Shiitake mushrooms or the black forest mushrooms are mushrooms of oriental origin and have a high price tag due to their delectable taste and therapeutic use. Their scientific name is Lentinus edodes.They are grown both in Japan and China since ancient times. They are also sold in the dried form.
Some Of The Powerful Health Benefits Of Shiitake Mushrooms Are Mentioned Below:
1. Anti Cancer Properties
Shiitake mushrooms have a compound called polysaccharide lentinan which has anti cancer properties and is also useful in preventing the formation of tumors. Shiitake mushrooms are also believed to result in apoptosis of cancer causing cells.
2. Helps In Weight Loss
Shitake mushrooms have very few calories. They are high in fiber content which keeps a person full for a longer time. These mushrooms thus help in reducing weight.
3. Protects Against Anemia
Shiitake mushrooms have plenty of vitamin B which helps in the formation of red blood cells and it is also a rich source of iron thereby preventing the occurrence of anemia.
4. Improves Immunity
The lentinan in Shitake mushrooms boosts the immune power of the body and helps it fight disease and infections better.
5. Keeps Cholesterol Under Control
D-Eritadenine compound in Shiitake mushrooms helps keep the cholesterol under control and thus prevents a number of diseases.
6. Good For Cardiovascular System
Shitake mushrooms prevent the binding of too many immune cells and other substances on the inner lining of the blood vessels. They thus help prevent artherosclerosis and are good for the cardiovascular system.
7. Good Source Of Copper
Copper is essential for a healthy body but our body cannot synthesize copper. Therefore it is important that we get copper from our daily diet. Shitake mushrooms are a good source of copper.
8. Helps Lighten Skin Color
Shiitake mushrooms contain kojic acid which has skin lightening properties. Therefore Shitake mushroom extract can be used effectively for skin lightening and removing scars and blemishes.
9. Reduces Cold And Flu Symptoms
Since Shiitake mushrooms have antibacterial and antiviral properties they are believed to reduce the symptoms of cold and flu.
10. Prevents Hair Loss
Shiitake mushrooms contain selenium and zinc. Selenium along with zinc helps in reducing hair loss.
11. Source Of Vitamin D
Shiitake mushrooms are few natural foods that provides vitamin D.100 gms of Shiitake mushrooms provide 25 % of the required vitamin D.
12. Anti Aging Agent
Shiitake mushrooms contain anti oxidants which help prevent premature ageing of skin. Hence they are good anti aging agents.
13. Rich Source Of Amino Acids For Vegetarians
Shitake mushrooms are a rich source of amino acids. In fact it has been found that they contain more amounts of amino acids as compared to meat and eggs.
14. Useful Against AIDS
Lentinan found in Shiitake mushrooms helps improve the immunity of the body and has antiviral properties and helps fight AIDS.
15. Can Be Used Against Skin Infections Like Eczema
Shiitake mushrooms contain antioxidants and they also have excellent anti inflammatory agents which help reduce inflammation and also promote healing. Therefore shiitake mushrooms can be used against skin infections like eczema and rosacea.
So reach out for this exotic oriental delicacy called Shitake Mushrooms and enjoy its numerous health benefits.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.