Shiitake

   Shiitake Mushroom

Shiitake is one of the best known medicinal mushrooms. In Chinese herbalism it is reported to boost “Qi” within the body’s blood circulation, tonify the liver and support overall immune health. Modern research suggests that extracts of Shiitake mushrooms may also help to maintain healthy cholesterol levels that are already within the normal range.*

In traditional Chinese and Japanese herbalism Shiitake was always prepared as a tea or decoction, a hot water extract, when used medicinally. This is also reflected in the scientific research. Hot water extracts are the only form of Shiitake supplement ever used or studied in the published research.

Lentinan, the first medicinal mushroom derived beta glucan isolate used for immune support in the research, is also a hot water extract.*

   Benefits of the Shiitake Mushroom Extract

Immune System Support – The Shiitake mushroom contains Lentinan, an active compound that boosts immune systems within normal ranges. Taking Shiitake extract on a regular basis is believed to stimulate one’s immune system.* This medicinal mushroom is also packed with calcium, phosphorous, vitamins and minerals, as well as essential amino acids such as lysine, arginine, and many more.

Liver Relief – Studies have shown that Shiitake mushrooms speed up the processing of cholesterol in normal livers. Shiitake contains beta glucans and other enzymes that improve liver function.

Maintain Healthy Cholesterol Levels – The Shiitake mushroom extract contains a compound called Eritadenine, which studies have shown is responsible for reducing cholesterol in the body and flushing it along with the body’s wastes.*

Regulate Blood Pressure – Regular Shiitake extract consumption can also prevent the increase of blood pressure within normal ranges, thus reducing the likelihood of a stroke or heart attack. Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels reduces the amount of fat that clogs up arteries and increase blood pressure.*

So get that healthy body you deserve and order Shiitake Supplements today!

The scientific name for Shiitake is Lentinula edodes.  Shiitake was the first medicinal mushroom to be scientifically studied for its immune support properties.*  By “medicinal” we mean those mushrooms that contain immuno-modulating beta glucans in the cell walls and have a history of use in Traditional East Asian Medicine.  This research started in Japan but was soon picked up by researchers from China and Korea.

Shiitake was also the source of the first beta glucan based isolate used for immuno-modulation in human clinical studies and medical practice; Lentinan (Lentinan was injected, and was not effective when used orally).*

All of this attention was probably due to the fact that Shiitake was so highly regarded as a healthy food.

In Japan and China Shiitake is considered to be the best of all plant foods.  The following is quoted from a Chinese handbook for medical workers: “Considering the five inevitable (sic) nutrients - protein, lipid, carbohydrate, minerals and vitamins, no other plant food could replace Shiitake.  Besides, Shiitake also has high contents of calcium, sodium, phosphorus, etc. minerals and vitamins B-1, B-2, B-12 and vitamin D precursor.”

Shiitake mushrooma and extracts also contains amino acids, including some essential amino acids such as lysine, arginine, threonine, valine, leucine and phenylalanine.

In addition to the research on immune support, there has been a considerable amount of research conducted on how Shiitake enzymes affect cholesterol levels.*

Being mild in nature and having a licorice taste, Shiitake is good for strengthening the body, for the cold season, blood activating and increasing the Qi in the blood.

Shiitake had a wide range of uses and applications in Traditional Chinese Medicine, from mushroom poisoning to belly aches, but was used primarily as a medicinal food to correct nutritional deficiencies.*