Emily Johnson
Mushrooms have been consumed since ancient times, with the ancient Greeks believing they made warriors strong, and the Romans perceiving them as the Food of the Gods. In recent times, they have become increasingly valued for their medicinal properties, with research showing that they contain bioactive compounds with numerous health benefits. They are a rich, low-calorie source of fibre, protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, improve heart health, and lower cholesterol and blood pressure. They also support the immune system and may help to reduce the risk of serious health conditions such as cancer, Alzheimer's, and diabetes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutritional value | High protein, fiber, vitamin and mineral content, and low-fat levels |
| Nutraceutical properties | Prevention or treatment of Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, hypertension, and high risk of stroke |
| Anti-inflammatory | Improve the efficiency of the immune system |
| Anti-cancer | Reduce the likelihood of cancer invasion and metastasis |
| Antibacterial | Act as an immune system enhancer |
| Cholesterol-lowering | Help keep cholesterol levels low |
| Bioactive compounds | Polysaccharides stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria |
| Macronutrients | Selenium, vitamin D, vitamin B6, and zinc |
| Culinary attributes | Unique flavor |
| Medicinal properties | Immunomodulating, antitumor, antidepressive, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, nephroprotective, osteoprotective, and hypotensive activities |
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What You'll Learn
Nutritional value
Mushrooms are a nutritious food that has been consumed since ancient times. They are low in calories, carbohydrates, fat, sodium, and cholesterol, making them a healthy substitute for red meat. They are also a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including selenium, potassium, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin D, and vitamin B6.
Vitamin D is essential for cell growth, immune function, and bone health. Mushrooms exposed to ultraviolet light are particularly rich in vitamin D. Selenium helps produce antioxidant enzymes that prevent cell damage, while vitamin B6 aids in the formation of red blood cells, proteins, and DNA. Mushrooms also contain active polysaccharides, which stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut and support digestive health.
In addition to their nutritional value, mushrooms possess medicinal properties and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. They are known for their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and cholesterol-lowering effects. Research suggests that mushrooms may help reduce the risk of cancer, Alzheimer's, heart disease, and diabetes. They also have potential benefits in the treatment of Parkinson's, hypertension, and high stroke risk.
Mushroom extracts are now being commercialized as dietary supplements, especially in Asian countries, where mycotherapy has deep roots. Certain varieties, such as lion's mane, turkey tail, shiitake, reishi, and cordyceps, are referred to as 'functional mushrooms' or 'medicinal mushrooms' due to their specific healing properties. These mushrooms are often taken as powders or supplements rather than eaten whole.
While mushrooms offer numerous nutritional and health benefits, it is important to consume only store-bought or properly identified wild mushrooms to avoid the risk of consuming toxic varieties.
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Medicinal properties
Mushrooms have been consumed since ancient times and are prized for their culinary, nutritional, and medicinal value. They are a good source of selenium, vitamin D, vitamin B6, potassium, riboflavin, niacin, protein, and fibre. They are low in calories, carbohydrates, fat, and sodium and are cholesterol-free.
Mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, and modern research has confirmed their medicinal properties. They contain bioactive compounds and exhibit a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidative, antiviral, immunomodulating, antidepressive, and antitumor properties.
Mushrooms have been shown to improve the efficiency of the immune system. They contain polysaccharides, which are their most abundant carbohydrate, and these polysaccharides can stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. The presence of these polysaccharides also encourages the growth of bacteria in the colon, as they pass through the stomach unchanged.
Mushrooms are also a source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body from stress, prevent or slow cell damage, and improve anti-inflammatory actions, thus protecting against obesity-related hypertension. They are also believed to lower the risk of developing serious health conditions such as Alzheimer's, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Some specific types of mushrooms are considered to have medicinal properties and are often taken as a powder or supplement rather than eaten whole. These include lion's mane, reishi, shiitake, cordyceps, and Turkey Tail, which has been used as a "magic herb" in China for thousands of years.
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Immune system enhancement
Medicinal mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine to support immune health. Modern scientific research has validated the powerful immune-supportive properties of medicinal mushrooms. These mushrooms are rich in beta-glucans, polysaccharides, selenium, magnesium, zinc, and other compounds that have been shown to support immune health.
Mushrooms have been shown to positively influence the gut microbiota, improving protection against pathogens. Certain mushrooms have also been shown to support immune health by enhancing innate and adaptive immune responses. Conversely, certain mushroom extracts may also suppress the immune response, thereby exerting anti-allergic effects.
