Lentinus edodes (also known as Shiitake mushroom, Chinese black mushroom, Winter Mushroom, and Golden Oak Mushroom) is an edible mushroom native to East Asia but grown in many Asian countries. It belongs to the family Tricholomataceae and genus Lentinula. Shiitake mushroom can be found during spring to late summer or early fall in the warm and moist climate, where it grows upon hardwoods such as oak, ironwood, maple. It is prized for its delicious taste and texture.

The fruit body of Shiitake mushroom is normally 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in diameter. It is large and umbrella shaped mushroom in dark brown color. The stem is smooth, fibrous and light brown. The fruit possess robust and earthy flavor.

Nutritional Value

One serving of 145 grams has 81 calories. Shiitake mushrooms are high source of copper; one serving provides 144.33% of daily value. In addition, Shiitake mushroom provides Vitamins such as Vitamin B5 (104.22%), Vitamin B2 (19%), Vitamin B6 (17.77%), Vitamin B3 (13.59%) and folic acid (7.50%). Along with vitamins, it also possesses various minerals, lipids and amino acids as well.

Health Benefits of Shiitake mushroom

For over 6000 years, it was used by the Chinese people for the medicinal purposes. It is loaded with Vitamin B and also counteracts the cancer cells, infections and cardiovascular disease. It possesses antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. All eight amino acids are found in this mushroom. One should add Shiitake mushroom to the diet as it provides various health benefits.

1. Treats obesity

Shiitake mushroom contains the components such as b-glucan and eritadenine which have the fat reducing effects. B-glucan reduces the intake of food, slows absorption of nutrition, increase satiety and lower the levels of plasma lipid. The study shows that the rat with high intake of Shiitake mushrooms effectively reduce the fat. It summarizes that the consumption of Shiitake mushroom prevents and treats obesity and other metabolic disorders.

2. Enhance immunity

It enhances the immunity power that helps to fight against the diseases as it contains minerals, vitamins and enzymes. The research shows that the consumption of mushroom improves the function of cell effector as well as gut immunity. The intake of mushroom also lowers the inflammation.

3. Eradicate cancer cells

Shiitake mushroom assist to counteract the cancer cells. The presence of lentinan repairs the damage of chromosomes which is the result of anticancer treatments. The consumption of Shiitake mushroom prevents the tumor cells growth. It also effectively inducted the process of programmed of cell death also called apoptosis.

4. Cardiovascular system

The sterol compounds in the Shiitake mushroom inhibit the cholesterol production in the liver. It also possesses phytonutrients that assist the cells to stick to walls of blood vessel which enhances the circulation and healthy blood pressure. The study shows that Shiitake mushroom prevent the increase in blood pressure. It reduced the HDL and VLDL cholesterol levels.

5. Antimicrobial activity

The antimicrobial activities found on Shiitake prevent the disease associated with the gum inflammation due to the microbial biofilm buildup at gingival margin. The extract of Shiitake mushroom reduced the pathogenic organisms without affecting organisms that are related with health.

6. Brain health

Shiitake mushroom possess an adequate amount of Vitamin B that assist adrenal function and converts the nutrients into the usable energy. It balances the hormones and maintains the focus by improving the cognitive performance. The addition of Shiitake mushroom to the diet provides extra Vitamin B.

7. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential to maintain the bone health and reduce the chances of heart disease, autoimmune disease, diabetes and certain cancer. It is also required for the metabolism and absorption of phosphorus and calcium.

The adequate amount of Vitamin D promotes the immune system, maintains brain function and body weight, reduces development of rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

8. Skin ailments

The intake of Selenium along with Vitamin E and A reduce the acne and its scars. The intake of Shiitake mushroom functions as an acne treatment. The presence of zinc in Shiitake mushroom enhances the immune function and lowers the DHT buildup to promote the skin healing.

Precautions                                                                                                

• Some people might experience allergic reactions with the consumption of Shiitake mushroom.
• Symptoms such as fever, congestion, headache, coughing, nausea, sneezing and general malaise might be experienced.
• Those who have a blood disorder condition should avoid the consumption of Shiitake mushroom.

Shiitake mushroom – Lentinus edodes Facts

Shiitake is the medicinal mushroom which is prized with a delicious taste as well as texture. It is used for medicinal purposes to treat cancer, environmental allergies, AIDS, Candida infections, flu and colds. Shiitake also soothes bronchial inflammation and lowers high cholesterol levels.

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