Recently, only the lazy person has not heard of the beneficial properties of these amazing mushrooms. They began to appear on sale in dried and even raw form. But not everyone knows how to use them, what are the generally useful properties of shiitake mushrooms and whether there are contraindications to their use. This is what will be discussed below.
What is Shiitake?
Of forest mushrooms, shiitake is most common in Japan, China and other Asian countries, where it usually grows on dead wood of felled trees. Today shiitake is considered a valuable product and is cultivated in many countries of the world, including Europe. In addition to tasty food as an alternative to conventional fungi, shiitake has a medical value. In the history of traditional Japanese medicine, in the II-III century BC, the emperor received a shiitake mushroom as a gift from the indigenous peoples of ancient Japan. Hence it is customary to count the application of this fungus in medicine. However, Shiitake was known even earlier in ancient China and was called Huang Mo.
Shiitake Active Ingredients
The most valuable component in this Japanese fungus is polysaccharide lemonan. This substance is 1/3 of the whole fungus, which effectively fights cancer in studies with laboratory mice. Another useful property of shiitake is that its active substances directly attack cancer cells of the immune system and regulate the development of harmful tissues. But the Shiitake gained its worldwide fame not only because of its curative properties. It contains a substance that can enhance the taste sensations of a person. A kind of natural "flavor enhancer", thanks to which this mushroom is so loved by many culinary specialists and gourmets of the world. The exotic taste of Shiitake mushroom will not leave anyone indifferent who dares to try it. It will be remembered for a long time and will be pleasant to remember.
What are the benefits of Shiitake mushrooms?
This product has many useful properties - shiitake mushrooms contain the secrets of miraculous healing from a variety of diseases. Therefore, he is often credited with some over-the-top features and fantastic properties. In fact, shiitake helps in the main thing - it directly affects human immunity. And since most diseases occur precisely because of weak immunity - shiitake seems to cure them all. In an edible form shiitake can be applied in the form of dry extracts and tinctures. In addition, the lemonan - a shiitake-based drug - is sold separately from the extract as a specialized drug for fighting cancer. All the problems in which the shiitake demonstrated its effectiveness are connected in some way with the human immune system. The results of most studies have proved that this fungus actually strengthens immunity and forms a protective base against various diseases. This is its exceptional value.
Proven benefits of using shiitake:
Anti-cancer effect: Japanese doctors have long used shiitake as a means to strengthen the immune system and fight tumors. In particular, it was found that polysaccharides stimulate immune cells to produce interleukin and cause the so-called "tumor necrosis factor". Different types of cancer respond to different degrees of treatment with letinone, but even with a small content of this polysaccharide it is possible to prolong the lives of patients by more than 50%.
Adaptogens, restoring forces: Japanese physiologists use shiitake to combat chronic fatigue syndrome, if it is associated with a low level of specific cytotoxic leukocytes. They are also called "natural killers". Shiitake is able to quickly restore strength and promote a healthier and deeper sleep.
Immune stimulant: Shiitake is also known for his beneficial influence in the fight against colds. The fungus stimulates the production of interferon, which has an antiviral effect. Unlike chemical interferon, which is administered to sick people in the form of injections, shiitake acts easier and more efficiently, without causing side effects. This is especially important in the treatment of children, since many of them have an allergic reaction to the administered interferon.
Myths and unreasonable statements:
Anti-cholesterol effect
Experiments performed on animals showed a decrease in total cholesterol due mainly to "bad" cholesterol - up to 25% for 7 days. But the effect was more pronounced only when a diet with a high intake of fats and additional acceptance of the shiitake extract was observed. So to say that it is the fungus that influenced the decrease in the proportion of cholesterol to the fullest possible. The mechanism of this action has not yet been explained.
There are many side effects and contraindications for taking shiitake
Shiitake is widely used in Japanese and Chinese cuisine for more than 3000 years, appreciating it for its useful properties. At present, no serious side effects have been identified. Some people may experience gastrointestinal discomfort after taking these fungi. But mushrooms are generally heavy food. And any other "our" mushrooms can have the same effect if a person has digestive problems. As for contraindications, in the case of shiitake, there are practically none.
In combination with drugs, shiitake
There is no scientific evidence of drug interactions. It is considered absolutely safe for consumption by healthy people. There is no evidence of the dangers of shiitake's effect on the health of pregnant and lactating women, and on the development of the fetus. There is also no evidence that shiitake weakens the effect of other medications taken. It can be taken with any medication, even with antibiotics.
There are only clearly limited doses that can not be exceeded
There is no established daily dose. It is best to follow the instructions attached to the product containing shiitake. Usually take from 6 to 16 g. Dried mushrooms per day from 1 to 3 g. Dry extract 3 times a day for a long period of time.