Author: Nia Rouseberg
Time for reading: ~2
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
Shiitake mushrooms have a unique composition, making them even more useful than delicious.
Shiitake mushrooms are the third most widely cultivated species in the world. Although this is a consequence of their exceptional taste and increased culinary interest in them, shiitake mushrooms are also the subject of many scientific studies on the purely health benefits of their consumption.
These studies show that shiitake mushrooms have beneficial properties that are completely comparable to those in taste.
One of the nutritional qualities that give shiitake mushrooms an advantage over many other foods is the fact that they contain all 8 essential amino acids at the same time . This makes the protein content of these mushrooms extremely complex and useful for the body.
Another advantage of shiitake mushrooms is the negligible low calorie content and almost complete lack of fat. In addition, almost all of their lipid content is formed from essential omega-6 fatty acids and especially the useful linoleic acid . However, the truly health benefits of shiitake mushrooms come as an added bonus to these benefits.
They contain 4 of the B vitamins ( niacin , riboflavin, pyridoxine and pantothenic acid), vitamin D and a combination of several of the most important minerals - manganese. phosphorus, selenium, copper, zinc and iron. In addition, shiitake mushrooms also contain some rare but proven useful substances for the body such as lentinan, eritadenine , some specific sterols and others. The complex action of these raw materials provides powerful support to the immune and cardiovascular systems.
A 2015 study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition showed that consuming shiitake mushrooms within 4 weeks reduced inflammatory processes in the body, improved the intestinal flora and increased the activity of immune cells. In addition, the study proves that fungi have direct antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal effects. It is explained by the high content of the polysaccharide beta glucan, which is one of the most universal natural immunostimulants .
In addition, there is evidence of benefits for the heart and blood vessels. Eritadenine in the composition of shiitake mushrooms has a beneficial effect on bad cholesterol. This effect is complemented by the combined action of beta glucan and niacin to reduce bad and increase good cholesterol . Additional benefits for lasting regulation of the lipid profile are provided by sterols, which slow down the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver.
Regular consumption of shiitake mushrooms can also help prevent some cancers. The high content of lentinan in these mushrooms has very few analogues in nature. This compound, alone or as part of a combination product, is widely used in the treatment of cancer, to reduce the negative effects of therapy on DNA and to reduce triggered mutagenic processes.
There are many ways we can include shiitake mushrooms in our daily menu. Good appetite is guaranteed by their exceptional taste. The health benefits - too.