Mushroom Variety Sold in Vietnamese Markets Considered Superfood by Japanese, Worth the Investment for Countless Benefits

Japan is famous for being a country of longevity and good health, with low rates of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The Japanese diet often includes a type of plant, which is mushrooms, and they regularly incorporate them into their meals. The Japanese consider mushrooms to be superfoods and regularly add them to their diet for health benefits. Many experts believe that mushrooms are a key factor in the longevity of the Japanese.

Shiitake mushrooms: the superfood against cancer

Shiitake mushrooms are particularly popular in Japan not only for their delicious taste but also for their high health benefits. These mushrooms have anti-cancer properties. Research has shown that the most valuable nutrients of shiitake mushrooms are found in the caps. Shiitake mushrooms are rich in lentinan, a beta-glucan that stimulates the immune system and helps prevent the risk of cancer.

Studies have shown that lentinan not only strengthens the immune system but also has the ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. A study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition in 2015 revealed that consuming shiitake mushrooms daily can improve immune function.

One of the most important studies on the anti-cancer effects of shiitake mushrooms is the study on colorectal cancer. In the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, scientists have demonstrated that shiitake mushrooms have the ability to inhibit the development of colorectal cancer cells and prevent tumor formation.

A study published in the International Journal of Cancer also indicates that shiitake mushrooms have a positive effect on breast cancer cells – a terrifying disease for many women. The natural anti-cancer substances in mushrooms have been identified to reduce the growth and spread of cancer cells. American experts have also discovered that shiitake mushrooms contain Beta-glucosidase, an enzyme that significantly enhances the immune system’s ability to fight against cancer.

In the field of pharmaceutical production, shiitake mushrooms and polysaccharide extracts from shiitake mushrooms are used in the prevention and treatment of malignant tumors.

Boosting the immune system with shiitake mushrooms

As our immune system weakens with age, daily supplementation of shiitake mushrooms helps rescue the immune system and promotes a healthier body. A study on mice showed that supplementation with shiitake mushroom-derived compounds can reverse some immune function declines associated with aging.

Therefore, supplementing shiitake mushrooms into the diet is essential and considered a natural and safe method to enhance health. Of course, shiitake mushrooms are a form of natural food for prevention, not to be treated as medicine. Shiitake mushrooms should be used more regularly in your family meals. However, it should be noted that this does not substitute for traditional treatment methods and should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Dried Shiitake mushrooms or fresh Shiitake mushrooms?

Dried Shiitake mushrooms and fresh Shiitake mushrooms have the same benefits. The changes that occur during the drying process are insignificant. Therefore, you can use either fresh or dried Shiitake mushrooms in your meals. However, it is recommended to lightly wash dried Shiitake mushrooms and avoid vigorous scrubbing. In addition, the water used to soak dried Shiitake mushrooms should have a temperature ranging from 25-35 degrees Celsius to avoid denaturing the nutrients, especially the polysaccharides in the mushrooms. Avoid soaking the mushrooms in hot water and then discarding the water.

Shiitake mushrooms can also be used to create delicious dishes for your family.