It cannot be said that shiitake mushrooms are typical for some parts of the world. The truth is that they gained popularity very recently. However, their popularity is justified, because they have exceptional benefits for our health.
But what are these mushrooms? They originate from the eastern part of Asia. About 83% of their production is grown in Japan, but in recent years they have also been produced in the United States, Singapore, China and Canada.
Today, they can be found fresh, dried, even in supplement form. Like other mushrooms, shiitake are low in calories and rich in fiber. In addition, they contain large amounts of vitamin B and valuable materials such as selenium, manganese, zinc and copper.
Shiitake mushrooms have many health benefits. They are believed to improve heart health, because they contain three ingredients that lower blood cholesterol levels. Shiitake mushroom powder serves to prevent high blood pressure.
They improve the immune system. Usually a dose of 2 dried shiitake mushrooms per day is enough to feel this effect. At this dose, inflammation levels in the body were found to decrease and immune markers to improve. Scientists believe that the effect is due to the polysaccharides in the mushroom.
Shiitake also contain ingredients with potential anti-cancer properties. Polysaccharides are an example. What's more, in Eastern medicine, one of these saccharides is injected along with chemotherapy and other therapies to improve the immune system and quality of life of people with certain types of cancer.
Among other potential properties, these mushrooms promise antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal effects. They also strengthen bones, because mushrooms are the only plant source of vitamin D in nature.
However, its levels are entirely dependent on how the shiitake and other mushroom types were grown. It is important to know, however, that shiitake only provides vitamin D2. Vitamin D3, which is very important for our body, we can get through oily fish and other animal products.
Recipes with shiitake can be found at the given link.
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