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Shiitake mushrooms have unique properties. They soothe the nerves, strengthen immunity, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, thus preventing atherosclerosis. Most importantly, however, shiitake mushrooms have anti-cancer properties. Check what other properties shiitake mushrooms have, where can you buy them and how to prepare them?

Shiitake(Lentinus edodes) , Also known in Poland as Japanese hardworm, they have remarkableproperties he alth, which has been used in Far Eastern medicine for centuries. In these areas, shitake mushrooms are even called "the elixir of life" as they are believed to ensure human he alth and even longevity. No wonder - these brown and fleshy mushrooms with a curled cap are a treasure trove of ingredients that have a positive effect on the functioning of the body. First of all, they are characterized by a record content of potassium-lowering potassium and nerve-soothing niacin (vitamin B3), especially dried .They also contain vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus, which strengthens the bones. However, shiitake mushrooms are distinguished primarily by the content of a substance called lentinan, which strengthens the immune system and has an anti-cancer effect.

Shiitake mushrooms and cancer

As you can learn from the website of the American Cancer Society, research on the anti-cancer properties of shiitake mushrooms has been going on since the 1960s. Until today, many laboratory studies, on animals, and those involving humans, confirm that shittake mushrooms, especially the compound they contain called lentinan, have anti-cancer properties.

Shiitake mushrooms are the second most popular cultivated mushrooms in the world, after mushrooms.

Lentinan is a beta glucan, an organic chemical compound from the group of polysaccharides. It probably stimulates the immune system and activates certain cells and proteins that attack tumors - including macrophages, T lymphocytes and NK cells (Natural Killer). In addition, several other substances have been isolated that can fight cancer. Human studies show that lentinanincl. extends the life of patients with advanced and recurrent gastric and colorectal cancer (who also received chemotherapy).

Unfortunately, shiitake mushrooms cannot fight all cancers, and certainly not prostate cancer. In 62 men with this cancer who took shiitake mushroom extract 3 times a day for 6 months, no improvement was noted. After the end of the experiment, they did not notice a significant drop in their levels of a specific prostate antigen: PSA, a protein that tends to rise when prostate cancer develops. What's more, a quarter of the men experienced an increase in PSA levels.

Therefore, further research is needed to show which specific substances contained in these mushrooms have anti-cancer properties and which tumors can act on.

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Nutritional value of raw / cooked / dried shiitake mushrooms (per 100 g)Energy value - 34/56/296 kcal Total protein - 2.24 / 1.56 / 9, 58 g Fat - 0.49 / 0.22 / 0.99 g Carbohydrates - 6.79 g / 14.39 / 75.37 (including simple sugars 2.38 / 3.84 / 2.21) Fiber - 2.5 / 2.1 g / 11.5VitaminsVitamin C - 0 / 0.3 / 3.5 mg Thiamine - 0.015 / 0.037 / 0.300 mg Riboflavin - 0.217 / 0.170 / 1.270 mg Niacin - 3.877 / 1,500 / 14,100 mg Vitamin B6 - 0.293 / 0.159 / 0.965 mg Folic acid - 13/21/163 µg Vitamin D - 18/28/154 IU

MineralsCalcium - 2/3/11 mg Iron - 0.41 / 0.44 / 1.72 mg Magnesium - 20/14/132 mg Phosphorus - 112/29 / 294 mgPotassium - 304/117/1534 mgSodium - 9/4/13 mg Zinc - 1.03 / 1.33 / 7.66 mg Data Source: USDA National Nutrient Database

Shiitake mushrooms will boost immunity

Including one or two servings of shiitake mushrooms daily will strengthen the body's immune system, argue University of Florida scientists. Their research shows that these fungi have an immunomodulatory effect, i.e. they stimulate and strengthen the immune system. They can even stop it from working in the event of an excessive immune response. In addition, they regulate the body's self-repairing activities. All thanks to the abovementioned substance called lentinan contained in them.

