Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms
When we buy mushrooms, our choice is restricted to the popular varieties of button mushrooms. Besides these culinary mushrooms, certain varieties of mushrooms are especially noted for their medicinal value. Shiitake, Maitake, Cordyceps and Reishi are the most popular varieties of medicinal mushroom. For centuries, these medicinal mushrooms are being used in traditional Chinese and Japanese herbal medicines. Modern researches have found ample evidence to support the usefulness of these mushrooms in curing diseases.
Cancer treatment
One of the prominent uses of medicinal mushrooms is in preventing adverse affects of cancer treatments. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy produce number of debilitating side effects. Consumption of medicinal mushrooms, during the period of these treatments, could actually reduce the side effects of these therapies.
Building Immunity
Medicinal mushrooms are capable of strengthening the immune system. Studies with Reishi have shown that chemicals present in this mushroom can promote maturation, differentiation and growth of different types of immune cells. The role of this mushroom in boosting the natural immunity of the body has been utilized in enhancing the quality of life of even advanced cancer patients.
Curing Asthma
Among medicinal mushrooms, cordyceps are traditionally used for treating asthma patients. Polysaccharide and beta glucan present in medicinal mushrooms are found to reduce dependency of asthma sufferers on inhalers.
Lowers bad cholesterol
According to studies, intake of medicinal mushrooms can improve liver function and lowers the level of bad cholesterol present in our blood stream.
Popular Medicinal Mushrooms
Reishi
Reishi has been associated with good life and youth in traditional Chinese medicines. Modern studies have found this mushroom effective in curing cancer tumors and in treating inflammations.
Maitake
This mushroom is a rich source of ergothioneine, an antioxidant, which protects our body cells. Maitake can probably fight prostate, breast, lungs, brain and liver cancers. It can also reduce blood pressure and blood sugar.
Shiitake
This mushroom strengthens our immune system. It is used in treating cold and flu. Shiitake is capable of preventing cancer and lower bad cholesterol.
