A Guide To The Health Benefits Of Shiitake Mushrooms

Growing up, you probably weren’t exactly keen on mushrooms. Squishy brown fungus? No thanks, mom! Most adults looking to reduce or eliminate meat from their diet turn to mushrooms like shiitake. While they don’t contain a hefty dose of protein, they aren’t completely void of it either. Plus, they add a savory taste that’s perfect for mimicking the flavor of beef. Not only do mushrooms like shiitake taste great, but they also provide medicinal properties for supporting different bodily functions. Modern western science has only recently started to catch up with studies to document the benefits. Let’s take a look at the health benefits of shiitake mushrooms and everything else you need to know about adding them to your diet or consuming them in supplement form. What are Shiitake Mushrooms? Shiitake mushrooms (scientific name Lentinula edodes) grow naturally throughout East Asia in countries like China, Korea, Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam. Travel to one of these places and you’ll find shiitakes as a staple ingredient in pho, miso soup, and vegetarian stir-fries.

Traditional Chinese and Japanese medicines have taken advantage of the health benefits of shiitake for centuries as a remedy for reducing mucous and supporting blood flow. Although most shiitake mushrooms are still grown in Japan, many farms large and small grow Shiitake throughout North America. In their natural habitat, you may find shiitakes growing on fallen hardwood trees. Most of the health benefits of shiitake mushrooms come from their extensive nutritional profile. Since they’re low in calories and contain similar amino acids to red meat, shiitakes make an excellent substitute for meat - especially when combined with other veggie protein sources. In addition to fiber, shiitake mushrooms provide nice doses of vital minerals that aren’t easy to find in other food sources. Four shiitake mushrooms will give you 39% of your daily recommended amount of copper, 33% of your recommended B5, and 10% of your suggested selenium. If shiitake mushrooms are grown under special UV lights, they’ll also provide a nice dose of vitamin D - which is virtually impossible to find in food sources.

To top it off, shiitakes also contain special compounds studied for their role in supporting the immune system and defending against cancer: lipids, sterols, terpenoids, and polysaccharides. How Can You Take Shiitake? To enjoy the health benefits of shiitake through your diet, you can purchase either dried or fresh shiitake mushrooms. The dried varieties tend to be more savory than fresh, although can be a bit leathery. You can also consume shiitake mushrooms as a supplement in capsule or powder form. You could add the powder to teas and smoothies or even use it to create broth for soups. Most people consume the equivalent of three to eight shiitake mushrooms each day through supplements, which is generally safe without any side effects. As with any supplement, it might makes sense to first talk to your doctor or health practitioner about an appropriate use and dosage. Shiitake mushrooms aren’t just a tasty addition to your soups and stir-fries.

There are also several health benefits of shiitake you can enjoy from adding them to your diet or consuming them as a supplement. Remember that western research into medicinal mushrooms is in its infancy. Here’s what science tells us about the benefits right now. When it comes to activating the immune system, the modest shiitake mushroom is pretty powerful. If you have almost any concerns relating to where as well as how you can use manufacturer of shiitake mushroom extract powder as Raw Material for drinks, you are able to email us at our own page. That’s why folks with autoimmune disorders might want to be careful when consuming shiitakes: they can cause symptoms to flare up. Research shows that the polysaccharides in shiitake may support the immune system to help it fend off disease and illness. Not only that, but much of the immune-boosting support in shiitakes comes from their nice dose of zinc. Zinc helps the body fight infections and oxidative stress while warding away age-related diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost 30% of all Americans suffer from high blood pressure. 5) Chronic high blood pressure is dangerous because it can lead to stroke, heart attacks, and even aneurysms.