Shiitake Mushroom: Health Benefits & Supplements

Shiitake

In modern times

Why is healthy and strong bacterial flora important?
The health of our intestine is fundamental for three reasons:

it counteracts bloating,
it improves the digestion,
it strengthens the immune system.

If toxins and impurities decrease, it is more difficult for them to cross the intestinal walls and enter the circulation. This beneficial action prevents a series of problems from occurring, such as leaky gut syndrome and other local and general pathologies.
Shiitake (Lentinus edodes), in this sense, is useful for strengthening the intestine, cleaning the skin of acne and strengthening the immune system.
Useful in case of flu, cold and respiratory tract diseases, this Medicinal Mushroom counteracts the formation of dental plaque because it prevents the bacteria responsible for its formation from colonizing the mouth; consequently it is useful in case of tartar, tooth decay, gingivitis and abscesses.

Ancient tradition

In 1500 China, in the Ming era, Shiitake was already a well-known mushroom, used both in cooking and in medicine. In fact, it was considered a delicious dish and a valid remedy for diseases of the intestine, respiratory tract, liver and bones.
This Medicinal Mushroom was also used as a panacea against the characteristic phenomena of old age and to increase energy.
Over the centuries it has been used to treat flu, fever, bronchitis, cough, allergies and tooth problems.

Mycology

In 1878 the English botanist Miles Joseph Berkeley called this species "Lentinus", due to its similarity to the shape of a lens. The name of this Medicinal Mushroom actually derives from the Japanese terms “shii”, oak, and “take”, mushroom. Its literal meaning, therefore, is "mushroom that grows on oaks": it is easily found in the woods of these old trees at low temperatures.
It is also a mushroom appreciated in cooking and can be easily purchased in stores.

Chemical compounds

In Shiitake there are several active ingredients, in particular:

beta-glucans, powerful immune-stimulant and antiviral agents. The most important is lentinan, a drug authorized in 1976 by the Japanese Ministry of Health, routinely used in hospitals in the country for its recognized efficacy against viruses and bacteria;
oxalic acid which, like beta-glucans, has an anti-bacterial effect;
Ac2P, a polysaccharide similar to beta-glucans, which inhibits the replication of some viruses;
terpenoids, essential oils that enhance immunity;
trehalose, a sugar that offers excellent prebiotic nourishment for intestinal lactic acid bacteria and that strengthens the bacterial flora of the intestine;
vitamin D2 and ergosterol, which promote the mineralization of bones and teeth;
antioxidants - including super-oxide dismutase (SOD), useful against free radicals, harmful molecules that lead to various diseases;
enzymes that aid digestion and many vital processes in cells;
erythadenine, a mildly lipid-lowering substance, which slightly reduces total cholesterol.

Bibliography

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