As winter approaches, I wanted to outline the remarkable health benefits of shiitake mushrooms. Shiitake mushrooms are great at boosting your IMMUNE SYSTEM!
WHAT ARE SHIITAKE MUSHROOMS?
Shiitake mushrooms have their origins in China, though the name was created in Japan. They come in fresh and dried forms, with dried shiitake having a more intense flavour. There are also various types of shiitake mushrooms distinguished by the size of their pileu (caps). As a staple superfood in Japanese cuisine, I enjoy incorporating shiitake mushrooms into my meals for their outstanding nutritional value.
Fresh Shiitake mushroom
HOW SHIITAKE BOOSTS OUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
Shiitake mushrooms are packed with nutrients which can boost our immune function, reducing the risk of infections and combatting against diseases.
They contain:
- Lentinan
- Protein
- Iron
- Vitamin B2, B6
- Slenium
- Zinc
- Antioxidant vitamin C
All of these nutrients work together to stimulate a healthy immune system. Particularly, Lentinan is known for its ability to stimulate immune activity by increasing the efficacy of cells that combat viruses. Lentinan also plays a role in activating cells to fight against cancer, with laboratory studies indicating its ability to slow cancer growth.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition in 2015 found that consuming mushrooms enhances cellular function and enhances gut immunity. Furthermore, mushroom consumption was associated with alleviating inflammation.
Ready to have Shiitake mushrooms for a stronger immune system? Get cooking tips and Shiitake mushroom recipes from Japanese Superfoods cookbook.
DO YOU NEED HEALTHY VEGAN COOKING INSPIRATIONS?
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Plant Based Cookbooks
If you want to cook more easy and tasty Japanese vegan meals using Japanese superfoods – real key for Japanese health, please grab my vegan cookbook “Japanese Superfoods” or “Top 3 Japanese Superfoods for Natural Weightloss” or even better, you can have “Japanese Superfoods combo deal” to master Japanese Superfoods.