The Lion's Mane mushroom is packed with antioxidants and strengthens the immune system. This mushroom is rare because it fosters the production of the bioprotein nerve growth factor (NFG) and myelin (an insulation around nerve fibers), which are crucial to brain health. Chaga mushrooms are also an antioxidant powerhouse, making them excellent for fighting free radicals and inflammation.
Shiitake, Reishi, Maitake, Chaga, and Cordyceps are some of the most common medicinal mushrooms with immune-boosting properties. For example, Lentinan, the active compound in shiitake mushrooms, has been widely studied for its immune system–enhancing effects. A compound in maitake mushrooms called D-fraction has been shown to support the immune system and fight cancer cells. Cordyceps has been shown to increase the activity of natural killer (NK) cells in randomised clinical trials in healthy adults.
Medicinal mushrooms are available in several forms, including powders, lattes, and teas. They can also be added to cooking, with just a spoonful or 1 to 2 tablespoons per day providing a range of health benefits.
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Anti-inflammatory effects
Mushrooms have been used for their nutritional and medicinal properties for thousands of years. Modern research confirms the therapeutic effects of traditionally used species. Mushrooms are rich in anti-inflammatory components, such as polysaccharides, phenolic and indolic compounds, mycosteroids, fatty acids, carotenoids, vitamins, and biometals.
Mushrooms contain secondary metabolites that exhibit a range of beneficial properties, including anti-inflammatory effects. Phenolic compounds are one of the most important groups of secondary metabolites, with proven antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. Their mechanism of antioxidative action involves neutralizing reactive oxygen species and protecting cells from damage. Another group of substances with antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties found in mushrooms are indole compounds. These compounds have been shown to have particularly strong effects on the immune and nervous systems of animals.
The anti-inflammatory properties of mushrooms have been demonstrated in various studies. For example, the triterpene extract of Ganoderma lucidum significantly suppressed the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and mediators in stimulated macrophages. Additionally, lanostane-type triterpenic acids with potent anti-inflammatory properties have been isolated from G. lucidum. Syringaldehyde and syringic acid, two active aromatic compounds found in the ethanolic extract of the edible truffle Elaphomyces granulatus, have also been proven to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.
Furthermore, mushroom polysaccharides have been shown to have positive effects on human health, including anti-inflammatory properties. Crude extracts of certain mushrooms, such as Lentinus polychrous, Termitomyces albuminosus, and Phellinus linteus, have been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory effects. These extracts inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory mediators and reduced inflammation in animal models.
The anti-inflammatory effects of mushrooms have been recognized in traditional medicine and are now being validated by modern scientific research. The medicinal properties of mushrooms offer potential natural alternatives for the management of inflammatory conditions.
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Cancer prevention
Mushrooms have been used in traditional medicines in East Asia due to their immunomodulatory, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. There are approximately 700 species of mushrooms out of 14,000 that have been reported to exhibit medicinal properties. In Japan and China, certain mushrooms are routinely used to complement cancer treatments.
Mushrooms have been linked to improvements in several common quality-of-life indicators for cancer patients, including improved appetite, improved physical and mental competency, and reduced fatigue. Some studies have shown that cancer patients who take mushrooms may live longer, and in some cases, this was linked to a positive immune response.
Mushrooms contain biologically active polysaccharides in their fruit bodies or mycelia. The -glucans of mushrooms resemble bacterial cell walls and complex with complement on macrophages to activate an immune response, triggering the release of various cytokines that are active in tumor inhibition. The polysaccharide extract active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) of the Lentinula edodes mushroom has been tested in several human trials. Eleven advanced cancer patients who were given 3 gm per day of AHCC for 1 month showed a 2.5 times increase in natural killer cell activity, and over half had a tumor response.
There are many different types of mushrooms, and not all of them are easily accessible. Shiitake mushrooms are the only ones out of the most frequently studied kinds in cancer research that can be easily bought whole in grocery stores. The rest are often found in powdered form in health food stores.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, mushrooms have been consumed for their healing properties since ancient times. They are known to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antiviral, antidepressive, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, and hypotensive properties.
Mushrooms are a rich source of potassium, which is a nutrient that helps to reduce blood pressure. They also contain selenium, vitamin D, and vitamin B6, which help to maintain a healthy immune system by preventing cell damage, assisting with cell growth, and forming red blood cells.
Cremini mushrooms are an excellent source of zinc, which supports the immune system and ensures optimal growth in infants and children. Shiitake mushrooms are a good source of vitamin B6, which helps the body form red blood cells. Maitake mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D, which helps with cell growth and boosts immune function.
