
What makes shiitake mushrooms so healthy?
What Makes Shiitake Mushrooms So Healthy?
- B Vitamins. The B vitamin complex includes eight different vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12. ...
- Vitamin D. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that helps prevent illnesses and enhance our moods and energy. ...
- Weight Loss. ...
- Cardiovascular Health. ...
- Brain Function. ...
- Energy Levels. ...
- Inflammation. ...
- Immune Health. ...
- Cancer-Fighting. ...
- Eating More Shiitake Mushrooms. ...
What are the adverse effects of shiitake mushrooms?
The Adverse Effects of Shiitake Mushrooms
- Digestive Distress. The American Cancer Society notes that shiitake mushrooms are generally considered safe, although they may cause digestive distress, including bloating and diarrhea.
- Allergic Reaction. ...
- Blood Abnormalities. ...
- Skin Reactions. ...
How much shiitake mushrooms should I eat?
PIN IT. Shiitake Mushroom Extract Dosage and Side Effects. As a dietary supplement, take 1,000 mg (scant 1/2 tsp) of shiitake extract powder once or twice daily, or as directed by a physician. As with all supplements, be sure to talk to a doctor if you experience any side effects when using shiitake mushroom extract.
Why are shiitake mushrooms good for You?
These are used as ingredients in the skincare industry due to these properties:
- Work as natural moisturizers.
- Hydrate skin.
- Have anti-aging properties.
- Help prevent acne.

What are the side effects of shiitake mushrooms?
It can cause stomach discomfort, blood abnormalities, and skin swelling. It might also make the skin more sensitive to the sun and can cause allergic skin reactions and breathing problems in some people.
Are shiitake mushrooms good for your liver?
The eritadenine from Shiitake mushrooms has been reported as having the potential to lower lipid levels by changing the number and species of phospholipids in the liver [24].
Is shiitake a medicinal mushroom?
In addition to the impressive collection of vitamins and minerals, shiitake mushrooms contain a selection of beneficial compounds that can boost your immune system, lower cholesterol, support heart health, and potentially treat cancer.
What is the healthiest mushroom?
8 of the Healthiest Mushrooms to Add to Your DietShiitake Mushrooms. Shiitake mushrooms, one of the healthiest mushrooms. ... The Agaricus bisporus Family. (White Button, Cremini, and Portobello) ... Oyster Mushrooms. ... Lion's Mane Mushrooms. ... Porcini Mushrooms. ... Chanterelle Mushrooms. ... Enoki Mushrooms. ... Reishi Mushrooms.
Can I eat shiitake mushroom everyday?
Bottom Line: Several compounds in shiitakes help lower cholesterol and may keep plaque from sticking to artery walls. Shiitakes may also help strengthen your immune system. A 2015 study had people eat around two dried shiitakes daily for a month. Overall, their immune markers improved.
Is shiitake mushroom good for inflammation?
Shiitake mushrooms contain eritadenine, a compound known to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. They also contain beta-glucans that reduce inflammation and help prevent the intestines from absorbing cholesterol. Support immune health.
Which mushroom is best for inflammation?
High in antioxidants, chaga mushrooms have been found to help fight inflammation. “By having these antioxidants, chaga mushrooms decrease inflammation in our gut, which can cause problems like irritable bowel syndrome,” says Czerwony.
Which mushroom has the most vitamin D?
shiitake driedThe most vitamin D was found in shiitake dried with gills up that were exposed to sunlight for two days, six hours per day. The vitamin D levels in these mushrooms soared from 100 IU/100 grams to nearly 46,000 IU/100 grams (see chart).
How to select the best shiitake mushrooms?
To select the best specimens, look for ones sold whole rather than sliced. The caps should be thick with deep, white gills. When cooking with fresh shiitake mushrooms, remove the stems, which remain tough even after cooking. Save the stems in the freezer for making veggie stock.
What are the nutrients in Shiitake?
The nutrients in 4 dried shiitake (15 grams) are ( 2#N#Trusted Source#N#): 1 Calories: 44 2 Carbs: 11 grams 3 Fiber: 2 grams 4 Protein: 1 gram 5 Riboflavin: 11% of the Daily Value (DV) 6 Niacin: 11% of the DV 7 Copper: 39% of the DV 8 Vitamin B5: 33% of the DV 9 Selenium: 10% of the DV 10 Manganese: 9% of the DV 11 Zinc: 8% of the DV 12 Vitamin B6: 7% of the DV 13 Folate: 6% of the DV 14 Vitamin D: 6% of the DV
What is the best mushroom for cancer?
Immune health. Anticancer effects. Other benefits. Side effects. How to cook. Bottom line. Shiitake mushrooms are one of the most popular mushrooms worldwide. They are prized for their rich, savory taste and diverse health benefits. Compounds in shiitake may help fight cancer, boost immunity, and support heart health.
What is the taste of umami?
Umami flavor can be described as savory or meaty. It’s often considered the fifth taste, alongside sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. Both dried and fresh shiitake mushrooms are used in stir-fries, soups, stews, and other dishes.
Where do Shiitake mushrooms grow?
Shiitake are edible mushrooms native to East Asia. They’re tan to dark brown, with caps that grow between 2 and 4 inches (5 and 10 cm). While typically eaten like vegetables, shiitake are fungi that grow naturally on decaying hardwood trees. Around 83% of shiitake are grown in Japan, although the United States, Canada, Singapore, ...
Does Shiitake mushroom have vitamin D3?
Compounds in shiitake have antimicrobial properties, though you’re unlikely to gain benefits from eating the mushrooms themselves . Shiitake with higher vitamin D levels may improve your bone density.
Does Shiitake help with immune system?
This immune effect might be partly due to one of the polysaccharides in shiitake mushrooms ( 11. Trusted Source. ). While people’s immune systems tend to weaken with age, a mouse study found that a supplement derived from shiitake helped reverse some age-related decline in immune function ( 12.
Why are Shiitake mushrooms used?
Shiitake mushrooms have been used for centuries to prevent and treat a number of ailments. Modern medicine has confirmed many of these uses. Here are five of the most well-researched health benefits these medicinal mushrooms provide.
Can you eat Shiitake mushrooms?
Shiitake mushrooms are generally safe to consume, especially when used in cooking. However, in rare cases, some people have developed a skin condition known as shiitake dermatitis when they were exposed to raw shiitake mushrooms. ( 21) The long-term use of a powdered mushroom extract may also cause stomach upset and a sensitivity to sunlight. ( 14 ) ( 8)
Do shiitake mushrooms help with heart disease?
Shiitake mushrooms help improve cardiovascular health by addressing several common risk factors for heart disease . Animal studies have found that shiitake mushrooms lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels thanks to three compounds found in the fungi, which include:
Is Shiitake good for you?
Shiitake mushrooms are a tasty way to enhance your health. They’ve been used for thousands of years as both food and medicine. Packed with nutrients and healthful compounds, research suggests that these earthy mushrooms may improve immunity, protect your heart, boost bone health, guard against cavities and gingivitis, and even help you maintain a healthy weight. Available fresh, dried, or in supplement form, shiitake mushrooms are an excellent addition to a healthy lifestyle.
Do Shiitake mushrooms have antiviral properties?
Shiitake mushrooms possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and antiviral properties that support a healthy immune response. ( 13 ) ( 24) For example, the lentinan in shiitakes protect against a variety of bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. The centinamycins have been shown to boast antibacterial benefits and eritadenine possesses antiviral properties. In addition, the lignins from the mushroom’s fruiting bodies (mycelium) have antiviral and immunomodulating effects. ( 13)
What are the nutrients in Shiitake mushrooms?
Shiitake mushrooms are particularly sought after because of their rich nutrient content, which consists of significant amounts of B vitamins, phosphorus, manganese, and zinc, as well as vitamin C, vitamin D, iron, magnesium, and potassium. This is in addition to dietary fiber and several powerful antioxidants including alkaloids, phenols, ...
What is Shittake mushroom extract?
Shittake mushroom extracts have been playing a key role in preventing and treating oral diseases for a long time. Research by the Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences, India, suggests that these mushrooms have potent antifungal and antibacterial properties that help overcome antibiotic resistance without altering oral microflora. [13]
How long have Shiitake mushrooms been around?
12 Proven Benefits of Shiitake Mushrooms. People have been cultivating shiitake mushrooms for more than 800 years, to use them in various dishes for their unique flavor and impressive health benefits.
Why are mushrooms high in copper?
Copper is a key component in our health, although often overlooked. It can increase the amount of iron that the body takes in, and since there these mushrooms have a high content of copper, this can be a crucial element for healthy circulation.
How many calories are in 100 grams of mushrooms?
In 100 grams of these mushrooms, there are approximately 35 calories, so you can boost your mineral and antioxidant levels without compromising your calorie limits, in addition to stimulating the metabolism and circulation, which can aid in weight loss efforts. [5]
Do shiitake mushrooms help with oxidative stress?
With so many antioxidants, including phenolic compounds, diterpenoids, vitamin C, vitamin A, gallic acid, and others, shiitake mushrooms can significantly cut down on oxidative stress throughout the body. These active compounds are known to seek out and neutralize free radicals before they can cause chronic disease, premature aging, and cognitive problems.
Do Shiitake mushrooms cause cancer?
Not only have the active compounds in shiitake mushrooms been linked to inhibi ting tumor growth in multiple types of cancer but they may also induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancerous cells without damaging the healthy cells around it .
What is Shiitake mushroom?
Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. Shiitake mushrooms ( Lentinula edodes) are a savory ingredient that are popular in Asian cuisine.
How much sugar is in shiitake mushrooms?
The majority of calories in shiitake mushrooms are from carbohydrates, 3 grams of which come from beneficial fiber. There's also 5.6 grams of natural sugar in 1 cup of cooked shiitake mushrooms.
How long do shiitake mushrooms last?
In dark and cool conditions (41 degrees Fahrenheit), shiitake mushrooms can last several weeks. 10 . Before cutting or cooking with fresh mushrooms, clean them well using a mushroom brush or a damp paper towel to remove dirt. Do this immediately before using them to avoid spoilage.
When is the best time to harvest shiitake mushrooms?
The best time to harvest shiitake mushrooms is in the late winter or early spring. 10 Although it's possible to grow your own shiitake mushrooms, it's not advisable to go out and pick wild mushrooms from nature. It is easy to confuse edible mushrooms with dangerous toxic varieties.
Is Shiitake good for vegetarians?
Shiitake mushrooms offer several nutrients of interest to vegetarians, helping reduce the risk of deficiencies. Shiitake mushrooms are a good source of zinc. Zinc is typically found in red meat, poultry, and seafood.
Is shiitake good for cholesterol?
The beta-glucan (a type of soluble fiber) in shiitake mushrooms is useful for cholesterol reduction. 4 Naturally low in sodium and free of saturated fats, mushrooms are heart-healthy food, especially when used as an alternative to processed meats.
Is shiitake a savory mushroom?
Recipes. Shiitake mushrooms ( Lentinula edodes) are a savory ingredient that are popular in Asian cuisine. Although shiitake mushrooms offer health benefits, there are also some dangers associated with this mushroom when it's consumed raw or in supplement form.
Why are Shiitake mushrooms good for you?
This encourages an effort to pursue human studies that examine the efficacy of shiitake mushrooms for the prevention and treatment of obesity and related metabolic disorders. 2. Support Immune Function. Mushrooms have the ability to boost the immune system and combat many diseases by way of providing important vitamins, minerals and enzymes.
How much selenium is in shiitake mushrooms?
A hundred grams of shiitake mushrooms contain 5.7 milligrams of selenium, which is 8 percent of your daily value. That means shiitake mushrooms can act as a natural acne treatment.
What are some good recipes for shiitake mushrooms?
Make a delicious soup by combining peeled shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, fresh ginger, cilantro, lime juice, chicken stock and coconut milk. Use shiitakes in this healthy Mushroom Soup Recipe. Create a stir-fry with shiitake mushrooms, lots of veggies and your favorite source of protein, like shrimp, chicken or beef.
How to eat mushrooms?
Now you’re ready to add them to your breakfast, lunch or dinner. Here are some ideas to get you started: 1 Add them to an omelet with veggies. Try this delicious Veggie Omelet Recipe . You can even add avocado to the top for some healthy fats. 2 Create a brown rice or quinoa bowl with shiitake mushrooms, garlic, grated lemon zest and extra-virgin olive oil. 3 Use shiitake mushrooms in this Green Bean Casserole Recipe. 4 Prepare lettuce or collard green wraps with a mixture of organic ground turkey, shiitake mushrooms and chestnuts. 5 Make a hearty spinach and shiitake mushroom quiche. 6 Create a flavorful sauce with marsala wine, shiitakes and ghee. Try this Chicken Marsala Recipe. 7 Make a delicious soup by combining peeled shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, fresh ginger, cilantro, lime juice, chicken stock and coconut milk. 8 Use shiitakes in this healthy Mushroom Soup Recipe. 9 Create a stir-fry with shiitake mushrooms, lots of veggies and your favorite source of protein, like shrimp, chicken or beef. 10 Try this Miso Soup Recipe with Mushrooms.
How long did rats eat Shiitake mushrooms?
Rats were fed a high-fat diet for a six-week period. Researchers found significant effects of dietary intervention on body weight gain.
What is the difference between Shiitake and Maitake?
Shiitake: Fights cancer cells and infectious disease, boosts the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake: Can help improve the health of AIDS patients and regulates blood sugar levels of diabetics.
Do Shiitake mushrooms inhibit tumor growth?
The results suggest that shiitake mushrooms were able to inhibit growth in tumor cells with their mycochemical value.
What Are Shiitake Mushrooms?
The shiitake (Lentinula edodes) is also known as the golden needle mushroom, black forest mushroom, or winter mushroom. These tasty, edible fungi were previously only cultivated in Asia. They come from a group of about 20 different species within the Lentinus genus of mushrooms.
Shiitake Mushrooms Side Effects
There aren’t any serious side effects of eating shiitake mushrooms. Some people may have allergic reactions to them, but this is rare. Shiitake dermatitis is a skin allergy caused by the shiitake mushroom. It’s not serious, but it can cause inflammation on your skin and some itching (14).
How To Cook With Shiitake
Mushrooms have a distinct umami flavor, which can be especially helpful when making vegetarian dishes or reducing your meat intake. You can cook with shiitake mushrooms by sauteing them in oil, then adding ginger, garlic, and your favorite vegetables.
Shiitake Mushroom Recipes
Here are a few simple and delicious shiitake recipes you can try out at home:
The Bottom Line
Shiitake mushrooms are rich in nutrients that can help boost your health. They’re also loaded with antioxidants, which may help fight inflammation and prevent disease.
What are the nutrients in shiitake mushrooms?
Minerals including copper, selenium, manganese and zinc. Vitamin D.
What is Shiitake mushroom extract?
Shiitake mushrooms are one of the rare dietary sources of vitamin D. This vitamin is essential for the absorption of calcium and the development of healthy bones.
What is the active compound in shiitake mushrooms?
Research is currently scarce and conflicting, though. On one hand, an active compound in shiitake mushrooms called lentinan may play a role in stopping the growth of tumors and certain cancer cells ( x, x ). For example, it could help stop the proliferation of leukemia cells ( x ).
Why is the immune system better regulated?
A better regulated immune system has many benefits. For one thing, it can help the body fight off infections. And while the immune system is doing its job, it’s not as likely to overreact, causing chronic inflammation that is linked to many conditions like cardiovascular disease, arthritis and diabetes ( x ).
Is it better to eat whole mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms?
Shiitake Mushroom Extract Supplement vs. Whole Mushrooms. Some might wonder if it’s better to just eat whole mushrooms instead of taking an extract. After all, whole foods can have their benefits over dried extracts. And shiitake mushrooms are a delicious addition to a lot of dishes.
Does Shiitake extract help the immune system?
At the same time, however, shiitake extract can also reduce the activation of some inflammatory cells. The result is a better modulated immune system that is more equipped to handle threats. This was demonstrated in a study of 52 healthy adults who were given 5-10 grams of shiitake mushrooms per day for four weeks.
Does Shiitake extract help with blood pressure?
As if that weren’t enough, studies show that shiitake extract can help reduce blood pressure ( x ). It can also play a role in supporting healthy blood sugar in those with diabetes by reducing damage to pancreatic cells and promoting insulin production ( x ). Better Immunity.

History
Overview
- Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) are a popular fungal variety native to East Asia. The name shiitake is taken directly from its name in Japanese and it is also known as black mushroom or oakwood mushroom. These mushrooms have become famous all around the world and comprise more than 1/4 of all mushroom cultivation globally.
Diet
- Shiitake mushrooms are particularly sought after because of their rich nutrient content, which consists of significant amounts of B vitamins, phosphorus, manganese, and zinc, as well as vitamin C, vitamin D, iron, magnesium, and potassium. This is in addition to dietary fiber and a number of powerful antioxidants including alkaloids, phenols, and diterpenoids. Experts recomm…
Benefits
- The most impressive benefits of shiitake mushrooms include aiding in weight loss, strengthening the bones, promoting skin health, reducing inflammation, preventing premature aging, improving repair and growth, and boosting circulation, among others. There are an incredible amount of antioxidant compounds in shiitake mushrooms that provide an excell...
