Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) are an edible fungus native to East Asia, predominantly found in the mountainous regions of China, Japan, and Korea. You’re likely familiar with shiitake mushrooms through...
Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) are an edible fungus native to East Asia, predominantly found in the mountainous regions of China, Japan, and Korea.
You’re likely familiar with shiitake mushrooms through their widespread use in Asian cuisine. They are among the most popular and widely consumed mushrooms globally, prized for their rich, savory taste and chewy texture.
Aside from their culinary appeal, shiitake mushrooms have long been known for their remarkable health benefits. In traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine, they have been used for centuries to treat various ailments and boost overall health.
Recently, shiitake mushrooms have been proven to contribute to a healthy lifestyle through modern scientific research.
But how exactly do shiitake mushrooms have these remarkable health benefits? Continue reading below to find out.
One of the most well-documented health benefits of shiitake mushrooms is their ability to support and enhance the immune system.
They contain a unique polysaccharide called lentinan, which has been shown to stimulate the activity of immune cells. These immune cells include macrophages, T-cells, and natural killer (NK) cells.
All of these cells play a crucial role in the body’s defense against infections and diseases.
In 2015, a study showed that consuming shiitake mushrooms regularly improved immune function and reduced inflammation.
It turns out that shiitake mushrooms also have anticancer properties. The lentinan, as mentioned earlier, has been shown to inhibit tumor growth and improve survival rates in animal studies.
Not only that but lentinan has also been approved as a supplement for cancer therapy in Japan.
Another compound found in shiitake mushrooms, ergothioneine, has demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
How does that prevent cancer? Well, it’s thought that high levels of inflammation and free radicals put one at a higher risk of cancer.
In fact, a 2010 study showed that women with a high intake of ergothioneine had a significantly lower risk of developing breast cancer.
Not just the heart but cardiovascular health in general. That’s because shiitake mushrooms are a rich source of dietary fiber, which has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.
Shiitake mushrooms also contain a compound called eritadenine, which has been found to lower blood pressure and inhibit the formation of blood clots. This can help prevent cardiovascular events like strokes and heart attacks.
On top of that, shiitake mushrooms are a good source of potassium, an essential mineral that helps regulate blood pressure and supports proper heart function.
Most people know that vitamin D is easy to get from the sun. Yet, in many places, the sun doesn’t shine as brightly or often to maintain a good vitamin D level.
Yet, vitamin D is crucial for maintaining strong bones and preventing osteoporosis.
Shiitake mushrooms are one of the few natural plant-based sources of this vital nutrient. When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, the ergosterol in shiitake mushrooms converts to vitamin D2, which is then absorbed and utilized by the body.
The easiest and most effective way to get the health-boosting effects of shiitake mushrooms is by using a spagyric extract. A spagyric extract makes a well-balanced, pure, and potent extraction of functional mushrooms like shiitake.
The best spagyric tincture is Micro Soul’s Mushroom Booster. This tincture contains a mixture of many medicinal mushrooms, including shiitake.
That means that you’ll get not only the health benefits of shiitake, but other functional mushrooms as well.
Head over to Micro Soul and add the Mushroom Booster to your daily wellness routine for maximum functional mushroom benefit.
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