Mushrooms have been used as a culinary wonder and folk medicine for thousands of years. As immunity warriors they are powerhouses of vital antioxidants. They also contain beta-glucans, a type of complex carbohydrate which benefits people with autoimmune conditions, any type of physical or emotional stress and those undergoing cancer treatment.
Dried mushrooms are sold in powder form in health food stores. Add a spoonful to your cup of coffee, or dip or raita or dal, or even to your favourite dessert to reap a multitude of health benefits.
Read about the different varieties of mushroom and their distinct health advantages below.
Shiitake: a heart-warming friend
Boasting all eight essential amino acids in outstanding proportions, this mushroom is particularly friendly with the heart, as it has been shown to lower LDL (i.e., the “bad”) cholesterol and contains compounds that stop the liver from absorbing and producing more cholesterol. Shiitake’s vast array of phytonutrients also aids in preventing plaque buildup, whilst maintaining healthy blood pressure and circulation.
Enoki: Food for body, mind and soul
Also known as “golden needles”, enoki's crisp texture and mild flavour makes this culinary delight one of the most delicious types of mushroom to add raw to salads, boiled in soups and stews or sauteed in stir fries. With very similar properties to other varieties of fungi, the main thing that sets these earthy little beauties apart is their versatility in the kitchen.
Reishi: Nature’s Valium
Also known as lingzhi, this mushroom has some calming properties, due to an abundant mood-boosting compound called triterpene, which elicits a positive effect on the nervous system, helping to alleviate anxiety, depression and insomnia, promote healing and sharpen focus. Additionally, reishi may assist with weight loss by altering the microbiome and exerting a prebiotic effect. It may even shrink tumours in breast cancer, thanks to the sugar lentinan, which helps fight off disease and infection.
Chaga: The glowing young maiden
This little Siberian wild mushroom, otherwise known as “the gift from heaven”, is best recognised for its immune-boosting properties. Its high melanin and betulinic acid content helps eliminate oxidative stress in the skin, preventing the onset of wrinkles, pigmentation and acne. This translates to a glowing complexion, as well as luxurious hair and sparkling eyes.
Maitake: The hormonal stabiliser
Otherwise known as hen-of-the-woods and literally translated to “dancing mushroom” in Japanese. Commonly used for type 2 diabetes and hypertension, maitake also has therapeutic effects in PCOS, bringing on ovulation in young women by improving insulin resistance and balancing the expression and ratio of sex hormones.
Lion’s mane: The brain’s assistant
Used to treat brain fog and gain mental clarity, lion’s mane is the feathery, pom-pom-like relative in the family of medicinal mushrooms. It fosters the production of the bioprotein nerve growth factor and myelin, both of which are crucial to neurological health, helping to improve cognition and concentration and alleviate anxiety and irritability.
Turkey tail: King cancer fighter
This striking little beast boasting vibrant colours is jam-packed with antioxidants, including the anti-inflammatory bioflavonoid, quercetin. Most impressively, it contains a compound called polysaccharide-K (PSK), approved in Japan as an anti-cancer prescription drug. It has also been shown to improve the survival rate of patients with leukaemia and may assist immune function when taken alongside chemotherapy.
☆☆NOTE☆☆
Always check with your dietitian before adding mushrooms to your diet, especially if you have thyroid issues or if you are using specific medications or are pregnant, as certain mushrooms can cause side-effects.
Stay blessed with good health...always!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment