Home Fitness I Tried Sacred 7 Mushroom Extract Powder (My 2024 Review)
I Tried Sacred 7 Mushroom Extract Powder (My 2024 Review)
0

I Tried Sacred 7 Mushroom Extract Powder (My 2024 Review)

0
0

Sacred 7 mushroom powder is a popular mushroom supplement and one of the best sellers on Amazon. However, most of the mushrooms in Sacred 7 are underdosed, so you may not get the beneficial compounds in high enough doses for them to be effective.

Sacred 7 works with straight 1:1 extracts and no standardization for polysaccharide content. Other potent mushroom supplements provide 40 times more useful compounds and double the mushroom-fruiting bodies in raw powder.

So, I tried it for myself to give you the low-down on Sacred 7 mushroom extract powder.

Pros

  • Because of the small serving sizes, the price per serving is one of the lowest mushroom supplements.
  • Well known brand for medicinal mushrooms.
  • Third-party tested, so it contains no contaminants or impurities.
  • USDA Certified Organic

Cons

  • Underdosed for most ingredients, so it may not provide the benefits you seek.
  • Other mushroom supplements at the same price offer higher doses.
Nootrum Mushroom Supplement

Quick Verdict

Who Are Sacred 7?

The “Sacred 7” refers to seven medicinal mushrooms that are arguably the most well-known for their health benefits. Nutrarealm created Sacred 7 by combining these into one product, hence the name. They have the advantage of being a USDA-certified organic product.

Nutrarelam uses 100% fruiting bodies, with no fillers or grains, to ensure maximum nutrient density.

Sacred 7 Ingredients

The Sacred 7 Mushroom Extract Powder contains the seven mushrooms most commonly touted for their health benefits. The problem is the dosage. Even if these are good-quality, nutrient-dense mushrooms, you simply need more to get enough from them.

Chaga Mushroom (Inonotus obliquus)

Chaga mushrooms are renowned for their high antioxidant content and potential to support overall well-being. However, the 143 mg dosage present in Sacred 7 falls significantly short of the recommended 500 mg required to experience the full range of benefits [1].

Cordyceps Militaris

Cordyceps have long been revered for their ability to enhance physical performance and support various aspects of health. Yet, the 143 mg dosage in this supplement is a mere fraction of the 1,000 mg suggested for optimal effects [2].

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

The Lion’s mane mushroom is celebrated for its potential to improve cognitive function and nerve growth. Unfortunately, the 143 mg included in Sacred 7 is far below the 1,000 mg threshold needed to elicit these desirable outcomes [3].

Maitake (Grifola frondosa)

Maitake mushrooms are praised for regulating blood sugar, cholesterol, and immune function.

However, this supplement’s 143 mg serving size is only effective for individuals weighing 63 pounds or less, rendering it largely ineffective for the majority of users [4].

Reishi (Ganoderma lingzhi)

Reishi mushrooms are renowned for their adaptogenic properties and potential to support stress management and overall well-being. Yet, the 143 mg present in Sacred 7 is a mere fraction of the recommended 1,440 mg daily dose [5].

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)

Shiitake mushrooms are rich in various vitamins and minerals and have been linked to improved heart and immune health. While there is no established optimal daily dose, the 143 mg in this supplement is likely insufficient to produce the desired effects [6].

Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)

The turkey tail mushroom is celebrated for its immune-boosting and gut-supportive properties. However, the 143 mg included in Sacred 7 is far below the 1,000 mg threshold recommended for tangible results [7].

Sacred 7 Benefits

In theory, the beneficial compounds of the mushroom extracts could have the following benefits if they were dosed correctly:

Antioxidant Properties

Chaga is high in antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Reishi contains compounds such as triterpenes that exhibit potent antioxidant effects, aiding in reducing oxidative stress.

Shiitake mushrooms are rich in antioxidants like selenium and vitamin D, contributing to cellular protection.

