THE use of mushrooms as medicine is nothing new in Eastern and folk medicines but increasingly these fabulous fungi are becoming more mainstream for their health-enhancing properties.
The reason for the change is that science has caught up and been able to give us evidence to prove what the ancient medics have known for centuries.
Recent studies on mushrooms detail a wide variety of health benefits, including improved weight management, immune system and nutritional improvements especially their ability to increase vitamin D levels. Long-chain polysaccharides, particularly alpha and beta glucan molecules, are primarily responsible for mushrooms' beneficial effect on your immune system.
Mushrooms are excellent sources of antioxidants in general, as they contain polyphenols and selenium. But they also contain antioxidants that are unique to mushrooms. One such is ergothioneine, which scientists are now beginning to recognise as a 'master antioxidant.'
Interestingly, it's an amino acid that contains sulphur, and is a derivative of the amino acid, histidine, which appears to have a very specific role in protecting our DNA from oxidative damage. As well, as a defense against bacterial invasion, fungi have developed their own strong antibiotics, which also happen to be effective for humans. Penicillin, streptomycin, and tetracycline all come from fungal extracts. It becomes easy to see how mushrooms may be an important part of an optimal diet.
According to the US proponent of alternative medicine Dr Joseph Mercola: “About 100 species of mushrooms are being studied for their health-promoting benefits. Of those, about a half dozen really stand out for their ability to deliver a tremendous boost to your immune system. It's important to eat only organically grown mushrooms because they absorb and concentrate whatever they grow in — good OR bad.
"This is what gives mushrooms their potency. Mushrooms are known to concentrate heavy metals, as well as air and water pollutants, so healthy growing conditions is a critical factor.”
The regular white button mushroom is an excellent low-calorie food, especially for diabetics. It contains a number of valuable nutrients, including protein, enzymes, B vitamins, and vitamin D.
But mushrooms that are more beneficial to health include:
:: Shiitake
A popular mushroom in food use, it contains a number of health-stimulating agents, including lentinan, a polysaccharide which has been isolated and used to treat stomach and other cancers due to its antitumor properties. Shiitake has also been found to protect your liver and to relieve other stomach ailments like hyperacidity, gallstones, ulcers and anemia.
:: Reishi
Known as Lingzhi in China, or "spirit plant,” it’s also been called "mushroom of immortality". Used medicinally in Asia for thousands of years, reishi has a list of 21 health benefits, including being antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal; it has anti-candida properties and is anti-inflammatory. Cloud mushrooms are another type that are very important.
:: Cordyceps
Also called caterpillar fungus or tochukasu, is a favorite of athletes because it increases ATP production, strength and endurance, and has anti-aging effects. One of the active medicinal compounds found in cordyceps has been identified as a potential cancer drug. More recent studies suggest it also has potent anti-inflammatory characteristics that may be helpful for those suffering from asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, renal failure, and stroke damage. This parasitic mushroom is unique because, in the wild, it grows out of an insect host instead of a plant host. It has long been used within both traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine.
Consuming the mushrooms raw or using a whole-food mushroom, powdered-pill product is generally best if you're reasonably healthy and looking to maintain optimal health, as they help maintain ideal function of your various systems as opposed to imparting a direct effect.
Most of the knowledge about mushrooms come from ancient Chinese medicine where mushrooms are regarded as tonics. Tonics are considered to have non-specific beneficial effects across several systems of your body that do not decline over time.
As mentioned earlier, if you choose to eat your mushrooms raw, or take a supplement, make sure they are organically grown. There is a wealth of information on the web about mushrooms, or enquire in your health food shop for best buy supplements.
Consider adding in a selection of these mushrooms as a regular part of your diet, most of the big supermarkets or your health shop stock packets of mixed dried mushrooms. They are ready to use after just 10 minutes soaking. They are delicious in soup, salad and in my new favorite fast food – homemade risotto.
r.armstrong@irishnews.com
