What are shiitakes?
" Shiitake" is a Japanese term.
This basidiomycete fungus belongs to the Marasmiaceae family and is one of the most widely used mushrooms in Chinese medicine.
It is edible and originates from the Far East, in the forests of various species of deciduous trees.
Its historical host is a tree called Castanopsis cuspidata.
The mushroom's pleasant aroma has made it a star ingredient in Asian cuisine: Korean, Japanese and Chinese.
It is used in many traditional Asian dishes, which has made it a success all over the world.
However, we still do not know the exact origin of this mushroom, which is of interest to scientists all over the world.
All we know is that it likes high places (between 2,100 and 2,400 metres).
It grows on dead branches and trunks of deciduous trees in Asian forests.
The composition of shiitake
Shiitake has an exceptional nutritional composition.
This is why it has attracted so much scientific and medical interest.
Shiitake is low in lipids (fats) but very rich in proteins and carbohydrates.
Several vitamins are present in its composition: C, D and the B complex (B2, B3, B5 and B6).
Minerals and trace elements complete the list of nutrients.
It contains copper, iron, sodium, zinc, calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and potassium.
In addition to the main active ingredients, such as polysaccharides and lentinan, shiitake also contains dietary fibre.
Lentinan is responsible for some of the benefits of shiitake.
Which shiitake mushrooms to eat for their benefits?
If you are looking for more than just the taste of the mushroom, and if you want to make the most of these benefits, you need to choose them well.
Consume mushrooms from Asia (Korea, Japan, China), grown at high altitudes and according to the strictest environmental standards: the organic label.
European shiitake mushrooms are very tasty, but their antioxidant properties do not seem to be as strong as those of Asian shiitake mushrooms.
If you decide to take a food supplement, make sure you buy it from a reputable supplier and check the origin of the mushrooms used in its composition.
The benefits of shiitake
As well as adding a bright flavour to Asian dishes, shiitake mushrooms have many benefits for the body.
This is why it is used in many traditional medicines from the Asian continent.
Researchers have also become interested in the health benefits of shiitake and have tried to understand its properties better.
Strengthening and boosting immunity
Shiitake contains many nutrients and antioxidants, making it a food of choice as part of a healthy lifestyle.
But it also has certain benefits in terms of immunity.
In fact, shiitake is known to stimulate the immune system and strengthen it against external attacks.
Shiitake contains active ingredients (complex polysaccharides) that stimulate the body's natural defences.
In China and Japan, shiitake is used in the preparation of adjuvant treatments to combat the weaknesses presented by a deficient immune system.
It is therefore used against winter illnesses (colds, flu), candidiasis, HIC or even allergies.
Most mushrooms contain antibacterial and antifungal compounds, which are essential for their development and survival in nature.
Shiitake offers the same health benefits.
Its active ingredients (lentinan, lentionin, oxalic acid) have antibacterial and antifungal properties.
It is also possible to use shiitake to prevent tooth decay and periodontitis.
The shiitake mushroom helps to lower blood cholesterol levels (cholesterolemia).
In fact, it contains dietary fibre, which has the effect of reducing the level of lipids in the blood.
And it is a low-fat food.
It is also interesting to note that shiitake contains erythadenine, a natural cholesterol-lowering compound.
This substance helps to reduce bad cholesterol, thus helping to prevent cardiovascular risk.
This mushroom is an ally for heart health and the prevention of the various pathologies that can be caused by cholesterol in the blood.
Finally, shiitake offers an interesting contribution in proteins and carbohydrates, with a very low contribution in lipids.
A healthy and light source of energy throughout the day!
Shiitake is a benefactor of the digestive system.
Its active ingredients, combined with the antifungal and antibacterial effects of the mushroom, help to combat intestinal inflammation and its effects.
The beneficial effects of shiitake are seen in the teeth, mouth, stomach and throughout the rest of the digestive tract.
Shiitake is used to prevent and treat tissue necrosis that can occur in certain areas of the digestive system.
Consuming mushrooms such as shiitake provides probiotic-like properties.
Even better, the mushroom helps restore the balance of microbial flora in the intestines and other organs to ensure digestive comfort and well-being.
It is a food of choice for people suffering from various gastrointestinal disorders.
Slowing cell ageing
Traditional Chinese medicine is renowned for its many anti-ageing remedies.
And shiitake is no stranger!
The antioxidant properties and effects of shiitake have been proven in scientific studies.
These benefits are largely due to the presence of phenolic compounds in shiitake and its unusual composition.
In fact, this mushroom, rich in nutrients and natural antioxidants, allows the body to fight the harmful effects of free radicals.
And one of these effects is to accelerate the ageing of the body's cells.
Free radicals can therefore be the cause of various cardiovascular and age-related diseases.
Most plants contain antioxidant compounds, such as phenolic compounds.
This is also the case with certain mushrooms, including shiitake.
It is also one of the most antioxidant-rich foods available.
However, researchers agree on one key point.
Shiitakes grown in Asia are more potent than those grown in Europe.
Therefore, it is important to choose shiitake products grown in Asia rather than Europe to get the most health benefits.
Improving quality of life for cancer patients
As mentioned above, shiitake mushrooms boost the natural defences of those who consume them.
But did you know that it also helps to boost the immunity of cancer patients?
In fact, regular consumption of this mushroom allows patients undergoing treatment not only to prolong their lives, but also to significantly improve their quality of life.
Shiitake is particularly effective against stomach cancer, especially in patients who cannot be treated.
Lentinan, one of the plant's active ingredients, is thought to be at the root of its health benefits.
Research is continuing, focusing in particular on the effects of shiitake on patients with various types of cancer: pancreatic, liver, colon...
For now, studies show that the mushroom would be effective in slowing the progression of prostate cancer.
The benefits were observed after intravenous injection of a shiitake-based solution.
All this in addition to chemotherapy.
However, an oral preparation based on lentinan has been developed by Japanese researchers, who are in the process of advancing cancer treatment.
Consuming shiitake mushrooms: what you need to know
Although shiitake mushrooms have health benefits, they are not suitable for everyone.
It is therefore necessary to take the time to learn about its possible contraindications and side effects before incorporating it into your diet.
Contraindications
Regular use can cause eosinophilia in some people.
This is a condition related to an immune response that is similar in many ways to an allergic reaction.
There is an abnormal increase in the number of white blood cells in the body.
People suffering from eosinophilia should not consume shiitake.
If in doubt, consult your doctor.
Shiitake may in some cases cause allergic reactions on contact.
Due to the lack of information needed to establish their safety, pregnant and breastfeeding women and children are advised not to consume shiitake.
In most cases, this mushroom should also be avoided by people on anticoagulant treatment.
Its possible side effects
Some side effects may occur after taking shiitake mushrooms.
These are rare and often benign.
However, it is important to be aware of them in case of doubt.
The side effects that can occur are intestinal discomfort, skin irritation and skin diseases.
These usually occur when the mushroom is eaten raw or undercooked.
And they have a name: flagellate dermatitis or shiitake dermatitis.
Shiitake is also likely to interact with drugs, plants and supplements with similar properties.
Especially in the context of cholesterol treatment (among others).
If you are undergoing treatment, consult your doctor before taking shiitake in any form.