Today, I would like to talk about how we can boost our immune system this winter.
There are numbers of Japanese superfoods that are wonderful immune system boosters, but today I would like to focus on SHIITAKE MUSHROOM.
I use shiitake mushrooms in many of my cooking classes!!!
SHIITAKE’s medical effects have been recognized since ancient times through to the present days.
According to ancient and modern medical researchers and doctors, Shiitake is widely known as a ”medical mushroom” as it can be used to treat:
- Upper Respiratory Disease
- Poor Blood Circulation
- Liver Trouble
- General Exhaustion to Stimulate Qi -Life Energy
And can act as a:
- Cancer fighter
- An immune booster
- A Powerful Cholesterol-Lowering Food
Shiitake mushroom also offers amazing nutrients that are fabulous for your health, namely:
- Fiber (About 40% of dried shiitake being dietary fiber and the highest concentration of fiber of all mushroom) – great for gut health = strong immune system
- Copper (65% of an adult’s recommended daily intake. Copper is an essential mineral that works in synergy with iron)
- Iron
- Protein
- Vitamin B2 B6
- Selenium
- Zinc
- Vitamin C – helps to keep your immune system strong!
How Shiitake Mushroom Boosts Your Immune System?
- Shiitake’s nutrients can strengthen your immune system, lowering your risk of infection and fending off a variety of illnesses. Shiitake has wonderful immune-boosting components, including vital vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. The most well-known immune-boosting ingredient is beta-glucan polysaccharide, commonly known as “lentinan.”
- Lentinan, the most researched beta-glucan found in mushrooms, is a complex sugar compound known as a polysaccharide. It is thought that beta-glucans activate the immune system and offer superior immune system support.
- Researchers in a study that was published in the American College of Nutrition journal came to the conclusion that eating mushrooms enhanced gut immunity and cell effector function. They also found that eating mushrooms reduced inflammation.
- Additionally, lentinan causes the body’s proteins and certain cells to target cancer cells. It appears to limit the growth of some cancer cells in lab experiments. In Japan, lentinan is authorized for the treatment of cancer and can be used as a supplement to chemotherapy. It is a crucial phytonutrient that is present in shiitake mushrooms in comparatively high concentrations.
- Extra good news for the lentinan effect is that: it also has a hypolipidaemic ( fat-reducing) effect!
Shiitake can be cooked in Western style dishes
Example: Shiitake bruschetta. The recipe is available in my Japanese Superfoods cookbook.
Ready for having Shiitake mushroom?
Hope you are after you learn all fabulous health benefits of shiitake mushroom! BUT!!!!
NOT ALL SHIITAKE IS THE SAME! – CHOOSE SUNDRIED SHIITAKE MUSHROOM
Quite a few shiitake mushrooms are dried with chemical (yuck!)
So choose the sun-dried shiitake. It is great, not only chemical free but also HIGHER VITAMIN D contents! Shiitake contains Ergosterol, that is converted to vitamin D2 by exposure to UV light. You can also put your shiitake under the sun at home before you use as well.
SUPER EASY SHIITAKE HOME REMEDY
I believe you are ready for shiitake! Here is a super easy shiitake cough medicine
Shiitake cough medicine (Thanks to shiitake’s antiviral properties!)
- Soak dried shiitake in warm water until soft,
- then remove the shiitake and boil down the shiitake extract liquid to half of the quantity.
- Add some honey
The transition of the season is the time we tend to get sick, let’s stay warm and keep our immune system strong from a healthy diet!
Let’s learn together!
Have I told you I run a healthy cooking school in Sydney and offering various types of vegetarian, vegan, gluten free modern and traditional Japanese cooking class?
It is best you can come and join cooking class in Sydney especially Japanese Superfoods as medicine class, where you can learn shiitake dishes and other Japanese medicinal foods!
Happy healthy shiitake cooking xxx
