market.

Choosing the Mushrooms for Life brand over others offers several key advantages, especially for those looking for high-quality, organic mushroom supplements.

Here are a few reasons why this brand stands out:

• Certified Organic: Mushrooms for Life ensures that all their mushroom supplements are certified by the Soil Association. This means that their products do not contain pesticides, fungicides or other harmful chemicals, which is especially important for fungi, which are highly porous and absorb substances from their environment.

• Full transparency and traceability: this label ensures full transparency about where their mushrooms are grown. The mushrooms are grown in areas where they are traditionally grown, such as China and Siberia, which ensures the highest quality. This emphasis on source and cultivation practices is essential to maintaining the medicinal properties of mushrooms.

• Extracts in pure quality: Their "Pure Grade" line is considered a professional level of quality that is commonly used by practitioners, healers and professionals. This means you are getting a highly concentrated product that provides a full spectrum of bioactive compounds, especially polysaccharides such as beta-glucans, ensuring maximum efficacy and therapeutic potential.

• Sustainable and ethical approach to cultivation: the company works closely with its growers to ensure that mushrooms are grown in natural conditions that mimic their traditional environment. This sustainable approach not only supports the health of the planet, but also ensures that mushrooms retain their full nutritional and medicinal properties.

These aspects make Mushrooms for Life a reliable choice for those looking for potent, organic mushroom supplements that adhere to traditional growing methods and modern quality standards.

Experts behind the brand:

Martin Powell

Martin Powell is the founder of Mushrooms for Life, a brand that was established in 2011. He is a renowned Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner and biochemist, with over 20 years of experience.

In addition to writing and lecturing about vital mushrooms, Powell is dedicated to developing clinically oriented mushroom-based dietary supplements for his patients and other practitioners.

He spent many years in China, where he honed his knowledge of mushrooms and worked with local growers. His expertise in Traditional Chinese Medicine has led to the development of Mushrooms for Life as a brand providing high quality and certified organic supplements.

Powell is fluent in Mandarin and his work was crucial to the company's growth and development before he handed it over to his successors, G. Botfield and B. Shouler.

He has written two important books that are important resources for both professionals and those interested in the use of vital mushrooms:

• Medicinal Mushrooms: A Clinical Guide - This comprehensive guide focuses on the clinical use of more than 20 species of medicinal mushrooms. It is especially recognized in the field of Chinese medicine and serves primarily medical professionals who wish to incorporate mushrooms as supplements in their treatment.

• Medicinal Mushrooms: The Essential Guide - This book is more accessible to a wider audience and provides practical advice on how to use well-known medicinal mushrooms such as reishi, shiitake and cordyceps to promote overall health.

Both books reflect Powell's efforts to educate the public about the potential of mushrooms based on his more than 20 years of research and practice.

Graham Botfield

Graham Botfield is a nutritionist and microbiome expert and founder of Living Nutrition. This nutritional therapist and researcher specializes in traditional herbal medicine and fermentation.

Living Nutrition has developed a unique fermentation process using kefir and kombucha that increases the bioavailability of nutrients in herbal supplements.

Prior to his role at Mushrooms for Life, he worked with other respected brands such as New Chapter and his knowledge of gut health and digestion has greatly influenced his approach to formulating Living Nutrition, Botanicals for Life and Zen CBD products.

Ben Shouler

Ben Shouler is the co-founder of Mushrooms for Life and a naturopath with a focus on traditional herbal therapies. Together with Graham Botfield, he also founded Botanicals 4 Life, where they expanded the range of products based on herbal supplements and medicinal mushrooms.

Shouler's deep knowledge of natural medicine and nutrition has contributed to the development and growth of Mushrooms for Life, where he and Botfield maintain the highest standards of product quality and efficacy.

In addition to Mushrooms for Life, Ben is also the founder of Planet Paleo, a brand he started in 2016. This brand specializes in collagen supplements that combine modern scientific knowledge with traditional Paleo diet principles.

Planet Paleo focuses on supporting gut, skin, joint health and overall body regeneration. Thanks to Shouler's experience and expertise, the brand has become one of the leading suppliers of collagen supplements in Europe.

Ben's work in natural medicine, nutrition and supplements has made him a recognized expert who emphasizes quality, effectiveness and the use of traditional therapies in a modern context.

---

^{Graham Botfield and Ben Shouler are also the co-founders of Living Planet Distribution (LPD), which they founded in 2016 and with which we have been working exclusively since 2018.}

^{LPD specializes in the distribution of high quality health and nutritional supplements, with the goal of bringing to market innovative products that will become leaders in their field.}

^{We are very proud to have these brands in our exclusive offer and the reason why you won't find any other brands here that are only similar to them in composition but not in efficacy (especially not Czech ones, where expertise is lacking and private labeling prevails with a focus on net profit and not the functionality of the product for the consumer}