5 Proven health benefits of maitake mushrooms

Mushrooms come in many types; some can be eaten and used as medicine, some are not. One type of edible mushroom is maitake mushroom. You can guess the name, this mushroom does grow in Japan. Since ancient times, this mushroom has been known for its abundant benefits. What are the benefits of maitake mushrooms? The following are the benefits based on the research conducted.

What are maitake mushrooms?

Maitake mushroom or known by its scientific name Grifola frondosa , comes from the mountains in northeastern Japan. In Japanese, the word "maitake" means dancing mushrooms. The Japanese named this mushroom maitake because they were so happy that they wanted to dance when they found this mushroom in the wild. This fungus is believed to be one of the adaptogens, namely plants that can help the body fight disease and regulate imbalanced body systems so that it is often used as medicine.

Maitake mushrooms grow on the underside of oak, elm, or maple trees. Although it grows well in the wild, this fungus can also be cultivated in the yard. Unfortunately, this fungus only grows during fall. Hence, this mushroom is one of the favorite foods in Japan during this season.

Nutritional content of maitake mushrooms

According to research, maitake mushrooms are good for consumption and medicine because they are fat free, low in sodium, cholesterol and calories, and are rich in nutrients, such as:

• antioxidants
• beta-glucans
• vitamin B and vitamin C
• copper
• potassium
• fiber
• mineral
• amino acid

The benefits of maitake mushrooms according to research

Source: Kevin Eats

Research believes that the nutritional content of maitake mushrooms can be good for the human body. However, the research being carried out is still based on animals so it requires further research.

Reporting from Very Well Fit, scientists found that maitake mushrooms contain beta-glucans, which are substances that can activate and increase the production of certain immune system cells, such as macrophages, T cells, natural killer cells, and neutrophils. These cells help boost the body to more quickly and effectively fight disease and speed recovery from tissue damage.

More details, consider the various health benefits of maitake mushrooms for the following.

1. Ward off cancer

Research shows that D-fraction in maitake mushrooms can increase the effectiveness of protein and inhibit the growth of cancer cells thus preventing and treating breast cancer. In addition, white blood cells, one of which is macrophages, also help destroy tumor cells, reducing the side effects of using anticancer drugs, such as nausea, vomiting, and hair loss.

2. Helps lower blood pressure

Maitake mushroom nutrition can lower blood pressure and inflammation in animals. Experts are pretty sure that a similar effect can be experienced by humans. Unfortunately, research on the properties of this fungus to treat hypertension has not been the right benchmark.

3. Control high cholesterol and heart disease

Maitake powder extract has been shown to increase fatty acids that are good for the body and reduce high levels of total cholesterol so as to keep arteries healthy. That way, the risk of heart disease due to high cholesterol is even further away from you.

4. Support diabetes treatment

Maitake mushrooms reduce the risk of developing insulin resistance when the body fails to respond to insulin properly in mice. This suggests the potential for mushrooms to treat diabetes.

5. Lose weight

The fiber and low-calorie content of maitake mushrooms can make you full longer, thereby reducing your intake of foods high in fat and calories. Therefore, weight loss is faster than if you choose foods that are high in calories such as fatty meat.

How to eat maitake mushrooms?

Maitake mushrooms can be processed with a variety of creations. However, make sure to buy maitake mushrooms that are still fresh and wash them properly as maitake has a strong earthy aroma. The hardness of the mushroom texture is affected by the age of the fungus; The older the fungus is, the harder it is to digest. To make it easier to digest, the mushrooms can be boiled first.

In addition, maitake mushrooms can also be found in extract form, in the form of capsules, powder, or liquid as a supplement. Although the benefits of maitake mushrooms are many, before using this supplement, especially if you have special conditions, consult your doctor first.

Mushrooms can cause allergies in some people, but generally maitake mushrooms are well tolerated. For pregnant women or if you have recently had surgery you should not eat this mushroom, unless it has been approved by the doctor who treats you.

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