Immune System Support

Chaga enhances the immune system by stimulating white blood cells, improving the body’s defense mechanisms. Cordyceps boosts the immune system by increasing the production of natural killer cells essential for fighting infections.

Maitake contains beta-glucans that stimulate the immune response, enhancing the body’s ability to combat pathogens.

Reishi modulates the immune system and improves infection resistance through polysaccharides and triterpenes.

Turkey Tail is known for its polysaccharide-K (PSK), which significantly boosts immune function and effectively supports overall immune health.

Anti-Inflammatory

Chaga reduces inflammation and may help conditions like arthritis by inhibiting inflammatory mediators.

Reishi contains triterpenoids with potent anti-inflammatory properties and are beneficial for conditions such as allergies and asthma.

Cordyceps helps reduce inflammation, improving conditions such as asthma and arthritis through its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating effects.

Energy and Stamina

Cordyceps is renowned for enhancing physical performance and reducing fatigue by improving oxygen utilization and ATP production. This makes it particularly beneficial for athletes and individuals seeking to increase their energy levels and stamina.

Who Is Sacred 7 Mushroom Extract Powder For?

Health-Conscious Individuals

Sacred 7 mushroom extract powder is often taken by people seeking to naturally support their health and well-being. The various mushroom species in the blend are believed to offer a range of potential benefits for the immune system, cognitive function, energy levels, and more.

Supplement Enthusiasts

Those enthusiastic about incorporating dietary supplements into their routine may be interested. It provides a convenient way to consume the concentrated extracts of multiple medicinal mushrooms in one product.

Holistic Wellness Practitioners

Individuals who follow holistic or alternative approaches to wellness, such as herbalists or naturopaths, may recommend or use Sacred 7 mushroom extract powder as part of their practice or personal regimens.

Active Individuals

Some of the mushroom species in Sacred 7 blends, like Cordyceps, are thought to support physical energy, endurance, and stamina. As such, active individuals or athletes may take this supplement to potentially enhance their performance.

Individuals Focused on Cognitive Health

For those interested in cognitive health, it may offer mental clarity and focus benefits. The neuroprotective properties of certain mushrooms in the blend can support brain health and cognitive function.

Elderly Individuals

Older adults may find Sacred 7 mushroom extract powder helpful in supporting their immune function and vitality. As the immune system weakens with age, the natural boost from mushroom extracts can be beneficial.

My Experience With Sacred 7 Mushroom Extract Powder

It’s worth mentioning that I regularly take Nootrum, which is more highly dosed than Sacred 7 mushroom extract powder. So, I swapped out Nootrum for Sacred 7 and quickly missed my go-to mushroom supplement. Within a week, I noticed lowered energy levels and reduced mental clarity.

Regarding the taste, it’s not something most people will want to replace their morning coffee with, and it wasn’t one of the best powders I’ve tried for mixing, either.

It’s not as bad as some of the customer complaints, but compared to a good mushroom powder, it doesn’t hold up.

Customer Experiences: A Mixed Bag

While some users reported experiencing increased energy levels and a positive experience, many customers have voiced concerns about the product’s taste, mixability, and lack of noticeable effects. And I do have to agree with the taste issue.

Many Sacred 7 reviewers have complained that the mushroom powder is challenging to incorporate into beverages, often resulting in a gritty or unpalatable texture and not mixing well.

Additionally, some individuals have reported experiencing side effects, such as shakes, rashes, and allergic reactions, further casting doubt on the product’s quality and safety.

Interestingly, a closer inspection of the positive reviews reveals that many customers are primarily focused on the product containing the mushrooms’ fruiting bodies rather than the mycelium.

While this is important, the dosages in Sacred 7 are simply too low to be effective.

Sacred 7 Mushroom Extract Powder Side Effects

Sacred 7 mushroom extract powder is generally considered safe when taken as directed. I didn’t experience any adverse side effects when taking it.

However, like many dietary supplements, it can potentially cause side effects in some individuals.

Common side effects may include digestive issues such as gas, bloating, or stomach upset, especially with higher doses or if someone is sensitive to certain mushroom species.

