Shiitake mushroom 100 caps. anti-cancer, strengthens immunity

Contents : 100 gelatin capsules

• Directions for use: 1 capsule 3 times a day. Swallow the capsule and drink plenty of water during a meal, do not exceed the dose.
• Storage conditions:  Store in a dry, dark place out of reach of children.
• NOTES: Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Not for use by pregnant or lactating women or children under 12 years of age.
• The product cannot be used as a substitute for a properly varied diet.

Shiitake mushrooms  (Lentinus edodes), also known in Poland as Japanese saffron milk thistle, have extraordinary  health properties  that have been used in Far Eastern medicine for centuries. In these regions, shitake mushrooms are even called the “elixir of life”, because they are believed to provide people with health and even longevity. No wonder – these brown and fleshy mushrooms with a curled cap are a treasure trove of ingredients that have a positive effect on the functioning of the body. First of all, they are characterized by a record content of potassium, which lowers blood pressure, and niacin (vitamin B3), which soothes the nerves, especially the  dried ones.  They also contain vitamin D, which strengthens bones, as well as calcium and phosphorus. However, shiitake mushrooms are distinguished primarily by the content of a substance called lentinan, which strengthens the immune system and has anti-cancer effects.

Shiitake Mushrooms and Cancer

As you can learn from the American Cancer Society website, research on the anti-cancer properties of shiitake mushrooms has been ongoing since the 1960s. To date, many laboratory studies have been conducted on animals, as well as those involving humans, which confirm that shiitake mushrooms, and especially the compound they contain called lentinan, have anti-cancer effects. Lentinan is a beta-glucan, an organic chemical compound from the polysaccharide group. It probably stimulates the immune system and the activation of certain cells and proteins that attack cancers – including macrophages, T lymphocytes, and NK cells (so-called natural killers). In addition, several other substances have been isolated that can fight cancer. Human studies show that lentinan, among other things, prolongs the lives of patients with advanced and recurrent stomach and colon cancer (who also received chemotherapy).

Unfortunately, shiitake mushrooms cannot fight all cancers, and certainly not prostate cancer. In 62 men with this cancer, who took shiitake mushroom extract 3 times a day for 6 months, there was no improvement. At the end of the experiment, there was no significant decrease in the level of prostate-specific antigen: PSA – a protein, the level of which usually increases when prostate cancer develops. What’s more, in a quarter of the men, there was an increase in PSA levels.

Shiitake mushrooms will strengthen your immunity

Including one or two servings of shiitake mushrooms a day in your diet will strengthen your body’s immune system, say scientists from the University of Florida. Their research shows that these mushrooms have an immunomodulatory effect, which means they stimulate and strengthen the immune system. They can even inhibit its activity in the event of an excessive immune response. They also regulate the body’s self-repair functions. This is all thanks to the aforementioned substance called lentinan contained in them.

Shiitake mushrooms will strengthen the nervous system

Shiitake mushrooms are characterized by a record content of niacin, or vitamin B3. 100 dried mushrooms contain as much as 14,100 mg of this vitamin.

Therefore, 100 g of dried mushrooms covers over 100 percent of the daily requirement for vitamin B3 in adults (14 mg/day). Niacin is known for supporting the nervous system – it calms, helps to cope with stress, makes it easier to fall asleep, etc. Therefore, people who are mentally tired can include these mushrooms in their diet.

Shiitake mushrooms will prevent atherosclerosis, blood clots and lower blood pressure

Studies conducted in Sweden have shown that shiitake mushrooms lower cholesterol levels due to the presence of a compound known as eritadenine. This has been confirmed by scientists from Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine in Japan. In this way, they prevent atherosclerosis, and consequently many diseases associated with it, such as heart attack or stroke. In addition, shiitake mushrooms, especially dried ones, are a treasure trove of niacin, which also has anti-atherosclerotic effects. Vitamin B3 in large doses – over 1 g/day – is even used in the treatment of atherosclerosis.

In turn, the aforementioned lentinan prevents aggregation, i.e. clumping of platelets, and thus the formation of clots. Shiitake mushrooms also contain a lot of potassium. 100 g of dried mushrooms contain as much as 1534 mg of this element. Its high content helps maintain normal blood pressure and protects against hypertension.

Shiitake Mushrooms for Strong Bones

Shiitake mushrooms, especially dried ones, are characterized by a high content of vitamin D (154 IU/100 g), calcium (11 mg/100 g) and phosphorus (294 mg/100 g), i.e. substances that, among other things, strengthen bones and teeth.

Shiitake Mushrooms – Contraindications

People with kidney stones or gout should avoid shiitake mushrooms. They should also not be consumed in excess, as they can cause diarrhea and abdominal bloating.

It is best not to give shiitake mushrooms to children under 12 years of age.