Effect of shiitake mushrooms is very positive for human health, promoting heart and bone strength, improving immunity, preventing cancers, reducing inflammation, fighting stress, increasing energy levels, maintaining healthy skin and improving mental activity. They also provide the body with B vitamins and amino acids, and are one of the few foods to contain natural vitamin D. However, consuming this Asian staple in large quantities may lead to adverse effects, such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, and an increased heart rate.
Shiitake mushrooms are a type of fungus that is native to Japan, China and Korea. Spores land on hardwood logs and trees in nature, where they build a hidden mycelial network beneath the surface that eventually produces fruiting bodies that we harvest as mushrooms. In addition to their culinary value, shiitake mushrooms are an important part of the ecosystem as they decompose fallen trees and limbs, breaking down organic compounds into nutrients that can be used by other plants.
A mushroom’s ability to decompose the organic polymers in wood is a key aspect of its role in the ecosystem, helping to reduce deadfall and returning essential nutrients to the soil. They are also able to digest lignin, an organic compound that makes trees rigid and resistant to decay. Shiitake mushrooms use this ability to help clean up pollution in their natural habitat, a process known as bioremediation.
Eating shiitake mushrooms provides many benefits to the immune system, including the ability to stimulate the growth and activity of white blood cells and antibody producing cells. Specifically, they provide us with a rich source of the polysaccharide beta-glucans, and lentinan, which activate macrophage T-lymphocytes and other immune effector cells to fight against pathogenic microbes and environmental toxins.
They can also stimulate the production of interleukin-12, which promotes phagocytosis and antibody production by B-lymphocytes. They also stimulate NK cell production, a key player in the immune response to cancer.
The soluble fiber in shiitake mushrooms can improve digestion by balancing gut bacteria and stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria, as well as improving absorption of iron and calcium. They also provide a source of the amino acid l-ergothioneine, which can prevent cell breakdown and help keep the skin bright and clear.
Shiitake mushrooms can also aid weight loss by regulating the metabolism, lowering cholesterol and triglycerides, increasing fat breakdown and suppressing appetite. They are low in calories and contain no trans fats or saturated fats, and the eritadenine and b-glucan in shiitake mushrooms can reduce fat deposition and increase satiety, thereby decreasing food intake. In addition, they can reduce the release of triacylglycerol from the liver, which can be harmful in people who are overweight or obese. In addition, a study published in the “Journal of Obesity” found that consuming shiitake mushrooms can decrease food intake and weight gain, and improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels.