Top 6 medicinal properties of shiitake mushrooms for health

Shiitake mushrooms are not only a delicious and fragrant delicacy, but also a source of many nutrients that determine its health benefits.

This type of mushroom reduces the risk of developing dangerous cardiovascular and oncological diseases. He is also capable of Strengthen the immune system and directly fight pathogenic bacteria and viruses.

What kind of mushroom is this?

Shiitake (also known as lentinula edible or Japanese forest mushroom) is an edible mushroom that first began to be used for food and medicinal purposes in Japan and China many centuries ago.

At the moment, the mushroom is cultivated almost all over the globe. It grows in the wild on dead wood in Southeast Asia. In Russia, it lives on the trunks of dead trees in the Primorsky Territory.

Shiitake is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which determine its biological value. Since 1969, medicinal preparations based on it (Lentinan) have been manufactured in Japan.

Fresh and dried shiitake are widely used in East Asian cuisines. In Japan, they are served as part of miso soup . In Chinese cuisine, they are often stewed in vegetarian dishes.

How it is useful – 6 facts

Below are the 6 main beneficial properties of shiitake mushrooms (based on evidence).

1. Has a rich composition

The mushroom is rich in vitamins and minerals. In 100 grams of shiitake contains 234 calories, as well as the following nutrients:

The mushroom contains a lot of essential amino acids, which makes it close to animal protein.

Shiitake also contains a number of terpenoids, polysaccharides, sterols with antioxidant, immunostimulating and antitumor effects.

2. Reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases

Shiitake mushrooms have the ability to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. The therapeutic property is realized due to the following groups of substances:

1. Erythadenin. Blocks the work of enzymes responsible for the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver.
2. Sterols. Depressing reverse reabsorption of cholesterol from the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract.
3. Beta-glucans. Also slow down reverse absorption of cholesterol and accelerate its release into the intestine through the biliary tract.

Experiments on rodents demonstrate that the systematic inclusion of the fungus in the diet is associated with a decrease in blood cholesterol levels in mice and the absence of plaques on the walls of arterial vessels.

However, how underline Japanese scientists, the mushroom reduces not only total and "harmful" (LDL), but also "beneficial" (HDL) cholesterol.

Regular intake of mushrooms will prevent a number of diseases caused by the formation of atherosclerotic plaques due to increased cholesterol concentrations in the blood (stroke, myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease, chronic cerebral ischemia).

3. Strengthens the immune system

Research by Brazilian scientists demonstrate that the inclusion of dried shiitake in the diet can enhance the body's immune response to foreign agents, as well as weaken the activity of chronic inflammation.

Acting in different directions, the fungus increases the body's resistance to the introduction of infectious agents and inhibits the production of inflammatory markers. It provides well-coordinated work of the immune system , prevents various failures in its operation.

Chinese experts recommend use the mushroom to prevent age-related decrease in immunity.

4. Fighting cancer

The polysaccharides included in the mushroom demonstrate pronounced antitumor properties.

In particular, the polysaccharide lentinan enhances the production of immune cells that cause the capture and death of malignantly degenerated cells.

The substance is lentinan showed good results in terms of blocking the growth and metastasis of malignant processes in the body.

5. It has an antimicrobial effect

Numerous studies ( 1 , 2 ) found that shiitake has a pronounced antimicrobial potential.

It not only stimulates the production of immune cells when an infection is introduced into the body, but also directly interacts with bacteria and viruses, causing the destruction of their walls and death. There is little effectiveness against fungi.

6. Strengthens bones

Shiitake mushroom is a valuable plant source of vitamin D. This vitamin is necessary for maintaining bone mineral density .

Vitamin D regulates the flow of metabolic substances in the bones, promotes the construction of new "skeleton" elements.

Research by Korean specialists show that low levels of vitamin D in the body inevitably lead to the development of osteoporosis.

It is recommended to include shiitake in the diet of the elderly, as well as women after menopause. Such categories most often develop osteoporosis, which is the leading cause of bone fractures.

Contraindications and harm

Shiitake is considered a safe product. However, in rare cases, it can be harmful to health, as side effects may develop.

The most common adverse reactions are:

1. Photosensitization. Frequent consumption of the mushroom increases the sensitivity of the skin and mucous membranes to sunlight. As a result, with prolonged exposure to the sun, there may be hyperemia and swelling of the skin, the appearance of burns.
2. Allergic reactions. Are usually caused by sensitization of the body to leptinan and are characterized exclusively by skin manifestations (urticaria, dermatitis).

The fungus, despite the abundance of purines in the composition, does not worsen the course of urolithiasis and does not cause exacerbations of gout. On the contrary, studies show the opposite effect.

Reception methods

Shiitake is commonly used in two forms: as food products and as biologically active additives.

Both fresh and dried mushrooms are widely used in cooking. When dried, they have a brighter taste and aroma.

The product can be prepared in various ways: fry, boil, stew, salted and pickled.

As a food supplement, shiitake is commonly used in Chinese and Japanese folk medicine.

When using fresh (or freshly frozen mushrooms), preliminary preparation is recommended. To do this, it is recommended to fill them with warm water and leave them in this state for several hours. Then clean it up.

Below we will look at several popular cooking recipes.

1. Boiled shiitake

You will need:

• 1,000 grams of mushrooms;
• 200 ml of water.
• To taste – garlic and dill seeds.

Cooking scheme:

1. Place the mushrooms (preferably whole) in an enameled saucepan. Add water.
2. Bring to a boil and simmer for 20-35 minutes. 5 minutes before the end of cooking, add the chopped garlic and dill seeds.
3. The dish is ready.

2. Fried mushrooms

Ingredients:

• 400 grams of shiitake;
• 2 tbsp olive oil;
• ½ medium-sized onions;
• 1 small carrot;
• 4-5 tbsp sour cream.

Recipe:

1. Cut the mushrooms (cap separately, legs in half).
2. Cut the onion into half rings, carrots into cubes.
3. Preheat the pan, add vegetable oil.
4. Lay out the mushrooms and vegetables. Fry over medium heat for about 15 minutes.
5. Add sour cream, stir, cook for about 5 more minutes on low heat.
6. The dish is ready.

Fried shiitake is perfectly combined with seafood, meat or fish, pasta.

3. Tincture

Shiitake powder is required to prepare the tincture. It can be obtained independently from dried mushrooms or purchased in stores.

Main ingredients:

• 10 grams or 6.5 teaspoons of powder;
• 500 ml of vodka or 40-degree alcohol.

Preparation:

1. Add powder to any glass container, pour vodka.
2. Density close the lid.
3. Put in any dark cool place for 14-16 days. Direct sunlight should be avoided.
4. After 2 weeks, strain the drink. Subsequently, store in the refrigerator.

It is recommended to take 1-2 tsp. 2 times a day (morning and evening) 35-40 minutes before meals. The course is 1 month. Then it is recommended to take a break (at least 1-2 weeks).

It is advisable to consult a doctor if you want to continue taking it.

Tincture is commonly used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood and prevent the development of cancer.

Conclusion

1. Thus, shiitake combines a variety of vitamins and minerals, as well as plant substances with antioxidant activity.
2. It reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular and oncological diseases, strengthens the immune system and fights viruses and bacteria.
3. The mushroom also supports bone strength, preventing the appearance of fractures.
4. With proper use and consideration of possible side effects, the product will be extremely beneficial.