Health
- Copper is a key component in our health, although often overlooked. It can increase the amount of iron that the body takes in, and since there these mushrooms have a high content of copper, this can be a crucial element for healthy circulation. Iron is needed in the production of red blood cells, which can boost energy levels and resource delivery to certain parts of the body.
Research
- Research by the CSIRO Food and Nutritional Sciences, Victoria, Australia suggests that shiitake mushrooms have anti-tumor properties that help prevent the development of breast cancer. A research paper by the University of Florida, published in the Journal of American College of Nutrition, suggests that shiitake mushrooms help boost the immune function. Shittake mushroo…
Significance
- B vitamins are often misunderstood and forgotten about but they play a key role in metabolism and energy production. Shiitake mushrooms happen to have high levels of vitamin B2, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, vitamin B3, and folate, all of which optimize many of the bodys functions. Furthermore, half a cup of shiitake mushrooms provides more than 70% of your daily recommen…
Risks
- With so many antioxidants, including phenolic compounds, diterpenoids, vitamin C, vitamin A, gallic acid and others, shiitake mushrooms can significantly cut down on oxidative stress throughout the body. These active compounds are known to seek out and neutralize free radicals before they can cause chronic disease, premature aging, and cognitive problems.
Prevention
- One of the unique enzymes found in shiitake mushrooms is called eritadenine, which can help prevent the constriction of blood vessels and thus lower blood pressure. This can be very important for people who are at high risk for cardiovascular complications, such as heart attacks, strokes, and atherosclerosis.
Usage
- Shiitake mushrooms are extremely versatile and can be added to soups, stews, salads, vegetable dishes, ragouts, meat dishes, omelets, and stir-fries. The flavor of shiitake mushrooms is typically described as woody or earthy, which limits their use in culinary applications but savory dishes can often benefit from the mushrooms hearty texture.
Side effects
- There are some side effects that are associated with shiitake mushrooms, including gastrointestinal distress, a worsening of autoimmune disease, sensitivity to the sun and allergic reactions. These side effects are often when the mushrooms are consumed in large amounts but people with a sensitive stomach or multiple food allergies should eat these mushrooms with ca…
Shiitake Mushroom Nutrition Facts
Health Benefits
- Shiitake mushrooms have been used as a natural remedy in alternative medicine for centuries. Likewise, modern medicine demonstrates shiitake mushrooms' promising health benefits.
Allergies
- Shiitake mushrooms are not considered a common allergen; however, it is not impossible to be allergic to them. Although extremely rare, the handling of shiitake mushrooms has been shown in one case to induce asthma through an IgE-mediated reaction.10If you have concerns about an allergy to shiitake mushrooms, consult your healthcare provider for an allergy test.
Adverse Effects
- Consuming shiitake mushrooms raw may cause dermatitis.11There's a toxic substance in raw shiitake mushrooms called lentinan that produces a rash in some individuals. Although this reaction resolves itself after a week or so, you can avoid it by cooking shiitake mushrooms before consuming them. Shiitake supplements are advertised for purported health benefits. However, it'…
Varieties
- You can find shiitake mushrooms in most grocery stores and farmer's markets in fresh or dried form. You can reconstitute dried shiitake mushrooms by soaking them in water for 20 minutes before use. Shiitake mushrooms may also be added to various nutritional products and supplements, such as mushroom coffeeor powders.
When It's Best
- The best time to harvest shiitake mushrooms is in the late winter or early spring.12 Although it's possible to grow your own shiitake mushrooms, it's not advisable to go out and pick wild mushrooms from nature. It is easy to confuse edible mushrooms with dangerous toxic varieties. Play it safe and buy your mushrooms from a reputable market. Choose shiitake mushrooms tha…
Storage and Food Safety
- Remove plastic coverings and store mushrooms in a breathable paper bag. In dark and cool conditions (41 degrees Fahrenheit), shiitake mushrooms can last several weeks.12 Before cutting or cooking with fresh mushrooms, clean them well using a mushroom brush or a damp paper towel to remove dirt. Do this immediately before using them to avoid spoilage. You can also pre…
How to Prepare
- Shiitakes offer an umami-rich, meat-like texture that's perfect for savory dishes. Consider using shiitake mushrooms in stir-fries or mixing them into burgers to increase your vegetable intake. Shiitake mushroom stems are tougher than the caps and are best used in broths.12