The Shiitake is one tasty mushroom, boasting a meaty savoury flavour perfect to add to miso soup and ramen or one of our personal favourites as a main filling in a wrap. You would have most likely heard of Shiitake Mushrooms from cooking Asian cuisine. Shiitake mushrooms are not just for tasty meals they have a whole host of benefits too. While there needs to be more human trials research, there are signs that suggests a lot of promising benefits to your overall health and wellbeing by consuming Shiitake mushrooms or Shiitake mushroom tinctures.
A hearts best friend
Shiitake’s are known to lower blood serum cholesterol, this was observed by the presence of Eritadine a phytochemical known to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood.[1] In an animal study in mice , it was found that ones that consumed 5% shiitake powder showed lower blood pressure and cholesterol.[2] In addition other studies show Shiitake can both decrease very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) as well as high density lipoproteins (HDL), preventing the increase of blood pressure.[3]
Anti inflammatory
Supplementing with Shiitake mushroom extract may help protect your body from inflammation. In one study, Shiitake ingestion increased inflammatory cytokines, IL-4 , IL-10 and TNF alpha.[4]In another study Shiitake ethanol tinctures strongly inhibit Nitric Oxide production in a manner which suggests Shiitake’s potential anti inflammatory benefits. [5] You can view SporeShore's Shiitake ethanol tinctures here.
Get your Vits... Shiitake are High in Vitimins!
Shiitake mushrooms have one of the highest amounts of natural copper, a mineral that supports healthy blood vessels. Shiitake mushrooms contain a high amount of vitamin B3 also known as niacin. Niacin converts food into energy playing a key role in energy release and reducing tiredness.
Immunity
Shiitake mushrooms may also support the immune system. Shiitake are high in Beta Glucans. These compounds can help protect your immune system, prevent cell damage and boost white blood cell production. In one study[6] , a group of people ingested shiitake mushrooms daily and reported improved immunity and increase in sIgA production which implied improved gut immunity.[7]
Sources
[1] Jasrotia 2012 et al INCREDIBLE SHIITAKE MUSHROOM
[4] Robert Rodgers 2020, Medicinal mushrooms: The Human Clinical Trials
[7] Robert Rodgers 2020, Medicinal mushrooms: The Human Clinical Trials