The Many Benefits of Shitake Mushrooms

Shiitake Mushroom extract is a wonderful, nutritional source to add to your daily regimen.  Native to East Asia, Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes), also known as, Chinese Medicinal Mushrooms or Forest Mushrooms, account for more than 25% of global mushroom cultivation. 

The Shitake spore is a great source of iron, as well as vitamin A, B C, and D, selenium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc and manganese.  In addition, the Shitake Mushroom can provide dietary fiber and several powerful antioxidants including alkaloids, phenols, and diterpenoids.

Weight Loss

One of the most impressive benefits of Shiitake Mushrooms is fat-reducing properties found in their chemical components, eritadenine and b-glucan.  The nutrient density, in contrast to the caloric value, of Shitake Mushrooms, stimulates metabolism and circulation, thus creating a boost in mineral and antioxidant levels without extra calories.

The high nutrient value of the vital vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, found in the content of Shiitake Mushroom, also support and boost the Immune System, strengthening bones, slowing premature aging and targeting cell repair and growth.

Skin Care

Powerful antioxidant compounds in Shitake Mushrooms provide an excellent defense against free radicals and oxidative stress throughout the body, but especially with regard to the skin. They promote a healthy glow to the skin, minimize wrinkles and aid in the healing of scars and blemishes.

A combination of high selenium content, vitamin A and Vitamin E, Shitake Mushrooms can help alleviate acne outbreak and its deteriorating effect on the skin.  And while the sun is the best source of vitamin D, Shitake Mushrooms can provide a boost of this vital vitamin, as well.

Energy Boost

Shiitake mushrooms are high in vitamin B2, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, vitamin B3, and folate, all of which optimize many of the body’s functions; and play a key role in metabolism and energy levels. And a half a cup of shiitake mushrooms provides over 70% of the daily recommended amount of copper, a crucial element in energy metabolism.

Reduce Inflammation

By reducing inflammatory molecules that block signals to muscles and tissues in the bloodstream, Shitake Mushrooms, even in small amounts, can offer great relief to those with arthritis, gout, migraines, inflammatory bowel conditions, and other inflammation issues. 

Improve Circulation

Although often overlooked, copper is a key component in our health. It can increase the amount of iron that the body takes in, and since there these mushrooms have a high content of copper, this can be a crucial element for healthy circulation. Iron is needed in the production of red blood cells, which can boost energy levels and resource delivery to certain parts of the body, boosting circulation

Soothe Digestion

Just a small amount of Shitake Mushrooms may balance the bacteria in your gut, improve digestion by increasing fiber levels and increase absorption of nutrients like iron and calcium.  And because of the antimicrobial effect and immune boosting properties of Shitake Mushrooms, this makes them a logical choice to soothe digestion.

Stress Relief

The active antioxidant compounds in Shitake Mushrooms, phenolic compounds, diterpenoids, vitamin C, vitamin A, gallic acid, and others, locate and neutralize free radicals.  With so many antioxidants, shiitake mushrooms can significantly lower oxidative stress throughout the body, before the onset of chronic disease, chronic disorders and premature aging.

Immune Boosters

Because there are many different antioxidants present in Shitake Mushrooms, along with vitamin C, they may help boost the immune function.  The messaging molecules found in the mushrooms can also improve the efficacy of our immune system and speed recovery response to harmful allergens and other foreign substances.

Collagen Growth and Repair

Collagen is a necessary component to maintain healthy tissue, muscle, bone, blood vessel, and skin throughout the body.  And one of the most important components of healthy collagen is copper.  This nutrient rich fungus, Shitake Mushroom, ranks 4th as a dietary source of copper, that can accelerate collagen growth and repair.

Low Blood Pressure

Shitake Mushrooms may enhance cardiovascular health, because they provide a family of compounds, sterols, that can control the way cholesterol is produced in the liver. Eritadenine a unique enzyme found in shiitake mushrooms can help prevent the constriction of blood vessels and, in turn, lower blood pressure. Constriction issues are uniquely important for people who are at high risk for heart attacks, strokes, atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular complications.

Balance Cholesterol

The antioxidant effects of Shiitake Mushrooms have also been linked to lower overall cholesterol levels and an increase in metabolism. The mushrooms contain sulfuric compounds that can prevent blood aggregation, or clotting, inhibit the production of cholesterol in the liver and prevent plaque from building up on the walls of arteries and blood vessels.

Side Effects of Shiitake Mushrooms

Due to the significant immune-boosting properties of this mushroom, that stimulate more aggressive immune activity, it is not safe for people with autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis.  If you have one of these conditions, should avoid as they can cause these conditions to worsen, These side effects are often when the mushrooms are consumed in large amounts but people with a sensitive stomach or multiple food allergies should eat these mushrooms with caution, including gastrointestinal distress, a worsening of autoimmune disease, sensitivity to the sun, and allergic reactions.  If used excessively, many times the recommended dosage, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory may cause severe discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.  Some of the compounds found in these mushrooms may increase sun sensitivity for both skin and eyes.