Medicinal mushrooms are used for treating and reducing the risk of various diseases and improving overall health.
In this article, we’ll share what the most beneficial medicinal mushrooms are according to scientific research. More and more studies are showing that these superfoods aren’t only delicious, but also healing.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are one of the few truly wild foods that remain today. Many cultures harvest them at different times of the year.
One of the most common medicinal properties of mushrooms is that they boost your immune system thanks to their antibiotic and antiviral power. Thus, they’re an excellent food to reduce the risk of diseases and stay healthy.
5 Delicious Medicinal Mushrooms
1. Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) boost your immune system and reduce inflammation. In this regard, this food can be very effective for people who are suffering from painful inflammatory diseases such as arthritis or fibromyalgia. In addition, it’s also a good remedy for those who tend to get sick often.
This mushroom is also known for its ability to reduce high cholesterol and triglyceride levels if consumed frequently.
This fungus is really popular both at a culinary and medicinal level. After all, it’s very tasty and is also frequently used in Asian cuisine. It’s customary to add it to all kinds of stews, soups, and rice and pasta dishes.
2. Common Mushrooms
The common mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) is one of the most popular medicinal mushrooms. They often add it to all kinds of recipes: salads, soups, stews, pizzas, pasta dishes, etc.
Overall, this fungus has many medicinal properties. It:
- Strengthens your immune system and fights viruses and bacteria. This is thanks to the polysaccharides and other compounds it contains.
- May reduce the risk of some tumors. The enzymes in this type of mushroom may help fight cancer cells.
- Reduces allergies.
- Reduces inflammation.
- Lowers blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of insulin resistance, diabetes, etc.
- Protects liver functions. Therefore, it improves the digestion of fats and helps rid the body of toxins.
3. Lingzhi mushroom
The Lingzhi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) is one of the most famous medicinal mushrooms due to its healing properties. However, we must emphasize that this fungus isn’t edible raw, although you can take its extract as a natural treatment.
It has the following properties. The Lingzhi mushroom:
- Boosts the immune system.
- Reduces hypertension.
- Balances high blood sugar levels.
- Protects liver function.
- Reduces inflammation.
- Favors blood cell production.
- Has a strong antioxidant powers.
- Reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
- May improve your memory.
- Improves blood fluidity.
4. Maitake Mushrooms
This Japanese mushroom has been consumed since ancient times and is used as an ancestral remedy in Oriental medicine. Maitake (Grifola frondosa) is characterized by its fan shape.
Just like the shiitake and lingzhi mushroom, it also boosts your immune system. Plus, it also has the power to boost the energy and vitality of people who consume it frequently. Finally, its healing power also improves the respiratory and circulatory systems.
However, you should never consume this mushroom raw. You can cook it and add it to stews or take it in powder form or in an extract.
Finally, its consumption isn’t recommended if you’re taking blood-thinning medications.
5. Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) are characterized by their high lovastatin content. This nutrient makes this an excellent medicinal mushroom to naturally control cholesterol and triglycerides.
This fungus is a powerful antioxidant that protects against the damage from free radicals and cellular aging. It may even reduce the risk of certain cancers.
Via: EcoWatch
