Beta-Glucans in mushrooms: what they are & why they matter

Close-up of a mushroom gill structure

What are beta-glucans in mushrooms?

 

You’ve probably heard the term tossed around in wellness circles and splattered across health websites, but what are beta-glucans in mushrooms, really?

In short: beta-glucans are naturally occurring fibers found in the cell walls of functional mushrooms, like Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, and Reishi. But these aren’t just any fibers - they’re the reason mushrooms are powerful tools for energy, focus, immunity, and stress support.

Think of them as the active compounds that make mushrooms work.


Why beta-glucans matter (and why most products get it wrong)

 

Beta-glucans are the bioactive heroes behind everything mushroom supplements promise:

  • Enhanced immunity

  • Reduced inflammation

  • Better stress response

  • Sustained energy

  • Mental clarity

But here’s the problem:

  • Most mushroom supplements on the market have barely any beta-glucans.
  • Many use mycelium on grain (cheap filler) instead of fruiting body - which means you’re paying for rice powder, not results!

 

At Health Lovers, We Do It Differently

All of our mushrooms are:

  • 100% organic

  • Made with fruiting body only

  • Standardized to 30%+ beta-glucans

 

That’s up to 10x more than the average brand.

🔗 Shop Our Lion’s Mane Mushroom Extract – Focus & Memory
🔗 Discover Cordyceps – Natural Energy Booster
🔗 Try Reishi – Sleep & Calm Support

 

 

What do beta-glucans actually do?

Here’s the science-backed breakdown of what beta-glucans do in your body:

1. Immune Support

Beta-glucans act as immunomodulators - they don’t overstimulate your immune system like synthetic boosters. Instead, they train and balance your natural defenses.
→ “Beta-glucans as immune modulators” 

 2. Anti-Fatigue & Energy

Cordyceps mushroom, rich in beta-glucans, has been shown to improve oxygen use and stamina, especially in athletes.
→ “Cordyceps sinensis and exercise performance”

 3. Cognitive Boost & Nerve Growth

Lion’s Mane + beta-glucans = a nootropic superpower. They help stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) for better memory, focus, and brain health.
→ "Psychology Today - Lion’s Mane & Brain Health"

 4. Stress & Cortisol Regulation

Reishi is known for adaptogenic effects, and beta-glucans help regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, reducing the impact of daily stress.
→ “Reishi and stress adaptation”



 

How to Tell if a Product Has Real Beta-Glucans

If a mushroom product doesn’t list beta-glucan content on the label, it's probably not legit.

Red Flags:

  • “Mycelium on grain”
  • No mention of beta-glucans
  • Cheap pricing with vague sourcing
  • Only promoting polysaccharides content
  • Gummy or capsule-only with no extract info

At Health Lovers, every batch of our extract powders and capsules is tested and standardised for 30%+ beta-glucans - and zero grain fillers.



What’s the Best Way to Take Beta-Glucans?

You’ll find beta-glucans in:

  • Mushroom extract powders (the only mushroom format we produce; the most concentrated + versatile, and great to add in teas, coffees or smoothies as a ritual).

  • Capsules (convenient, for daily use)

To get actual benefits, you need:


✔️ Standardised extract with 30%+ beta-glucans content

✔️ Taken daily for at least 2–3 weeks

✔️ Paired with the right type (Lion’s Mane for focus, Reishi for calm, Cordyceps for energy)

✔️ A 2000mg dose of pure extract (not raw powder)

 

→ Explore All Health Lovers Extract Powders


 

Recap: Why Beta-Glucans in Mushrooms Matter

  • They’re the reason mushrooms work

  • They support immunity, focus, recovery, stress, and energy

  • Most brands cut corners - we went great lengths to ensure potency and efficiency 

  • Look for 30%+ beta-glucans and fruiting body only


 

Ready to Feel the Real Benefits of Mushrooms?

Whether you want to dial in your focus, boost endurance, or finally get a proper night's sleep -  start with the mushrooms that are actually effective.

 

→  Shop All Organic Mushroom Extracts at Health Lovers

 

Bonus: Beta-Glucan FAQ

Q: Are beta-glucans safe daily?
A: Yes. They're naturally occurring and well-tolerated for most people when extracted properly.

Q: How long until I feel the effects?
A: Most users report subtle benefits in 7–14 days, and stronger results after consistent use.

Q: Are beta-glucans only in mushrooms?
A: No - they’re also in oats and barley, but the mushroom form is uniquely powerful for the immune system and cell signaling.

 

 

I hope this blog has been informative to you in better understanding what makes mushrooms so special, and why we at Health Lovers work the way we do. 

Thanks for the read, 

Harry (Founder)