Mushrooms have become increasingly popular in recent years for their potential health benefits. Two of the most well-known mushroom supplement brands on the market are Stamets 7 and MyCommunity.
But how do you decide which one is best for you? This comprehensive guide examines the key differences between Stamets 7 and MyCommunity, including ingredients, purported benefits, and quality.
A Brief Comparison Table
Product | Stamets 7 | MyCommunity |
Number of Mushroom Species | 7 | 1 (Lion’s Mane) |
Ingredients | Reishi, Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Shiitake, Maitake, Turkey Tail | Lion’s Mane mycelium |
Form | Capsules | Liquid tincture |
Extraction Method | Hot water extracted mycelium powder | Hot water extracted mycelium liquid |
Dosage | 3 capsules per day | 1 dropper (30 drops) 1-3 times per day |
Certifications | USDA Organic | None |
Price | $$$ | $$ |
Potential Benefits | Immunity, gut health, mental clarity, memory, focus, antioxidant protection, anti-inflammatory effects | Cognitive function, memory, nerve growth and regeneration, anxiety and depression relief |
What Is Stamets 7?
Stamets 7 is a blend of 7 medicinal mushrooms created by renowned mycologist Paul Stamets. The ingredients include:
- Reishi
- Cordyceps
- Lion’s Mane
- Chaga
- Shiitake
- Maitake
- Turkey Tail
These mushrooms were specially selected by Paul Stamets for their synergistic benefits. According to him, the combination of these 7 mushrooms helps maximize neurological, immune, and gut health.
Stamets 7 uses extracts from the mushroom mycelium – the underground root-like structure of the mushroom. The supplements come in capsule form and are USDA certified organic, kosher, and gluten-free.
Potential Benefits
Specific benefits attributed to Stamets 7 include:
- Boosts immune function
- Supports cognitive health and memory
- Improves mental clarity and focus
- Enhances neuroplasticity and nerve growth
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Stress and anxiety relief
- Antioxidant protection
- Digestive and gut health support
These wide-ranging benefits are thanks to the diverse medicinal compounds found in each mushroom species. While more research is still needed, preliminary studies show that mushroom extracts like those found in Stamets 7 may offer neuroprotective, immunomodulating, and anti-cancer effects.
Also Read: RYZE Vs. OM Mushroom Coffee: Which Is Better?
What Is MyCommunity?
MyCommunity takes a different approach to mushroom supplements. Rather than a blend of mushrooms, it contains a single mushroom species – the Lion’s Mane mushroom. The supplements feature Lion’s Mane mycelium grown on organic brown rice andextracted into an alcohol-free liquid tincture.
According to the makers of MyCommunity, Lion’s Mane was chosen as the sole ingredient because of its outstanding benefits for brain health, focus, memory, and nerve growth.
Potential Benefits
Specific benefits linked to Lion’s Mane mushroom include:
- Enhances focus, memory, and cognitive function
- Stimulates nerve growth factor (NGF)
- Supports neuron health and regeneration
- Improves mild cognitive impairment
- Reduces anxiety and depression
- Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating effects
Thanks to its high levels of bioactive compounds like hericenones and erinacines, Lion’s Mane shows particular promise for supporting brain and nervous system health.
While MyCommunity has a narrower range of benefits than the blended Stamets 7, some feel that concentrating the full power of one exceptional mushroom is most effective.
How Do They Compare?
Now that we’ve looked at Stamets 7 and MyCommunity individually, let’s compare some key factors:
Ingredients
- Stamets 7 contains 7 mushroom species
- MyCommunity contains 1 species – Lion’s Mane
Form
- Stamets 7 uses hot water extracted mycelium powder in capsules
- MyCommunity uses alcohol-free liquid mycelium tincture
Dosage
- Stamets 7 – 3 capsules per day
- MyCommunity – 30 drops (1 full dropper) 1-3 times daily
Certifications
- Stamets 7 is USDA organic certified
- MyCommunity is not certified organic
Price
- Stamets 7 – $$$
- MyCommunity – $$
Stamets 7 has a more complex blend of mushrooms while MyCommunity zones in on just Lion’s Mane. Both provide hot water extracted liquid mycelium, but Stamets 7 is in capsule form while MyCommunity uses an alcohol-free tincture.
Dosages differ as well, with Stamets 7 recommending 3 capsules once per day while MyCommunity suggests 1 dropper 1-3 times per day. Only Stamets 7 boasts official USDA organic certification.
In terms of cost, Stamets 7 falls into the premium price range ($$$) while MyCommunity is more moderately priced ($$).
Also Read: Is Mountain House Pro Pak Better Than Regular?
Which Should You Choose?
So which mushroom supplement is right for you – Stamets 7 or MyCommunity? Here are some factors to consider:
Your main health goals
- If you want wide-ranging benefits for immunity, gut health, mental clarity, and more – Stamets 7 is a good choice.
- If brain health and nerve regeneration are your top priorities – go with MyCommunity and its high dose of cognition-enhancing Lion’s Mane.
Convenience
- Stamets 7 capsules may be more convenient for those who don’t like the taste of tinctures.
- MyCommunity tincture may suit those looking for fast absorption without the need for water.
Organic preference
- If you prefer certified organic products, Stamets 7 fits the bill.
- MyCommunity is not certified, though it states it uses organic mycelium.
Budget
- If budget it a major factor, MyCommunity provides excellent value at a moderate price point.
- Stamets 7 costs more but does provide a wider spectrum of mushrooms.
As you can see, there are good arguments to be made for both products. It comes down to individual needs and preferences. Some may even find taking both Stamets 7 and MyCommunity in tandem provides the perfect mushroom powerhouse combo!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Both the mushroom fruiting body and the mycelium contain beneficial bioactive compounds. However, some research suggests the diversity and concentration of beneficial compounds may be higher in the mycelium. Both MyCommunity and Stamets 7 use mycelium.
Stamets 7 provides wide-ranging benefits thanks to its blend of 7 mushrooms. It may support brain health, immunity, digestion, energy levels, stress response, and more.
Some believe fermenting may help break down chitin and boost absorption of beneficial compounds. However, hot water extraction as used by both Stamets 7 and MyCommunity is also highly effective and bioavailable.
Paul Stamets believes mycelium contains an exceptional profile of bioactive compounds and yields a highly concentrated, bioavailable supplement. Fruiting bodies require a much larger mass to obtain the same potency.
Also Read: Comparison Between Ka’chava And Vega.
The Bottom Line
Stamets 7 and MyCommunity take different approaches to mushroom supplementation, but both offer science-backed wellness benefits. Stamets 7 provides a spectrum of medicinal mushrooms while MyCommunity concentrates the power of cognition-enhancing Lion’s Mane.
Consider your individual health needs and product preferences to decide which is the best match for you. Or take both to maximize the synergistic benefits of mushrooms!