Wellgard is a wellbeing brand founded in 2016, with a variety of clinically proven supplements. All products are made in the UK, and the ingredients used in their products are simple, clean and backed by science. The company is part of the Bayagan Group, founded by Yousaf Sekander, its an organisation with a diverse group of companies in the wellbeing and beauty industry, including Swiftwhite and Procoal. The Bayagan Group has built a strong portfolio of brands and follows the emerging market trends, and taps into new opportunities. Wellgard’s philosophy is “Clinically Proven Formulas. Maximum Results.” It all started, when they noticed that some of the products in the supplement sector were either severely marked up or with exaggerated benefits. This is where they’ve strived to create beneficial supplements for their customers that are proven, and also come with prices that are not inflated, and has subsequently led to their online-only presence with a direct to customer sales model. Wellgard’s products are certified organic, pesticide-free, non-GMO and highly concentrated with many active compounds. They also ensure that every part of their packaging is 100% recyclable to ensure the smallest possible impact on the environment.
Wellgard’s latest product, the Gold Standard Vital Mushrooms Powder 100% Organic, Blend of 6 Extracts, includes the world’s six most treasured mushrooms, and as they say, this extract is to help one “feel sharper, more focused, and ready to take on the day, every day.” First and foremost, they are keen to point out it is not a ‘mushroom powder, it’s a mushroom extract powder’. Mushroom powders and mushroom extract powders are not the same thing. It’s because 100kg of harvested mushrooms yields 10kg of mushroom powder. In contrast, 100kg of harvested mushrooms produces just 1kg of mushroom extract. Therefore, this is a highly concentrated extract.
All six mushrooms used have a long history of traditional use and increasing scientific evidence on their effectiveness and benefits for overall health and wellbeing. Organic shiitake mushroom is the first ingredient listed. This type of mushroom extract is known to support the immune system, and boost white blood cells to fight off microbes plus protect against cell damage. Organic lion’s mane mushroom is known to relieve mild symptoms of depression and anxiety and help as an anti-inflammatory. Organic cordyceps mushroom boost performance and energy levels and is used in traditional Chinese medicine to soothe the lung for fatigue or any respiratory diseases. The organic chaga mushroom helps immune health and is a rich source of antioxidants. Organic maitake mushroom reduces cholesterol, maintains blood sugar, and also supports immune function. Finally, the organic reishi mushroom is the sixth mushroom, used to improving sleep, lessening fatigue, and supporting the body with physical and mental stress. With all these 6 mushroom blends, it offers over 100 biologically active compounds. It’s important to point out that this mushroom extract powder is non-GMO, gluten-free, and free from irradiation. Plus, it is free from fillers, soy, preservatives, binders, and chemicals. It’s 100% organic!
The benefits of mushrooms are countless. This mushroom extract powder supports immune health, enhances brain function, boosts energy, reduces anxiety, and even slows ageing. Wellgard claims that their Vital Mushroom Powder contains five times more active compounds than other mushroom powders and is higher in quality and richer in critical active compounds, such as polysaccharides, beta-glucans, and triterpenes. The formula is very concentrated and potent. Therefore, the daily serving is just 1 gram (recommended daily serving) and has five times the amount of active compounds containing 300mg polysaccharides; these provide dietary fibre that helps the digestive system and supports healthy gut flora. This mushroom complex is manufactured in a registered, approved, inspected state-of-the-art facility, with strict adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Each batch is 3rd Party Tested for Quality, Purity, and Potency.
What we love about this mushroom extract powder is that it’s easily dissolvable and can be added to nearly any food or drink (either cold or hot), and it’s so versatile. We’ve added mushroom extract powder to coffee, smoothies, and soups. It has a very mild and slightly umami taste (a fifth basic taste alongside sour, sweet, bitter, and salty) making it easy to add to almost any recipe. Therefore, this mushroom extract powder can be used to enhance stir-fries, stews or pasta adding a new depth of flavour without being overpowering. In fact, we’ve even experimented with using it in a batch of chocolate brownies (chocolate and mushrooms extract are an excellent combination) which were delicious!