Four Sigmatic has been exploding in popularity recently. A number of YouTube and Instagram influencers have been promoting their products, and we can see why.
Four Sigmatic began in Finland, where adaptogenic mushrooms such as Lion’s Mane and Chaga have been enhancing diets for many years. They have long been used as a coffee substitute or replacement, but the company has recently begun branching out further.
The mushroom protein powder is unflavored, making it an ideal addition to any smoothie. The company also recommends adding the protein powder to shakes and pancakes for an additional protein hit. It is a plant-based protein, certified organic, and gluten-free.
Each serving has 2 grams of added sugar and the product has been rigorously tested in the laboratory. Every serving will supply you with 18 grams of plant protein from 7 different adaptogens and mushrooms.
What are the ingredients in the protein powder?
Organic, plant-based protein
As we have mentioned already, each serving of the Four Sigmatic protein gives you 18 grams of protein. The protein comes from 5 different sources from 4 different continents. These are hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, coconuts, and peas. They come from Europe, South America, Southeast Asia, and the USA.
Organic Chaga mushroom
Each serving of the protein powder will give you 200 mg of Chaga mushroom. This was one of the original coffee substitutes in Finland during World War II where coffee beans were in short supply. Four Sigmatic sources their Chaga from naturally occurring deposits on birch trees.
Chaga mushrooms have been used for many years in Siberia and Asia as an immunity booster. They contain a lot of antioxidants and can help to reduce symptoms of inflammation. The mushrooms promote the growth of cytokines, a specialized protein that helps to regulate the immune system and fight off harmful bacteria.
Organic Lion’s Mane mushroom
Each serving of the protein powder will give you 200 mg of Lion’s Mane mushroom. The Lion’s Mane is sourced from fruiting bodies on wood. They are relatively large and have a shaggy, white appearance.
Studies suggest that consuming Lion’s Mane could help to protect against dementia and may alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. The mushrooms are believed to help nervous system injuries recover faster and can reduce the development of digestive tract ulcers.
Lion’s Mane is said to reduce the risk of developing heart disease and can help to manage the symptoms of diabetes.
Organic Reishi mushroom
Each serving of the protein powder will give you 200 mg of Reishi mushroom. This is sourced from linden logs and is very high-quality. It is nativenatice to Asia and has long been a staple element in Eastern medicine.
Consuming Reishi mushrooms can help to boost your immune system by increasing the number and power of white blood cells. It is believed to be a cancer-fighting food and alleviates fatigue and depressive symptoms.
They may help to increase levels of HDL cholesterol (also known as ‘good’ cholesterol). They can help to decrease and stabilize blood sugar levels.
Organic Cordyceps mushroom
Each serving of the protein powder will give you 200 mg of Cordyceps mushroom. This is naturally found on caterpillars in the wild, but Four Sigmatic grows 100% vegan and cruelty-free Cordyceps for their protein powder.
Cordyceps mushrooms are believed to increase the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) in the body, a molecule that supplies energy to your muscle tissue. Cordyceps have traditionally been used for their anti-aging properties. It is thought that they can fight fatigue, boost your strength, and even increase your libido.
There is some evidence to suggest that Cordyceps mushrooms can slow the growth of tumors and help to manage the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes. There is preliminary evidence to suggest that Cordyceps mushrooms can have benefits for your heart too. In China, the mushrooms have government approval to treat arrhythmias, when the heartbeat is irregular.
Cordyceps can also decrease the levels of LDL (‘bad’) cholesterol. It is said to decrease inflammation in the body and it is suggested that it will eventually have medicinal approval.
Organic Turkey Tail mushroom
Each serving of the protein powder will give you 200 mg of Turkey Tail mushroom. This is grown on wood for a pure source of the mushroom properties. They are packed full of antioxidants, making them a fantastic way to support your immune system.
The mushrooms also contain a lot of polysaccaropeptides – protein-bound carbohydrates. These are believed to help boost your immune system by suppressing inflammatory responses and inhibiting immune cells.
It is believed to be useful as a complementary form of cancer treatment, alongside chemotherapy. Turkey tail mushrooms also contain a lot of prebiotics, which help to maintain the balance of bacteria in your gut microbiome. This is vital to your overall health.
Organic Ashwagandha
Each serving of the protein powder will give you 250 mg of Ashwagandha. This is an ancient Ayurvedic herb that is known as an adaptogen. This means that it can help your body to manage symptoms of stress.
It has been proven to reduce your blood sugar levels and increase insulin secretion. There is evidence to suggest that it can impede the growth of cancer cells and can be an effective complementary cancer treatment.
Organic Eleuthero
Each serving of the protein powder will give you 250 mg of Eleuthero. This is an Asian herb also known as Siberian ginseng. It too is an adaptogen and can help with the management of stress and associated symptoms.
It is believed to help relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression, and prevent heart disease. Certain studies have shown the herb to boost energy levels, metabolism, and physical endurance. Additionally, there is some evidence to suggest that it can regulate your blood sugar levels.
Other ingredients
The other ingredients found in Four Sigmatic’s protein powder are mainly sweeteners and flavorings. They include organic coconut palm sugar, organic lucuma, pink Himalayan salt, organic cinnamon, and organic monk fruit.