There is also a small risk of allergic reactions, such as rash, itching, or difficulty breathing, for those allergic to any of the mushroom varieties.

Additionally, certain mushroom extracts in Sacred 7 powder could interact with some medications or affect blood sugar, blood pressure, or blood clotting.

For example, reishi may interact with blood thinners, maitake may lower blood sugar levels, and Chaga/cordyceps may increase bleeding risk.

Therefore, consult a doctor before taking this supplement, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking prescription drugs.

Sacred 7 Mushroom Extract Powder Alternatives

Nootrum Mushrooms

Nootrum Mushrooms is a much higher-yield extract with significantly higher concentrations of the active compounds found in these beneficial fungi. Its formulation is designed to provide meaningful doses of beta-glucans, lectins, triterpenoids, and polysaccharides, the key ingredients responsible for the myriad of health benefits of mushrooms.

To top it off, Nootrum offers a money-back guarantee, providing additional assurance for discerning consumers.

You can read my full Nootrum review for an in-depth breakdown.

MushGooms Gummies

MushGooms Gummies share the same formula as Nootrum, featuring cordyceps, reishi, shiitake, Lion’s mane, maitake, turkey tail, chaga, royal sun agaricus, white button, and black fungus mushroom extracts.

However, MushGooms Gummies are formulated as vegan-friendly, GMO-free, raspberry-flavored gummies, making them an excellent alternative for those who struggle with swallowing pills.

The trade-off is that MushGooms Gummies contain 10:1 extracts of each mushroom instead of the more potent 20:1 extracts found in Nootrum Mushrooms, making them a less concentrated option for those willing to take capsules and spend a bit more.

Summary

While Sacred 7 Mushroom Extract Powder contains a blend of seven popular medicinal mushrooms touted for their health benefits, the dosages of most mushroom extracts in this product are simply too low to be effective.

As a result, my experience lacked the expected energy, cognitive, and immunity-boosting effects.

Although affordable and third-party tested, the underdosed formula and issues with taste and mixability make Sacred 7 less compelling than alternative mushroom powder and gummy options that deliver more concentrated, properly dosed extracts.

Best Mushroom Supplement

Nootrum Mushrooms

A powerful mushroom blend for cognitive and health benefits and a potent 20:1 extract.

CHECK CURRENT DEALS
Nootrum Mushrooms

References

  1. Examine.com/chaga
  2. Examine.com/cordyceps
  3. Lai, P. L., Naidu, M., Sabaratnam, V., Wong, K. H., David, R. P., Kuppusamy, U. R., … & Malek, S. N. A. (2013). Neurotrophic properties of the Lion’s mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia. International journal of medicinal mushrooms, 15(6).
  4. Wu, J. Y., Siu, K. C., & Geng, P. (2021). Bioactive ingredients and medicinal values of Grifola frondosa (Maitake). Foods, 10(1), 95.
  5. Benzie, I. F. F., Wachtel-Galor, S., Yuen, J., & Buswell, J. A. (2011). Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi). Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, 49(3), 1137-1153.
  6. Rahman, M. A., Abdullah, N., & Aminudin, N. (2018). Lentinula edodes (shiitake mushroom): An assessment of in vitro anti-atherosclerotic bio-functionality. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 25(8), 1515-1523.
  7. Examine.com/turkey-tail-mushroom

Affiliate Disclosure:
The links provided may earn us a small commission at no additional cost to you if you choose to purchase the recommended product. This support allows our research and editorial team to continue providing high-quality recommendations. As a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising initiative, we are able to earn advertising fees through providing links to products on Amazon.com. Please rest assured that we only recommend high-quality products.

James de Lacey James is a professional strength & conditioning coach that works with professional and international level teams and athletes. He owns Sweet Science of Fighting, is a published scientific researcher and has completed his Masters in Sport & Exercise Science. He's combined my knowledge of research and experience to bring you the most practical bites to be applied to your combat training.