Compounds discovered in the Shiitake mushroom have incredible potential in the effective treatment of cancer, HIV, and high cholesterol and blood pressure.
Compounds discovered in the Shiitake mushroom have incredible potential in the effective treatment of cancer, HIV, and high cholesterol and blood pressure.
The Shiitake mushroom, a symbol of longevity in Asia, has been used by the Chinese for over 6,000 years, both medicinally and as a culinary staple. It features in the Asian diet as a prominent source of protein, and extracts from the mushroom are used as to treat various health conditions. Recent years have seen the Shiitake mushroom gaining popularity worldwide, both as a delicious culinary addition and as a health-boosting supplement.
Shiitake Mushrooms are a Healthy Choice
The term 'shiitake' comes from the words 'shii' and 'take', 'shii' being the variety of tree these mushrooms were first cultivated on, and 'take' meaning tree. Mushrooms are neither vegetable nor herb (though often mistakenly classified as such) but rather a type of fungi; a living organism that has no roots, leaves, flowers, or seeds.
Shiitake mushrooms are an excellent protein substitute for vegetarians. They are very popular source of protein in China, Japan, and other parts of Asia. In addition to supplying protein, Shiitake mushrooms are an excellent source of selenium, and a good source of iron, fiber, and vitamins A, B, B3 (Niacin), B12, C, and D. They also contain all 8 of the amino acids.
Ads by Google
Mushroom Extracts Maitake, Reishi, Agaricus, Coriolus Cordyceps, Lion's Mane, Ships Free www.FlushItSolutions.com
Toronto WeightCare Clinic Weightloss - Now OHIP Covered! Dr. David A. Macklin MD CCFP www.WeightCare.ca
In texture, the Shiitake mushrooms have a similar consistency to meat, and impart a rich and somewhat smoky flavor. The mushrooms are excellent as an addition to soups and stir-frys and even as a stand-in for meat in main dishes.
Shiitake Mushrooms and Lentinan
But this great nutritional profile is not the Shiitake's claim to fame. There's even more that's been recently discovered about this mushroom.
An active compound discovered in the Shiitake called lentinan has been linked to several amazing health benefits. Lentinan is a polysaccharide, specifically a type of beta-glucan. The health benefits of lentinan can be received simply by eating the mushroom, but lentinan can also extracted from the mushroom and used to treat various health conditions.
Lentinan can give an extra boost to the immune system, increasing ones ability to fight off infection and diseases. Studies have proven that lentinan from Shiitake mushrooms is more effective than prescription drugs at fighting off viruses like influenza. Lentinan extract has been proven to stimulate the body to produce antibodies, thereby even aiding in boosting the immune systems of those suffering from HIV.
When given to patients as an injection, an extract of lentinan has been proven to have cancer-fighting properties. Research has proved that lentinan can actually work to shrink cancerous tumors. Additionally, it has been proven to actually help prevent damage caused to the chromosomes by anti-cancer drugs. It continues to be used in cancer therapy and AIDS research.
Other Healthy Compounds found in the Shiitake Mushroom
Lentinan alone is enough reason to take note of these mushrooms, but there's more! Another active compound called eritadenine has been proven to lower cholesterol. Eritadenine is effective no matter the source of the cholesterol, and was especially effective when Shiitakes were eaten in conjunction with high-cholesterol foods. Couple this research with the fact that mushrooms are themselves a cholesterol-free food and this makes shiitake mushrooms an excellent option for those looking to reduce the amount of cholesterol in their diet.
All mushrooms contain an antioxidant known as L-ergothioneine, with Shiitake mushrooms among the top for content. When tested, mushrooms were found to have an even higher content of this powerful antioxidant than previously recognized sources like chicken liver and wheat germ.
Last but not least, Shiitake mushrooms contain large amounts of interferons, a natural protein that reacts against viruses, bacteria, and cancerous cells in the body and actually inhibits the replication of these enemy cells.
It would be remiss not to mention that Shiitakes do contain a substance known as purines, which break down to form uric acid and, when consumed in excess, can cause problems for those who have issues with gout or kidney stones. In those rare cases it's best to avoid eating large amounts of Shiitake mushrooms.
Due to the recent research, Shiitake mushrooms are now cultivated worldwide and readily available in local supermarkets. As a nutrient-dense, cancer-fighting, cholesterol-lowering, immune-building food, they make an excellent addition to the diet.
Sources:
whfoods.com, "Mushrooms, Shiitake" (July 13, 2010)
healthcastle.com, "Benefits of Shiitake: Lowers Cholesterol and Combats HIV" (July 1e, 2010)
naturalmushrooms.com, "Shiitake Mushroom Health Benefits" (July 13, 2010)
elements4health.com, "The Health Benefits of Shiitake Mushrooms" (July 14, 2010)
diet-and-health.net, "Health Benefits of Shiitake Mushrooms" (July 14, 2010)
herbs2000.com, "Shiitake" (July 14, 2010)
vitalitymagazine.com, "Shiitake Mushrooms - Prized by Herbalists and Chefs" (July 14, 2010)
Jul 15, 2010 Sarah Lantz
No comments:
Post a Comment