Shiitake Mushroom Benefits

Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) are highly nutritious and highly medicinal. They may provide more natural copper than any other vegetable, for healthy blood vessels and immune support. They are also a rich source of selenium. Shitake mushrooms provide as much as 39% of daily copper and 33% of daily vitamin B5. They also contain many of the same amino acids as meat.

They are rich in beta-glucans and polysaccharides that help stimulate white blood cell production, activate natural killer (NK) cells, and support overall immune defence. They are recognised as a biological response modifier, adjusting the immune system activity as required.

Shitake mushrooms contain eritadenine, a compound that helps lower blood cholesterol levels by accelerating how the body excretes cholesterol.

Lentinan in shitake mushrooms help reduce intestinal inflammation, supports the gut barrier, and promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Lentinan has been shown to inhibit the growth and spread of leukaemia cells. In China and Japan, an injectable form of lentinan is used alongside chemotherapy and other major cancer treatments to improve immune function and quality of life in people with certain cancers. A 2009 study showed that lentinan may be effective for treating advanced pancreatic cancer. Another recent study indicates that lentinan may be effective for treating skin cancers by inducing apoptosis or cell death in skin carcinoma cells. Another recent study showed that people with advanced gastric cancers may live longer when treated with lentinan, alongside other cancer treatments.

Bioactive compounds show potential in lab studies for fighting off certain viruses (like hepatitis B) and microbial agents.

Renowned for their adaptogenic properties, these mushrooms aid the body in adapting to different stressors, interacting with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis to stabilise cortisol levels stress and facilitate the restoration of balance in the body.

In a 2011 study, Shiitake mushrooms were shown to help lower the severity of arthritis. A 2018 study also noted its inherent alkalizing effect could help reduce uric acid crystals from depositing in the joints. Shiitake achieves this by increasing the amount of uric acid the body removes through urination.

Traditionally, Shitake mushrooms have been used medicinally for heart health, high cholesterol, immune disorders, cancers, arthritis, bone health, gut health, weight management, diabetes, pancreatic health, skin health, inflammation, liver support, improved white blood cell production, anti-aging, colds, flus, poor circulation, vasoconstriction, gout, rheumatism, eye disease, acute infections and much more.

Raw or undercooked shiitake can trigger shiitake dermatitis (a distinct rash); always cook them thoroughly.

Avoid if you have a known mushroom allergy.

Wow!!!! What a yummy way to eat for wellness.