GET GROWING with Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are prized word over for their medicinal attributes. They are among the most popular sources of protein in Japan, China, and greater Asia. Their popularity doesn’t just lie in their ample proteins, but they are delicious and inhibit several other medicinal properties.
Shiitake mushrooms have strong antiviral effects which are believed to be from the amount of interferons found in them. Interferons are naturally occurring proteins formed among vertebrates which use them to fight viruses, cancerous cells, parasites and bacteria. They help mitigate the production and development of these pathogens and consequently their presence in shiitake mushrooms strengthens the immune systems of consumers.
Research study has also discovered that eating shiitake mushrooms reduces blood cholesterol levels by 40-45 percent. These studies were noted after shiitake mushrooms were consumed simultaneously with foods high in cholesterol levels. Because of the non-existence of cholesterol in them, they serve as an excellent substitute for meat products with high amounts of cholesterol, making them the perfect choice for people needing to lower their red meat intake.
In Japan, lentinan, an extract from shiitakes is being used for patients going through traditional cancer therapy. Better yet, in Japan this medicinal mushroom extract and plenty others are increasingly being prescribed for patients suffering from cancer. Lentinan also has the potential to prevent chromosomal damages caused by anti-cancer medications. There are no recorded side-effects as of yet, and in the west lentinan is growing in popularity as a go to ingredient for cancer patients going through chemotherapy. In studies carried out in Japan, mice administered with lentinan prior to undergoing chemotherapy—the extract hindered the reduction of white blood cells.
Being a food source, shiitake mushrooms contain all essential amino acids in higher ratios than milk, eggs, soy beans and meat. Not to mention that they have an excellent concoction of minerals and vitamins like vitamin A, B, B12, C and D. These mushrooms also produce fat absorbing compounds that are ideal for those interested in losing weight. It explains why it is regarded the “miracle mushroom.”
A bit to know about growing shiitake mushrooms from the comfort of your home.
Growing mushrooms is a fairly easy task, especially if you love eating them and are the D.I.Y kind of person.
Find some logs. If your property has trees, use logs or branches from your freshly cut trees. The most ideal would be living hardwood trees like ironwood, sugar maple, pink oak, white or red. The best times to cut are between October and April when moisture is suitable for growing mushrooms. Make sure your logs are cut three to eight inches thick, and three to five feet in length. This is where your mushrooms will grow and thrive for the next four to eight years, provided things are done right!
Wonderful Shiitake Supplements:
Shiitake, Maitake, Cordiceps, Reishi Tincture by HawaiiPharm
Nature’s Answer Alcohol-Free Shiitake Fruiting Body, 1-Fluid Ounce by Nature’s Answer
Planetary Herbals Full Spectrum Shiitake Mushroom Tablets by Planetary Herbals
