Mushrooms may not seem like the most exciting addition to a cancer-fighting diet, but it turns out they have some special powers. Some of these power-packed plants help to boost the immune system and others inhibit the growth of cancer cells or cause existing ones to die. The key to these anti-cancer benefits is the presence of a group of compounds called polysaccharides. These are found mainly in mushrooms such as shiitake, maitake, enokitake, portobellos, oyster mushrooms and cremini mushrooms.
These polysaccharides stimulate natural killer cells, T cells and B cells to activate the immune response. They also prevent cancer cell proliferation and metastasis and encourage the apoptosis of cancer cells. They can also reduce the expression of genes associated with cancer. Polysaccharides such as lentinan from Lentinula edodes, cordycepin and hispolon from Phellinus linteus, and PSK from Trametes versicolor have all been shown to inhibit the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which controls cancer cell survival and growth.
Another way that mushrooms can fight cancer is by reducing the toxic effects of chemotherapy. They are able to do this by blocking the activity of enzymes that normally destroy healthy cells, such as urinalysis and protein breakdown. They can also help to reduce the risk of side effects that are common with chemotherapy, such as gastrointestinal distress and hair loss.
In one study, turkey tail mushroom extract helped lung cancer patients survive longer. Another study found that a combination of two mushrooms (Grifola frondosa and Trametes versicolor) enhanced the effectiveness of a drug used to treat colorectal cancer, 5-fluorouracil.
Mushrooms are an excellent source of protein, vitamin D and potassium. They are also low in calories and fat. They can be added to any meal to make it heartier and more flavorful. They help to lower your cholesterol and triglyceride levels because they are high in beta-glucans. They are also a good source of niacin and vitamin B3 which improve heart health by lowering LDL or “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides while boosting HDL or “good” cholesterol.
In addition to being a good source of protein, mushrooms contain ergothioneine and glutathione, which are two antioxidants that protect the body from physiological stress. These antioxidants can prevent the formation of carcinogenic molecules and oxidative damage in the brain, lungs and other organs. They can also protect the heart, blood vessels, liver and kidneys. In addition, they can protect the skin from aging by slowing the rate of cell oxidation.