Mushrooms are low in carbohydrates, calories and sodium and are cholesterol and fat free! They are high in riboflavin and contain as much fiber as 1 medium tomato. They are also a good source of niacin, pantothenate and copper.
While medicinal mushrooms have been used in China and Japan for more than 3,000 years to boost immunity and fight diseases such as cancer, only in the last decade has their power begun to be recognized in the United States. In more scientific terms, a number of compounds in fungi have been found to stimulate the function of the immune system, inhibit tumor growth and boost intestinal flora. Particularly, mushroom substances called terpenoids help kill bacteria and viruses and exert anti-inflammatory effects, while complex chain-like sugars called polysaccharides have been shown to exert antitumor and immuno-stimulating properties. - The Natural Foods Merchandiser, March 2005
According to Kenneth Jones in Shiitake: The Healing Mushroom , Shiitake provides noteworthy benefits for ulcers, high or low blood pressure, liver problems, allergies and autoimmune diseases. A 1980 study found that a virus in shiitake mushrooms could produce interferon, effective in treating cancer. Shiitake (Lentinus Edodes) is the second most commonly produced mushroom in the world because of having both medicinal and food value. It is a flesh, gilled mushroom that grows on wood. When eaten, it yields 26% protein by dry weight, carbohydrates, fiber, linoleic acid, vitamins B2, C and D, ergosterol and possesses abundant quantities of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron and all the essential amino acids needed in our diet. It has been used to treat nutritional deficiencies and liver ailments.
According to Maitake: King of Mushrooms , by Shari Lieberman, Ph.D. and Ken Babel, C.N., its polysaccharide compound, beta 1,6 glucan, "is recognized by researchers as the most effective active agent stimulating cellular immune responses." Harry Preuss and Sensuke Konno, Ph.D., authors of Maitake Magic, say that studies show Maitake (Grifola Frondosa) can hamper growth and spread of cancer cells, protect normal cells from environmental carcinogens, reduce side effects of and augment chemotherapy, stimulate anti-tumor and anti-microbial activity, and help to halt HIV proliferation. The National Cancer Institute declared Maitake more powerful than AZT, with no toxic side effects. Those with high blood pressure can expect a gradual decrease and Maitake also reduces blood and liver cholesterol and triglycerides, thus reducing risk of stroke and heart disease.
Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus Ostreatus) is a fleshy, gilled mushroom growing in shelf-like fashion on wood that is a good food and promising medicinal. Protein quality is nearly equal to animal derived protein. Low fat content is mostly of the good unsaturated kind. Also contained are carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins B1, B2, plus minerals, especially iron and an antioxident. This mushroom shows activity against cancer and high cholesterol. It has shown activity in the following areas: antitumor, immune response, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibiotic.
Crimini and Portabello (Agaricus Bisporus) are the same mushroom, the portabello being left to grow longer and larger. These mushrooms contain a variety of B complex vitamins, are an excellent source of riboflavin, pantothenic acid and niacin, are a very good source of thiamine, vitamin B6 and a good source of folate. Selenium, lysine, protein, zinc, copper , manganese and iron are more benefits of eating this mushroom.
Chanterelle (Cantharellus Cibarius) contain protein, vitamin D and vitamin B, including riboflavin, niacin and thiamine. Minerals include potassium, copper and selenium.
Morel (Morchella Elata) contain protein, vitamin D and vitamin B, including riboflavin, niacin and thiamine. Minerals include potassium, copper and selenium.
Porcini (Boletus Edulis) contain niacin, potassium, selenium and protein.
Wood Ear (Auricularia Auricula) has shown antitumor and cholesterol-lowering properties. They contain Vitamin B, C, D and iron.
Reishi (Ganoderma Lucidum) mushrooms have been used as a cure for disease for over 2,000 years. According to The Medicinal Benefits of Mushrooms by William H. Lee, R.Ph., Ph.D., Reishi increases vitality, improves coronary arteries, inhibits platelet aggregation, normalizes blood pressure, relieves stress and asthma and prevents and treats certain types of cancer and other degenerative diseases. The beta-glucans found in Reishi support the body's immune system in fighting cancer cells and countering the effects of aging. According to Jones in Reishi: Ancient Herb for Modern Times, Reishi is even more effective in fighting cancer when supplemented by vitamin C. Reishi also works as an antihistamine by inhibiting agents that cause cold symptoms, hay fever, asthma, and allergies and promotes respiratory health.
For informational purposes only, consult a health professional for medical problems. Warning: Mushrooms can interact with some over-the-counter and prescription drugs; check with your health care provider.
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