In traditional Chinese medicine, Shiitakes are used to treat cold and flu cases, and several other conditions like high cholesterol, chronic fatigue, hypertension, weight issues.
Like the Reishi, the Shiitake is nutrient rich
- Protein
- Calcium
- Copper
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Selenium
- Sodium
- Zinc
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
- Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B9 (Folate)
- Vitamin D2
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Omega-6 fatty acids
The levels of bioactive compounds in shiitake mushrooms vary depending on the cultivation methods used to grow them, the storage and the preparation techniques. Dried shiitakes, for instance, have a higher nutritional composition than fresh ones.
They can be consumed in a supplement form, but buy from a reputable source as the potency may have not been tested. So, we recommend consuming them in whole or dried form to reap the maximum nutritional benefits that come from them.
Shiitake mushrooms promote cardiovascular health. Shiitake mushrooms are rich in Beta-glucan – a type of soluble fiber. This compound plays a critical role in reducing the levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol present in the blood. B-glucan is also a powerful immune booster.
They are also rich in Potassium, which is excellent in reducing and managing blood pressure among hypertensive individuals. The fact that they are also naturally low in sodium, and completely free of saturated fats, makes them the perfect ingredient for heart-healthy foods.
Shiitake mushrooms have cancer fighting properties. The high number of polysaccharides present in Shiitakes is what gives them their cancer-fighting properties. Lentinan, for instance, activates the body’s immune system to obliterate cancerous tumors before they become problematic. In Japan Lentinan is used in treating Stomach Cancer. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3339609/......
“Numerous clinical trials have been conducted to assess the benefits of using commercial preparations containing medicinal mushroom extracts in cancer therapy. Their potential uses individually and as adjuncts to cancer therapy have emerged. Mushrooms are known to complement chemotherapy and radiation therapy by countering the side-effects of cancer, such as nausea, bone marrow suppression, anemia, and lowered resistance. Recently, a number of bioactive molecules, including anti-tumor agents, have been identified from various mushrooms The active components in mushrooms responsible for conferring anti-cancer potential are lentinan……”
Studies have also shown shiitake to be quite effective in inhibiting the growth and spread of promyelocytic leukemia cells.
In a 2015 randomized controlled trial Shiitake mushrooms were shown to increase human immunity. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25866155/
To reap the full array of Shiitake mushroom nutrition benefits, consider incorporating
4 ounces into stir-fry dishes, grilling them or sautéing them and using them as a topping to your favorite entrées. Or to get your daily dose you could dry them and grind them into a fine powder and use it as a condiment.