Super Food - Mushrooms

Super Mushrooms

There are many kinds of super mushrooms. The most common ones are Agaricus blazei, Maitake, Shitake, Reishi. Portobello, Cordyceps, Oyster, Morel, and Porcini.

Description: Mushrooms have been used for thousands of years by traditional eastern gealers but only recently by western Healers in advanced Medicine. Mushrooms are often incorrectly classified as vegetables or herbs, but they are actually fungi.

Many think mushrooms are low in nutritional value, but science is finding them to be full of “Medicinal Magic.”   Mushrooms are very rich in high quality proteins, beta glucans, nucleic acids, vitamins, and minerals, as well as specific type of polysaccharides  and other properties.

History and general information: Scientific studies of mushrooms only started approximately twenty years ago. Researchers have found that some mushrooms are rich in minerals (potassium, calcium, and magnesium), various vitamins (D2, B2, Niacin, and C), fibre, and amino acids. Another important ingredient especially found in the family of Polyporaceae (so-called “Monkey’s Bench”) is a polysaccharide compound which exhibits strong immune support activity.

Benefits reported:

• Mushrooms provide the body with the nutrients, proteins, minerals, and vitamins needed to generate energy and repair cells.
• Mushrooms boost the immune system.
• Increases hearing.
• Increases circulation.
• Improves eyesight.
• May cure impotence.
• May stop migraine headaches.
• Prevents tumours.
• Protects against influenza.
• Protects against cancer.
• Reduces the risk of stroke.
• Cures and prevents yeast and fungal infections.

 In addition, mushrooms are:

• Low in carbohydrates, calories, and sodium
• Cholesterol and fat free
• High in fibre and protein
• Rich in B Vitamins, which help maintain a healthy metabolism
• An excellent source of potassium, a mineral that helps lower elevated blood pressure
• A rich source of riboflavin, niacin, and selenium, an antioxidant that works with Vitamin E to protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals.

• Research has shown that men who consumed twice the recommended daily intake of selenium cut their risk of prostate cancer by 65 percent.

• Regular ingestion of Mushrooms not only fights and reduces cancerous cells and tumours, they help prevent cancer cells from forming.

Health Benefits of Specific Mushroom Groups:

• Oyster Mushrooms are used to strengthen veins and relax tendons. “Tendon-easing powder” is an effective treatment for numb limbs as well as tendon and blood vessel discomfort. Dried Oyster Mushrooms are high in iron, which makes them a good blood builder.

• Portobello Mushrooms contain protein and a wide variety of B-complex vitamins such as riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and niacin. They are a good source of thiamine, Vitamin B6, folate, selenium, lysine, zinc, copper, manganese, and iron. One medium Portobello mushroom has even more potassium than one banana or a glass of orange juice.

• Morel Mushrooms contain protein, Vitamins D and B, riboflavin, niacin, and thiamine, which helps the body maintain a healthy metabolism. They also contain copper, selenium, and potassium. They are low in carbohydrates, very low in calories, fat free, and contain very little sodium.

• Maitake Mushrooms may best be known for their cancer-fighting properties. The evidence confirming Maitake’s therapeutic value is impressive. Laboratory studies have shown that, in mice with cancer, Maitake extract can block the growth of cancer tumours and boost the immune function.
• Maitake mushroom was found effective against leukemia and stomach and bone cancers.
• In addition, many doctors in Japan use Maitake mushrooms to lower blood pressure and blood lipids.
• This mushroom has also been reported to aid digestion by regulating the stomach and intestines, helping to eliminate food stagnation.

• Porcini Mushrooms contain copper, selenium, potassium, and protein. Just like Morels, Porcini mushrooms have cancer-fighting properties.

• Shiitake Mushrooms also appears to be effective against some of the more serious viruses we face today, including HIV and Hepatitis B. It appears to be a formidable cancer fighter. Research has shown that Shiitake lowers cholesterol levels.

• Reishi Mushrooms are particularly beneficial for individuals with asthma and other respiratory complaints. Reishi are good for respiratory strength and for easing the discomfort of coughing (at least one population study confirms this claim).

• Reishi Mushrooms: When more than 2,000 Chinese people with chronic bronchitis took Reishi Syrup during the 1970s, according to the article “Medicinal Mushrooms” by Christopher Hobbs (as published in Herbs for Health, Jan/Feb 97), within two weeks, 60 to 90 percent felt better and reported an improved appetite.

How to use:

Adding any one of these Super Mushrooms to your soups, stews, rice, pot roast, salads, and casseroles will increase your health and well-being.

Some Super Mushrooms can be purchased in capsule form. This is also an excellent way to get the amazing nutritional benefits of these Super Mushrooms.