Shiitake mushrooms will strengthen the nervous system

Shiitake mushrooms are characterized by a record content of niacin, i.e. vitamin B3. 100 dried mushrooms contain as much as 14,100 mg of this vitamin.

Shiitake mushrooms can cause allergies - eating them may cause respiratory problems or a rash.

Therefore, 100 g of dried mushrooms cover over 100% of the daily requirement of vitamin B3 in adults (14 mg / day). Niacin is famous for supportingthe work of the nervous system - calms down, helps to cope with stress, makes it easier to fall asleep, etc. Therefore, mentally tired people can include these mushrooms in their diet.

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Author: Time S.A

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Shiitake mushrooms - where can you buy it? What is their price?

Fresh or dried shiitake mushrooms are available at he alth food stores. The price of 50 g of dried mushrooms is about PLN 13. In turn, for 200 g of fresh mushrooms you have to pay about PLN 8.

In contrast, shiitake mushroom extracts are sold in the form of capsules (as supplements), also in he alth food stores. However, in this case the prices are much higher - 60 tablets cost about PLN 90.

Shiitake mushrooms will prevent atherosclerosis, blood clots and lower blood pressure

Research in Sweden has shown that shiitake mushrooms lower cholesterol thanks to the presence of a compound known as eritadenine. This is confirmed by scientists from the Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine in Japan. Thus, they prevent atherosclerosis, and thus - many related diseases, e.g. heart attack or stroke. In addition, shiitake mushrooms, especially dried ones, are a treasure trove of niacin, which also has anti-atherosclerotic properties. Vitamin B3 in high doses - over 1 g / day - is even used to treat arteriosclerosis.

In turn, the aforementioned lentinan prevents aggregation, i.e. clumping of platelets, and thus the formation of blood clots.

Shiitake mushrooms also contain a lot of potassium. 100 g of dried mushrooms contain as much as 1534 mg of this element. Its high content allows you to maintain normal blood pressure and protects against arterial hypertension.

Shiitake mushrooms for strong bones

Shiitake mushrooms, especially dried ones, are characterized by a high content of vitamin D (154 IU / 100 g), calcium (11 mg / 100 g) and phosphorus (294 mg / 100 g), i.e. substances that .in. strengthen bones and teeth.

Important

Shiitake mushrooms - contraindications

People with kidney stones or gout should give up shiitake mushrooms. In addition, they should not be eaten in excess, because then they can cause diarrhea and abdominal distension.

Shiitake mushrooms should not be given to children under 12 years of age.

Shitake mushrooms - how to make them?

Shiitake mushrooms are very fragile and you can eat them even raw. However, it is worth using their slightly meaty flavor to give some dishes a distinct and aroma. Based on shiitake mushrooms, you can make soups, sauces, salads and add to vegetable dishes. Moreover, they go perfectly with pasta, rice and dishes based on it. In addition, shiitake mushrooms can be dried and marinated.

Just remember that heat treatment should be as short as possible. If the mushrooms are heated for too long, they become hard. Before cooking the mushrooms, it is better to soak them well.

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Shiitake mushrooms - recipe for mushroom soupshiitake (for 4 people)

Ingredients: about 100 g shiitake mushrooms (preferably fresh, but can also be dried), 1 onion, 2 tablespoons of butter, 1 tablespoon of flour (or sour cream), 1 liter of broth, pepper, s alt 4 rolls for croutons .

How to make soup? Clean the mushrooms and chop the onion finely. Then, cut the mushrooms into thin slices and stew them in butter together with the chopped onion until soft. At the end, add a tablespoon of flour (or sour cream) to the mushrooms, mix thoroughly (so that there are no lumps) and stew for another minute.

Add half a cup of broth to the mushrooms, mix thoroughly, then pour the contents of the pan into the broth pot and season with pepper and s alt. Mix everything and bring to a boil.

Prepare the croutons - cut the rolls into small cubes and fry them in a pan until golden brown. Sprinkle croutons on the plate with ready-made soup.

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