Health & Life

1 type of vegetable that is readily available in Vietnamese markets, known as the ‘king of vegetables’, helps prevent cancer.

Mentioning this type of vegetable, surely everyone knows but not everyone fully understands its benefits.

13 December, 2023

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This type of vegetable is known as shiitake mushroom or also known as winter mushrooms. In ancient Chinese medicine, shiitake mushrooms are known as the “king of vegetables”. It has a balanced nature, sweet taste, non-toxic, beneficial to the kidneys, and nourishing to the lungs. Research has shown that shiitake mushrooms bring many health benefits to users.

Cancer prevention

Thanks to its immune-regulating properties, shiitake mushrooms have the ability to kill cancer cells. In addition, the compound Lentinan in mushrooms helps prevent and slow down the growth of cancer cells.

Studies have also shown that shiitake mushrooms can inhibit the development of leukemia cells, prostate cancer cells, and skin cancer cells.

Eating shiitake mushrooms regularly is a highly effective measure for cancer patients.

Lower cholesterol levels

The nucleic acid (adenine derivative) in shiitake mushrooms has a specific effect of reducing cholesterol levels. It inhibits cholesterol in the blood serum and liver, while also preventing arterial hardening and reducing blood pressure.

Clinical studies have shown that patients with high blood lipids, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and hypertension who continuously use Lentysin extracted from shiitake mushrooms with a dosage of 300mg/day for 15 weeks have reduced levels of triglycerides, phosphoric acid, total lipid levels, as well as free fatty acids.

Enhance brain health

Statistics show that 12-18% of people over 60 years old suffer from mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition sometimes precursor to Alzheimer’s disease that affects memory, cognitive skills, and judgment abilities.

In a study of adults over 60 years old in Singapore, those who reported consuming more than 2 servings of mushrooms per week had a 57% lower risk of MCI compared to those who consumed mushrooms less than once a week.

According to researchers, ergothioneine in mushrooms is not only an antioxidant but also has anti-inflammatory properties. Both can protect against nerve cell damage.

Strengthen bones

Shiitake mushrooms contain abundant vitamin D, which is good for bones. Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium.

In addition, vitamin D2 and calcium obtained from shiitake mushrooms can improve bone mineral density, resulting in stronger bones. Shiitake mushrooms are also good for preventing and combating rickets in children.

Precautions when using shiitake mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms are safe when fully cooked, but they can also cause some undesirable side effects:

– May be unsafe if eaten raw;

– May cause stomach discomfort, skin swelling (inflammation), and blood abnormalities;

– May cause increased sensitivity to sunlight, allergic reactions on the skin, and respiratory problems.

– People with autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, or other conditions. Shiitake mushrooms can cause the immune system to become more active, which can worsen the symptoms of these diseases. If you have these conditions, you should avoid consuming shiitake mushrooms.