Mushrooms are healthy food in low calories

MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS AND HEALTH

Mushrooms are valuable health food low in calories, high in vegetable proteins, chitin, iron, zinc, fiber, essential amino acids, vitamins & minerals. Wild mushrooms also have a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Their legendary effects on promoting good health and vitality and increasing your body's adaptive abilities have been supported by recent studies. These studies suggest that wild mushrooms are probiotic they help our body strengthen itself and fight off illness by maintaining physiological homeostasis restoring our bodies balance and natural resistance to disease.

Mushrooms are a good source of selenium. This is good news for vegetarians, whose sources of selenium are limited. A serving of shiitake mushrooms provides about one-third of the recommended daily value for selenium. White and portabella mushrooms are also good sources. Selenium, an essential mineral, works closely with Vitamin E to produce antioxidants that neutralize the cell-damaging "free radicals" that can increase the risk of cancer and other diseases of aging. It plays an important role in the immune system, the thyroid system and the male reproductive system.


Mushrooms are good sources of three hardworking B-complex vitamins riboflavin, niacin and pantothenic acid. They are all found in every cell in our body, helping release energy from the fat, protein and carbohydrate in our food. In addition:


Riboflavin promotes healthy skin and good vision.

Niacin helps make sure the digestive and nervous systems function as they should.

Pantothenic acid is involved in the production of hormones and also plays an important role in the nervous system. 


The Health Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms

In fact, an estimated 38,000 species of mushrooms, most provide a wealth of protein, fiber, B vitamins, and vitamin C, as well as calcium and other minerals. And at least three species have demonstrated phenomenal healing potential: maitake, shiitake, and reishi. These medicinal mushrooms have been shown to boost heart health; lower the risk of cancer,; promote immune function; ward off viruses, bacteria, and fungi; reduce inflammation; combat allergies; help balance blood sugar levels; and support the body's detoxification mechanisms.


Reishi Mushrooms

Reishi has been called an “immune potentiator”. Reishi contains calcium, iron and phosphorus as well as vitamins C, D, and B including pantothenic acid, which is essential to nerve function and the adrenal glands. It has been reported that reishi mushroom extract “exerted an inhibition effect on tumor growth”. Reishi mushrooms are found on fallen tree stumps and decomposing logs. Reishi mushrooms are six varieties of color, but red mushrooms are used primarily in Asia and North America. Medicinal benefits come from the fruiting part of the mushroom. Reishi mushroom extract is used to treat asthma, coughs, weakness and fatigue, and insomnia. 


Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake is rich in several antioxidants (Selenium, Uric acid & Vitamin A, E, & C) as well as Vitamin D. Shiitake mushrooms extract may also lower blood pressure in those with hypertension, lower serum cholesterol levels, increase libido, stimulate the production of Interferon which has anti-viral effects, and has proven effective against Hepatitis in some cases.


Maitake Mushroom

Maitake Mushroom (Grifola frondosa) may best be known for its cancer fighting properties. It contains grifolan, an important beta-glucan polysaccharide. In Japan, Maitake Mushroom is called "King of Mushroom". The fruiting body and the mycelium of Maitake are used medicinally. Historically, Maitake has been used as a tonic and adaptogen. It was used as a food to help promote wellness and vitality. Traditionally, consumption of the maitake mushroom extract was thought to prevent high blood pressure and cancer two applications that have been the focal point of modern research. Clinical research with Maitake Mushroom has increased dramatically in the past several years. Laboratory studies have shown that Maitake Mushroom extract can inhibit the growth of tumors and stimulate the immune system of cancerous mice.nd maintaining good health.




Author By Rosa Parks