Our mushrooms are extracts because they go through a hot water extraction process called decoction. This process separates beneficial compounds such as triterpenoids (antioxidants) and fungal beta-glucans (prebiotic fibers). All of these compounds are then combined in our mushroom powders.
If you were to consume these mushrooms whole (which we don't recommend!), your digestive system wouldn't be able to effectively separate these compounds to allow your body to take full advantage of them. This is why the extraction process is key.