If you're keen to give your immunity a boost, consider munching on shiitake mushrooms. Research has suggested that the humble fungi may help improve immune function and lower cholesterol.
What are Shiitake Mushrooms?
Commonly grown in Asian countries, the shiitake mushroom has a brown or golden cap and is eaten fresh or dried. It tends to have a stronger flavour than button mushrooms and other fungi.
Why are Shiitake Mushrooms Good for Immunity?
Shiitake mushrooms contain high-molecular-weight polysaccharides (HMWP), which are known to improve human immunity.
Interestingly, one recent study found that shiitake mushrooms grown on logs have considerably higher amounts of immune-boosting properties.
Agronomist David Brauer, who led the study, found that shiitakes grown on logs had HMWP levels around 70 per cent higher than regularly-grown varieties. Interestingly, his team also discovered that shiitakes cultivated on white and red logs had higher levels than those bred on sweet gum logs.
Other Immune-Boosting Mushrooms
Another study led by Dr Keith Martin at Arizona State University found that many other mushrooms can boost our immunity. He purported that mushrooms are powerhouses for improving immune function.
"What really stood out is that the white button mushrooms seemed to be the most effective," he said. "That's good, because those probably are the most affordable in the supermarket."
The research team conducted tests on lab mice, adding maitake, crimini, shiitake, white button and oyster mushrooms to their diet. The mice were then fed a colon inflammation trigger, which can cause tumours. Interestingly, the mushroom-eating mice were able to ward off the effects of the trigger.
How to Eat More Mushrooms
To reap the health benefits of mushrooms, consider adding more to your diet. You could add white button mushrooms to an omelette, in a stir fry or salad.
For a more exotic flavour, try shiitake mushrooms in a risotto, sauté sauce or simply eat them raw.
A nutritionist will be able to give you more ideas for adding mushrooms to your diet.
Originally published on Jun 05, 2013
