11 Amazing Benefits of Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake Mushrooms health benefits includes supporting skeletal health, fighting inflammation, promoting weight loss, supporting skin health, fighting cancer, protecting the heart, support digestion, a good source of energy, helps fight breast cancer, helps manage diabetes, and support hair health.

What are Shiitake Mushrooms?

Shiitake Mushrooms are the world’s second most cultivated mushrooms. They originated in East-Asian countries from the areas around China, Japan, and Korea. It is a fungus that decays wood. It can grow on chestnut, oak, maple mulberry and beech tree and require a hot and humid environment. Traditionally they were cultivated on logs of wood, but these days they use rice medium, natural wood pulp or artificial substrate. It is used as a delicacy in many dishes. In East Asian countries they are included in soups and most of their daily meals. These days they are grown all over the world as many chefs use it in their dishes. This magical fungus has numerous health benefits that will surprise you. We have collected eleven advantages that can help you live a healthier life.

Nutritional Value of Shiitake Mushrooms

100 Grams of Shiitake Mushrooms contains only 34 calories. 90% of their composition is water, 7% carbohydrates, 2% protein and less than 1% fat. About four mushrooms contain the following nutrients:

Calories            44.
Carbs                11 grams.
Fiber                2 grams.
Protein            1 gram.
Riboflavin         11% of the RDI.
Niacin               11% of the RDI.
Copper             39% of the RDI.
Vitamin B5        33% of the RDI.
Selenium         10% of the RDI.
Manganese       9% of the RDI.
Zinc                  8% of the RDI.
Vitamin B6        7% of the RDI.
Folate               6% of the RDI.
Vitamin D         6% of the RDI.

11 Amazing Benefits of Shiitake Mushrooms

1. Good For Skeletal Health

The minerals inside these mushrooms make your bones stronger. They keep you protected from diseases like arthritis and osteoporosis. The skeleton is the warehouse of all the calcium; whenever your body needs it, the calcium seeps into the bloodstream. It is vital to keep the supply strong and constant. The mushrooms contain quite a lot of Calcium and Copper that help your system to maintain a healthy and proper bone structure. The copper also helps in building blood cells and can prevent anemia. Together the calcium and copper keep your bones and joints strong.

2. Does Wonders For Your Skin

The antioxidant compounds in shiitake mushrooms fight against free radicals and oxidative stress in your body. With the help of these compounds, Shiitake Mushrooms improve the condition of your skin and preventing premature aging.

3. Anti-inflammatory Properties

Inflammation is the core cause of many health issues, such as cancer, gout, migraines, and arthritis. You can experience a reduction in the inflammatory molecules in your bloodstream, even if minimal amounts of the mushroom are consumed.

4. Aids in Weight Loss

A hundred grams of shiitake mushrooms contain only thirty-five calories, and the rest of it is jam-packed with nutrients. They are an amazing addition to the diet for anyone who is trying to lose weight. They provide with most of the nutrients you need without disturbing your daily calorie intake.

5. Fight Cancer

Research has found that Shiitake mushrooms can slow down and constrain the growth of tumors in our body. It can fight against multiple types of cancer and can even kill the dangerous cancer cells in our body without hurting the healthy ones.

6. Protect The Heart

The heart is the strongest and the most sensitive part of our body. Without it function right even a few moments can become unbearable. It is imperative to keep your heart fit to live a healthy life. The Shitake mushroom contains quite a lot of copper, which is vital for healthy circulation of blood in our body. They also contain a unique enzyme called eritadenine which prevents constriction of blood vessels, which lowers the blood pressure.Easy circulation and unclogged vessels mean a lesser strain on the heart, keeping it healthy and at optimal performance.

7. Good For Digestion

100 grams of shiitake mushrooms contain 2.5 grams of dietary fiber. The fiber can flush out your digestive system of most toxins and get rid of constipation. The mushrooms also contain all eight essential amino acids and linoleic acid, which is an essential fatty acid that improves digestion and helps with weight loss.

8. Energy Power House

To keep up with the fast-paced life of the twenty-first century, you need quite a lot energy. Shiitake Mushrooms are packed with quite a few vitamins and minerals that happen to be vital for metabolism and energy production. They contain Folate and B vitamins, like vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B3, along with pantothenic acid. Mixed with copper, all the nutrients can increase the metabolic rate and produce quite a lot of energy.

9. Fights Breast Cancer

Shiitake Mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and get rid of the free radicals that can cause cancer. They contain linoleic acid that can manage estrogen levels and lessens the danger of breast cancer. So, if you are at risk of having the disease including them in your diet can be an excellent idea. Do not forget to consult your doctor before you make any decisions.

10. Manages Diabetes

Researchers have shown that the starch in Shiitake Mushrooms can break down the sugar and starch from the food we eat.  The mushrooms contain about zero percent fat and cholesterol.it does not even have a lot of carbohydrates which make it the perfect dietary element for people with diabetes. Consuming them every day can manage your blood sugar levels and bring them to a healthier point.

11. Good For Hair

The hair on top of our head is an essential part of our body. You can wear the best clothes in the world, but if your hair looks unhealthy, your entire look will be compromised. Having a good head of hair can be a great way to boost confidence.  Shiitake mushrooms are the fourth biggest source of copper available. They also contain vitamin C; together they are vital for the production of collagen. The collagen, in turn, is responsible for the production of muscles, blood vessels, bones, and muscles on our body. Making them a constant part of our diet can improve hair growth and skin condition.

Conclusion

People have cultivated the Shiitake Mushrooms for over 800 years. This magical fungus has numerous health benefits and can do wonders for your overall health. With its help in maintaining cardiovascular and skeletal health along with keeping up the immune system, while managing diabetes, there is no stone left unturned. Even with all the good they can do, it never hurts to be hundred percent sure. Before using anything (natural or not) for medicinal purposes, consult your health provider. Make sure the change would not pose any threats to your health by causing allergies or other reaction.