Did you know that the humble shiitake mushroom is a powerful immune booster?
Used in Japanese cuisine for centuries, shiitake mushrooms are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that support your body’s natural defences. They contain beta-glucans—natural compounds that stimulate immune cells—and are rich in essential vitamins like B2, B5, and D.
Umami-packed immune booster – Rich in beta-glucans, antioxidants & natural goodness
Why Shiitake?
- Rich in beta-glucans, which help activate immune cells like macrophages and T-cells
- Contains lentinan, a natural compound shown to enhance immune function
- High in antioxidants, helping to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress
- Supports gut health, where around 70% of your immune system resides
Whether you enjoy them in a warming miso soup, braised with daikon, or simply sautéed with garlic and tamari, you can even in western style dishes too! adding shiitake to your meals is an easy and delicious way to support your immune system.
Shiitake works in Western dishes too! – Add depth, flavour & immune-boosting power to your meals
References
- Beta-glucans and immune modulation: Vetvicka, V. et al. (2019). “?-glucans as immunomodulators.” Journal of Immunotoxicology.
- Lentinan research: Ina, K. et al. (2013). “Lentinan improves quality of life in cancer patients.” Molecular and Clinical Oncology.
- Shiitake antioxidants: Jayachandran, M. et al. (2017). “Health-promoting effects of mushrooms.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
- Gut-immune connection: Belkaid, Y. & Hand, T.W. (2014). “Role of the microbiota in immunity and inflammation.” Cell.
Coming to Class
We love using shiitake mushrooms in our cooking classes — not only for their deep umami flavour, but also for their amazing health benefits.
You’ll find shiitake featured in these classes:
–Japanese Beginner Cooking
–Japanese Superfoods as Medicine
I hope this inspires you to start incorporating more shiitake mushrooms into your cooking—not just for their incredible umami flavour, but also for the natural immune-boosting support they offer.
It’s such a simple, delicious way to look after your health during the chilly months.
Stay warm, take care of yourself, and enjoy cooking nourishing meals that make you feel good from the inside out!
DO YOU NEED HEALTHY VEGAN COOKING INSPIRATIONS?
Do you know I run a cooking school in Sydney?
Please come and join my healthy Japanese superfoods cooking class in Sydney. We offer vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free cooking classes that are filled with tasty and easy recipes. You will learn not only cooking skills and tips but also how to use Japanese ancient wisdom on a daily basis for your health, energy, and beauty! Don’t be afraid to make it a group event, corporate team building cooking classes, hens party cooking classes and other group classes are available, the more the merrier! Join my cooking class from HERE or leave me an inquiry HERE.
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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.
