There are many reasons to reduce meat consumption or to stop eating meat altogether. Maybe that’s going to be one of your New Year’s resolutions? We do however need to consume foods that contain the essential amino acids that our bodies use to make the proteins they need. Many vegetables contain amino acids but shiitake mushrooms, in particular, are a great source of all essential amino acid building blocks.
When you consider the health benefits of shiitake mushrooms, prepare to be amazed. Apart from containing vitamin D, they help to control blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation in the body. However, only mushrooms that have been exposed to UV sunlight will contain enough vitamin D to strengthen bones and improve bone density. So, when you buy shiitake mushrooms and you don’t know about how much sunlight they’ve been exposed to, simply put them into the sun before eating them. Practically all mushrooms benefit from sun exposure and thus provide you with a good amount of vitamin D which we are able to absorb well.
Polysaccharide compounds in shiitake mushrooms such as lentinans and other beta-glucans support our immune system and encourage white blood cell production giving the shiitake mushroom its antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Lentinan, an extensively researched polysaccharide, is a compound that activates macrophage T-lymphocytes and other immune effector cells. During the present pandemic, it’s particularly important that we look after our immune system and eat foods that support its ability to deal with all sorts of viruses.
Apart from vitamin D for good bone health and a strong immune system shiitake mushrooms contain many minerals and trace elements. They are a great source of B vitamins, especially vitamin B5 and B6 which support the function of the adrenal glands. B vitamins help to balance hormones naturally and play a vital role in transforming nutrients from food into energy. Last, but not least, they improve cognitive performance by helping to clear brain fog and to focus better. In March 2019 BBC news reported that “Research from Singapore suggests that eating mushrooms more than twice a week could prevent memory and language problems occurring in the over-60s.”
Just like garlic, ginger and turmeric, shiitake mushrooms are food and medicine all rolled in one. And the good news is that these are all readily available from local shops. On top of the health benefits, they’re easy to use, very versatile and also delicious – they taste like good quality chicken with a similar texture. You might wonder why we don’t eat them more often, especially since they’re readily available from shops.
Do contact me with any questions you may have relating to this article. Luzia Barclay Registered Medical Herbalist herbsforhealing.org.uk
info@luzia.co.uk
Tel 07716 872 756 or
01722 330663