It should be mentioned that not all mushrooms are medicinal; for this reason, it is recommended to have extensive knowledge on this subject when using them.
Regarding their properties, these medicinal mushrooms have beta-glucans; they are polysaccharides and participate in our defence system.
What are the benefits of medicinal mushrooms?
The beta-glucans in mushrooms boost the immune system.
The presence of beta-glucan receptors has been described in some of the cells that are part of the immune system; therefore, when they contact the beta-glucans of mushrooms, they use them as a source of nutrition and energy for these cells, thus reinforcing the activity they perform.
This activity has been described in scientific studies demonstrating the positive effect of medicinal mushrooms on the body’s defence line.
Properties of medicinal mushrooms
Medicinal mushrooms have different medicinal properties depending on their composition, and now we will see the most common.
Maitake
This type of mushroom is rich in phytonutrients, and it also has type enzymes that inhibit the action of alpha-glucosidase, allowing control of glucose levels in the blood; it also allows to maintain the levels of fats in the blood such as cholesterol and triglycerides.
More Information: How to clean mushrooms?
Its action on the synthesis processes of Vitamin D has also been demonstrated.
Lion’s Mane
The properties of the Lion’s Mane mushroom are very broad; Studies have shown its active participation in gastrointestinal functions and at the nervous system level because it is considered an excellent nutrient for brain cells, thus improving memory.
Lion’s Mane contains Ericaceae and hericenone, components that positively stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein of great importance for the maintenance and life of certain neurons.
Sun Mushroom
This type of mushroom is the one that contains the highest amount of beta-glucans; it is also rich in alpha-glucans.
What are the benefits of medicinal mushrooms?
The Sun Mushroom is the mushroom with the highest levels of beta-glucan
Its contribution to the immune line, blood glucose levels, liver and cardiovascular levels has been described.
Mushrooms and their properties. A MUST in food.
Mushrooms and fungi are a product that we should take into account in our diet, and they have fibre, proteins, mineral salts (such as iron, potassium and phosphorus), trace elements (such as zinc and manganese, among others), B vitamins and D. With a reduced fat content, so it has a low caloric intake. It is known for its stupendous anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. And, of course, they help our immune system. Therefore eat real food, mushrooms are a MUST in our diet.
If one is not an expert, it is always better to buy them and not pick them up in the field on our own since there are many toxic varieties.
Most of the mushrooms marketed today in markets or supermarkets are the same varieties but presented in their different sizes or growth stages.
But we can highlight such important varieties as portobello (from the same family as mushrooms), wild mushrooms, boletus, chanterelles, oronja, chanterelle, black truffle, etc.
Mushrooms such as “Shiitake” and “Wild Wood Ear” or “Judas Ear,” “Reishi,” and “Maitake” are considered super mushrooms for their wonderful healing properties. And luckily thanks to this they are foods that are highly studied.
Properties and Tips of Mushrooms:
Shiitake contains lentinan, which is a substance that has anticancer, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. It also stimulates the production of white blood cells so beneficial for our immune system. Liver protector. Improves circulation, cholesterol and even colds.
The “Wild Wood Ear” or “Judas Ear” Helps control blood sugar. It has anticancer, anticoagulant, and cholesterol-lowering properties. It grows mostly on the bark of old willows.
Reishi has antiallergic and antiviral properties. It is recommended for its antitumor properties. (Inhibits the growth of tumours, especially breast and prostate). It is also recommended for problems of anxiety, stress or insomnia. Because of its slightly more bitter taste, I prefer to buy it as a powder. (Reishi powder).
Maitake increases vital energy and strengthens the immune system. It is very interesting in diseases of the circulatory system, and they can help lower blood pressure and make the blood more fluid. Also interesting to keep blood sugar levels constant in people with diabetes. A great ally for the cansancio or chronic fatigue. It grows at the base of trees, especially oaks.
Mushrooms have many known health benefits, but a recent study published by the National University of Singapore, carried out on 600 people over 60 years old, has shown that taking 300 grams of mushrooms a week reduces by 50% risk of mild cognitive impairment in the elderly.
The type of mushroom is not very important because they have discovered that it is due to an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory called ergothioneine, which is present in almost all mushrooms, but that humans cannot synthesize, so we must consume it.
An advantage of mushrooms over other foods is that thanks to their fibre, they fill up quickly, but they have few calories: only 22 calories per 100 grams.
Its insoluble fibre drags and improves the functioning of the intestines, so it is a portion of good food for constipated people.
Some compounds that mushrooms have, such as lignin, favour the intestinal flora and help lose weight and prevent tumours.
Mushrooms strengthen the immune system, thanks to their beta-glucans.
There are scientific studies that suggest that the consumption of mushrooms can influence the prevention of cancer.
Thanks to their selenium content, they help fight free radicals.
Being rich in potassium and sodium, mushrooms help control blood pressure and strengthen the heart.
The nutritional contribution of mushrooms is very valuable. According to the Spanish Heart Foundation, they are rich in iron, phosphorus, iodine, magnesium, selenium, calcium, potassium, zinc, vitamins A, and vitamins of group B (specifically B1, B2, B3) C and D. The use of edible mushrooms in the daily diet has great benefits for human consumption such as the inhibition of cancer cell growth, decreased cholesterol levels and the formation of gallstones, antivirals, anti-inflammatory effect, hepatoprotective effect, anti-inflammatory effect. Hypertension, antioxidant effect, and, of course, a substitute for red and white meat due to its high protein content.