Published By: K.D Cameron

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Miraculous mushrooms, a real elixir to human health.

Ancient Chinese medicine knows several types of mushrooms which have been used for ages as natural sources of good health for humans. It has been proven that they cure a number of diseases. The mushrooms in question are cordyceps, reishi, maitake and shiitake. We have complemented our list with two more types. Let’s have a closer and more detailed look at them and see what their benefits are.

Cordyceps

If you watch Discovery Channel regularly maybe you’ve seen some incredible footage showing how a mushroom grows out of the body of a dead ant. Cordyceps is also known as “caterpillar fungus”, since it sticks to the body of the larvae out of which it starts growing. In other words – it’s a parasitic fungus. The healing properties of cordyceps quickly grabbed the world’s attention. Latest studies show that this mushroom improves the health of human cells and even has an anti-depressive effect. Cordyceps is at the base of a pharmaceutical drug called Cordycepin which has been produced for decades.

Reishi

The reishi mushroom is also known as “nerves mushroom”. Alchemists truly believed that it can give a person eternal life. In China and Japan it’s actively used as a means providing better sleep and neurological health. Studies show that the reishi mushroom improves the function of the immune system and has an antibacterial and antiviral effect.

Maitake

The maitake mushroom is also known as the “miracle mushroom”, but in Japan it’s also called “the dancing mushroom”, for which there are at least two explanations. One of them is that in appearance the maitake mushroom resembles butterflies in a fascinating dance. The other explanation is that if the Japanese had found out years ago about the beneficial effect of maitake, they would probably dance joyfully, realising they possess real gold. These enormous mushrooms are valued for their rich flavor, as well as for the great benefits they bring to human health. A real natural elixir!

Shiitake

The name of this mushroom originates from the tree on which it usually grows. The shiitake mushroom is also called “the queen of the mushrooms”, since it’s rich in valuable nutrients, proteins, potassium, and also zinc, which is particularly beneficial to the immune system. These mushrooms also contain a very important compound – eritadimine amino acid, which accelerates the transformation of the LDL cholesterol into high density lipoproteins or HDL. Contemporary studies show that shiitake mushrooms can incredibly stimulate the immune system, have antibacterial and antiviral properties and reduce platelet aggregation.

Polyporus mushroom

Almost every type of mushroom strengthens the body’s natural defence but one of the most powerful sorts is Polyporus umbellatus. It’s especially popular in China and Japan, it has a strong antioxidant effect and is particularly beneficial to lung health. The Chinese also use polyporus for kidney problems. Usually this mushroom is used in combination with others for a stronger and better effect.

White button mushroom

This type of mushroom really deserves the spotlight. It has been established that the white button is a powerful source of vitamin D, which helps the body to better assimilate calcium and therefore stimulates the good health of the bone system. Furthermore, this mushroom is very suitable as a meat substitute – add it to your meals instead of pork or beef. Thus you will have an appetising and healthy meal, rich in nutrients and poor in calories.