In the latest episode of "Unbreakable with Jay Glazer," former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and Umbo co-founder Rashad Evans discusses the profound impact that functional mushrooms have had on his mental and physical health, particularly after his UFC career. He talks about his journey into the mushroom business with Jake Plummer, emphasizing the cognitive and neurological benefits of mushrooms like Lion's Mane, Cordyceps, and Turkey Tail. Evans shares his personal experiences with brain health concerns and how functional mushrooms helped him regain mental clarity and overall wellness.

Transitioning out of fighting

Speaking on transitioning from fighting and dealing with personal challenges, he remarked, "What could I tell other fighters now, like the younger guys or any athlete, based on what I’ve been through, you know, I’ll tell them to enjoy it. Enjoy every single minute of it."

Being introduced to functional mushrooms

Evans shares how he was introduced to functional mushrooms and how they significantly impacted his mental and physical health. He describes his initial skepticism but eventually embraced the benefits after personal experiences. Evans shares personal anecdotes about his journey with mushrooms, highlighting specific instances where they played a pivotal role in his recovery and mental clarity. He mentions how incorporating these mushrooms into his routine has been transformative.

The benefits of mushrooms for mental health

Discussing the therapeutic effects of mushrooms, Rashad said, "Once I started using the stack [of functional mushrooms], I started feeling so much better, like my mental clarity came back... It kind of removed a lot of the fog."

Evans emphasizes the positive effects of functional mushrooms on mental health. He talks about how they helped him manage stress and anxiety, contributing to overall mental wellness. This aligns with his mission to promote mental health awareness, especially among athletes.

Physical recovery and performance

The former UFC champion explains how functional mushrooms aid in physical recovery. They help reduce inflammation, boost the immune system, and enhance overall physical performance, which is crucial for athletes undergoing rigorous training and competitions.

On the impact of functional mushrooms, Rashad explained, "[Unlike psilocybin, which is illegal,] functional mushrooms are legal, but they have such tremendous effect."

Advocacy and Education

Beyond personal use, Evans is passionate about educating others on the benefits of functional mushrooms. He advocates for their use in sports and everyday life, aiming to break the stigma and promote a natural approach to health and wellness.

Listen to the whole episode here.