Shiitake Mushroom

Botanical name: Lentinula edodes (Shiitake, sawtooth oak mushroom, Black forest mushroom, Black mushroom, Golden oak mushroom, Oakwood mushroom)

Health Benefits

• High in vitamins, minerals & phytochemicals. Shiitake mushrooms are low-calorie, high-fibre carbohydrate sources packed with vital nutrients. It is rich in B vitamins,https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/10/10/1498 vitamins D, zinc, copper and selenium. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168437/nutrients Shiikate improves the nutritional status of vegetarians, helping reduce the risk of deficiencies. It contains similar amino acids to red meat, making it an excellent meat substitute, especially when combined with other veggie protein sources.
• Obesity & metabolic disorders – It has a hypolipidaemic effect that assists in reducing fat. It contains dietary fibres, such as eritadenine and b-glucan, both soluble dietary fibres that can increase satiety, reduce food intake, delay nutrient absorption and reduce fat levels. Shiitake mushrooms can help prevent weight gain, fat deposition, and plasma triacylglycerols. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3199106/
• Immune support – It boosts the immune system and combat disease. Shiitake mushrooms improve cell effector function, enhance gut immunity and reduce inflammation. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25866155/ Shiitake is high in copper, vital for the immune system’s health. It activates various immune cells, including T cells, neutrophils, phagocytes, B-Lymphocytes, natural killer cells, and antibodies. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0946672X16300207?via%3Dihub The polysaccharides in shiitake support the immune system and fend off disease. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26034783/ The high amount of zinc in shiitake help the body fight infections and oxidative stress while warding away age-related disease. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2702361/
• Anti-inflammatory – Shiitake mushrooms fight chronic inflammation associated with joint pain, acne, depression, weight gain, fatigue, and gut problems. It supports the immune system and the body’s response to inflammation. https://file.scirp.org/pdf/FNS_2014062611410421.pdf https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1160565/
• Fight cancer cells and help heal the damage caused by anticancer treatment. Shiitake is potential cancer-fighting food. It contains lentinan, which assists in recovery after cancer treatment. Shiitake inhibits tumour cell growth and induces apoptosis, the programmed cell death process. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16566671/ The polysaccharides in shiitake activate the immune system and have an anticancer effect, fighting cancerous cells. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22583406/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24236998/ The Lentinan in shiitake slows down the growth of leukaemia cells and stops them from spreading. Lentinan also boosts the immune system in people with stomach cancer. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3339609/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23092289/
• Prostate cancer – Ergothioneine is an antioxidant in Shiitake that ease oxidative stress and lower the risk of prostate cancer. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ijc.32591
• Cardiovascular Health – Shiitake mushrooms contain phytochemicals that keep cells from sticking to the blood vessel walls & forming plague build-up, maintaining healthy blood pressure and improving circulation. Sterol compounds in Shiitake interfere with the production of unhealthy cholesterol in the liver. It prevents blood pressure increase & decreases harmful cholesterol. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3199106/ Beta-glucan, a soluble fibre in shiitake, also helps with cholesterol reduction https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article/67/11/624/1850752?login=false and the potassium is beneficial for reducing blood pressure. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0367326X10001358 Studies done on rats show significant promise for using shiitake to reduce blood pressure & cholesterol. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3443885/
• Gingivitis, Powerful antimicrobial properties – Shiitake mushroom has a powerful antimicrobial effect that alleviates gingivitis and inflammation of the gums due to the build-up of microbial biofilm. Shiitake’s amazing benefit is that it eliminates pathogens without affecting the organisms associated with good health. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21966183/ https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2011/507908/
• Boost brain function and energy levels – Shiitake is high in B vitamins, which help support adrenal function and turn nutrients into usable energy. It alleviates brain fog and assists in maintaining focus & improved cognitive performance. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11682586/
• Skin and Hair Health – Shiitake mushroom is high in selenium & zinc, supports skin health and fights acne. It promotes immune function and reduces the build-up of DHT to improve skin healing. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6203294/ Vitamin B5 in shiitake also support hair and skin health and helps to prevent hair from thinning. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22171682/
• Digestive and gut health – Shiitake mushrooms inhibit inflammation in the gut, which is critical for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Gut health is also essential for immune health and mental wellness. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30806258/