Shiitake: Medicinal Benefits

Shiitakes were likely one of the first mushrooms cultivated in China and Japan around 600 C.E. They’re dark brown capped mushrooms that have gained popularity across the globe. They are prized for their rich taste and immense health benefits. Shiitake mushrooms are usually found in warm and moist environments in Southeast Asia.

However, due to their increased consumption, they are now cultivated across the globe. They naturally grow on the decaying wood of trees that shed their leaves seasonally such as chestnut, oak, mulberry, and maple. Significant research has been conducted to probe the medicinal effects of shiitake mushrooms. They have shown significant health benefits that could prevent the development of certain diseases.

Shiitake Has Immune Boosting Capabilities

An efficient immune system is a key to a stronger defense against harmful bacteria and viruses. Your immune system relies on micronutrients for the maintenance that is needed for the fight against harmful pathogens. These include vitamins such as vitamin C and D, minerals including selenium, zinc, and calcium along with amino acids such as glutamine. Shiitake mushrooms provide the body with these essential nutrients.

In addition from micronutrients, shiitake mushrooms contain high levels of polysaccharides that are rich in lentinans and beta-glucans needed for white blood cells production. A study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition has reported that consumption of shiitake mushrooms is related to improvement in gut immunity and overall immune cells production. The study also found that shiitake mushrooms can also reduce the level of inflammation in the body[1].

Shiitake Keeps Your Heart Healthy

Cholesterol intake is the single largest factor in the development of adverse heart conditions. Shiitake mushrooms provide your body with a mix of essential compounds that interfere with the production of cholesterol from the liver. One such compound is sterol which hinders cholesterol production in your body. Shiitake mushrooms contain phytonutrients that do not allow the accumulation of cholesterol alongside your blood vessels[2]. The abundance of nutrients provided by shiitake mushrooms reduces hypertension and keeps you safe from heart conditions like stroke, aneurysms, and heart attacks. Also, adopting a plant-based diet with supplementation of shiitake mushrooms can further lower your cholesterol intake and improve heart health.

Shiitake Helps in Destruction of Cancer Cells

New scientific evidence has emerged regarding the potential role of shiitake mushrooms in fighting cancer. There is an indication that lentinans in shiitake can help repair damaged chromosomes in your cells after anticancer treatment. A study has also been published in this regard in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. The study investigated the anti-tumor potential role of the ethyl fraction of shiitake mushrooms[3]. The results showed that the shiitake mushrooms successfully inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Shiitake Reduces Weight Gain

Some research has highlighted the potential role of certain compounds in shiitake mushrooms in reducing obesity. Two key fat-reducing compounds including eritadenine and β -glucan have been reported in shiitake mushrooms. β -glucan is a key player in weight loss as it increases satiety which decreases the urge to consume food. If you aren’t consuming calories, you’ll definitely lose weight. A study published in 2011 reported that shiitake mushrooms reduce fat deposition and weight gain[4].

Shiitake Provides Vitamin D and Improves Bone Health

Shiitake mushrooms provide you with vitamin D which is a key vitamin for your bones. Vitamin D also provides you with other health benefits such as boosting your immune system and reducing the risk of diabetes and heart diseases. It also aids in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Learn how to easily increase the amount of vitamin D in your Shiitakes here.

Antibacterial Properties

Some research also reports that shiitake mushrooms possess antibacterial properties. Research published in the Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology has found that shiitake mushrooms lower the number of harmful bacteria in gingivitis conditions[5]. The good thing is that the shiitake extract did not cause any side effects.

What To Expect?

Well, shiitake mushrooms have a long history of use in traditional medicine. They could be a great supplement to your daily diet as they are highly nutritious and healthy. The key health benefit that you can expect is a boost to your immune system which is the backbone of your health. They are heart-healthy and help you in your weight loss journey.

[1] Consuming Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) Mushrooms Daily Improves Human Immunity: A Randomized Dietary Intervention in Healthy Young Adults pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[2] Dietary Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinus edodes) Prevents Fat Deposition and Lowers Triglyceride in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[3] Inhibition of growth and induction of apoptosis in human cancer cell lines by an ethyl acetate fraction from shiitake mushrooms pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[4] Dietary Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinus edodes) Prevents Fat Deposition and Lowers Triglyceride in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[5] The results indicated that shiitake mushroom extract lowered the numbers of some pathogenic taxa without affecting the taxa associated with health, unlike chlorhexidine which has a limited effect on all taxa. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov