Mushrooms

Mushrooms are the earth’s most delectable nutrient which have bursting with number of health benefits. ^[1] It is estimated that out of 700 varieties of commonly consumed mushroom, 30 percent may possess a number of health benefits on some level. ^[1] Edible mushrooms are widely consumed for culinary purpose particularly in Chinese, Japanese and European cuisines. Mushrooms possess good nutritional values; they are rich in fiber, vitamins such as vitamin B1, B2, B3, biotin, vitamin C; some mushrooms contains vitamin D. Mushrooms are also good source of essential minerals like selenium, potassium and phosphorous. ^[2]

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Shiitake, Maitake and Reishi are the most remarkable examples of medicinal, culinary and delightful mushrooms that contain striking health promoting properties especially immune enhancing property. ^{[1, 2]} Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake are the medicinal mushrooms that were publicized by the ancient Chinese as superior substance that give eternal youth and long life. ^[3] In Asia, mushrooms are generally used for combating the conditions that are created due to microorganisms and complementary support long standing problems. ^[1] Mushrooms exhibit their positive effects on high blood pressure, heart problems, and lower cholesterol levels; reduce fatigue, problems due to harmful microorganisms and much more. ^{[2, 3]}

Researchers have learned that mushrooms are teeming with immune supporting compounds and contain strong concentrations of beta glucan. Beta glucan are the most effective immune boosting substance that plays an enormous role in immune system response. ^{[1, 2]} Ironically, today’s typical American diet is lacking this highly rich nutritional compound, so they can easily obtainable through food supplements. ^[1] The mushrooms are available in supplemental form like pills, capsules, and extracts. ^[3]

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) or Lingzhi is a marvelous Chinese medicinal mushroom which has a delicate texture with strong stem. ^{[3, 4]} In Chinese, Lingzhi stands for "herb of spiritual potency" or "mushroom of immortality". ^[5]

"Natural product pharmacist Albert Leung, Ph.D. says in his Better Health (Mostly) Chinese Herbs ad Food that reishi has considerable value in preventing and treating arrhythmia". ^[4]

Reishi mushroom has variety of beneficial effects which promote over all health. It has favorable effects on long standing problems, conditions created due to harmful microorganisms, fungal problems, lowers blood cholesterol and glucose levels, quench off free radicals and also increases endurance during vigorous exercise. ^{[3, 5]} Scientific reports suggest that reishi significantly reduce altitude sickness symptoms and increases the body’s oxygen consumption. ^{[4, 5]}

Shiitake (Lentinus edodes) is a Japanese mushroom which is attractive and has impressive health promoting properties. ^[2] Shiitake mushroom contains a polysaccharide, lentinan which has ability to strengthen the immune system. Shiitake mushrooms comprise of eighteen amino acids, B vitamins, especially vitamin B1, B2 & B3 and vitamin D. ^[2]

A joint study conducted by Medical Department of Koibe University and Nippon Kinoko Institute in Japan suggest that shiitake mushroom is effective for certain long standing problems. Shiitake mushroom is considered daintiness and are utterly edible. ^[2]

Shiitake are used for variety of health concerns and to promote energy. They exhibit their beneficial effects on high blood pressure, heart problems, cholesterol levels, build resistance to any health problem, reduce fatigue, and conditions due to harmful microorganisms. ^[3] Shiitake mushrooms stimulate immune system and helpful in the conditions created due to harmful organisms. ^[6]

Maitake (Grifola frondosa) possesses a long history of use in traditional Japanese and Chinese herbology and food preparation. ^{[3, 7]} It is recently become extensively available and grows wildly in Japan and eastern North America. ^[3] Maitake mushroom highly contains minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, vitamins like B2, niacin and D, fibers and amino acids. ^[7]

Maitake acts as an adaptogen i.e. it has uncanny ability to help the body to adapt to stress and normalizes bodily processes. ^{[3, 7]} Maitake mushrooms enhance immune system ^[7] and possess healing properties because it contains high content of a polysaccharide called beta glucan which is very potent. ^[3]

Some laboratory findings suggest that this substance is helpful in long standing problems, liver health and fatigue. [3]

Researchers have indicated that maitake has the potential to regulate blood pressure, blood glucose level, and blood cholesterol levels, and may also useful for weight loss. ^{[3, 7]} Researchers have also found that maitake has better ability to absorb than any other mushroom and it is easily taken through food supplement in the form of capsule, extract, tea form. ^[2]

1. Marcia Zimmerman, CN & Jayson Kroner, CSN. (2006). 7-Syndrome Healing. Page No. 158, 159. Chico, California: Nutrition Solution Publications.
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mushroom
3. Phyllis A. Balch, CNC & James F. Balch, M.D. (2000). Prescription for Nutritional Healing. (3rd edition) Page No. 75, 80, 138. Penguin Putnam INC. New York: Avery.
4. James A. Duke (1997). The Green Pharmacy. Page No. 35, 121. Pennsylvania: Rodale Press Emmaus.
5. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lingzhi
6. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiitake
7. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maitake

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease.