Mushrooms are fungi that boost immunity, improve health and increase longevity. Asian medicine has relied on mushrooms for centuries in holistic medicine. In recent years, researchers are discovering that the ancients had it right. Mushrooms are powerful disease fighters and support healthy cellular formation throughout the body.
Maitake Mushrooms
Maitake mushrooms, also known as “hens of the woods,” resemble the tail feathers of nesting hens. Although this mushroom is not a common mushroom eaten in the West, it is very popular in the East. Maitake mushrooms help super-charge the immune system and reduce the risk of diabetes, stroke and high blood pressure naturally.
Maitake mushrooms may help reduce intestinal inflammation, which can help improve immunity. Studies have shown that including Maitake mushrooms in your diet may help combat various viruses and bacteria. During the flu season, a diet rich in mushrooms may help prevent the flu and the common cold.
Maitake mushrooms help the body resist stress and activate immune cells throughout the body. In fact, Maitake mushrooms have been used to fight cancer, relieve the side effects of chemotherapy and used in HIV/AIDS patients. Finally, those suffering with chronic fatigue syndrome may experience relief of stress and fatigue by eating Maitake mushrooms.
Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are meaty mushrooms used in a variety of cuisines around the world. This mushroom offers antiviral and anticancer effects, making them the perfect choice for people who want to decrease their risk of illness and disease. In addition to helping prevent illness, Shiitake mushrooms can help lower cholesterol in the bloodstream by encouraging tissues throughout the body to absorb cholesterol and use it for energy.
Shiitake is filled with vitamins, minerals and chemical compounds needed for immunity. This powerful mushroom can help combat staph infections, strep infections and even yeast infections. In addition to stimulating the immune system to reduce infections, Shiitake mushrooms help prevent inflammation caused by an overactive immune system.
Shiitake mushrooms help the body fight a number of fungi, viruses and bacteria. Additionally, it may help prevent or reduce the number of flare-ups of rheumatoid arthritis. Shiitake mushrooms help prevent and neutralize oxidative stress in the body.
Reishi Mushrooms
Reishi mushrooms vary in color and have a rounded or antler fan shape. This mushroom is known as the “mushroom of immortality” because of its many health benefits. Reishi mushrooms offer antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. These properties help kill herpes, candida and the Epstein-Barr virus. Regulation of the immune system helps prevent these and other illnesses with the use of medicinal mushrooms.
In addition to these properties, Reishi mushrooms normalize cholesterol levels, improve blood sugar and reduce urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate. Finally, because of its anti-inflammatory properties, people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis can experience reduced symptoms and flare-up.
Maitake, Shiitake and Reishi mushrooms are often called medicinal mushrooms because of the numerous benefits each type offers. From improving cardiovascular functions to helping to fight cancer cells, these mushrooms improve your health and longevity because they contain antioxidant, antiviral and antibacterial properties. Include them in your diet to help improve your immune system naturally.