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SHIITAKE {Lentinula edodes}
Black Forest Mushroom
These meaty and flavourful mushrooms contain a substance called eritadenine, which encourages body tissue to absorb cholesterol and lower the amount of cholesterol circulating in the blood. Shiitakes also have anti-viral and anti-cancer effects. Beta glucans, namely lentinan, have also been isolated from Shiitake. Beta glucans are immune stimulating polysaccharides with a strong anti-viral action. Shiitake can help in the treatment of allergies, high cholesterol and immuno-suppressive conditions, strengthening the liver and treating the symptoms of hepatitis.
REISHI
Ganoderma species, esp lucidum {Lingzhi} in SA we have {Ganoderma australe}
In Chinese, the name lingzhi represents a combination of spiritual potency and essence of immortality and is regarded as the “herb of spiritual potency,” symbolizing success, well-being, divine power, and longevity. Among cultivated mushrooms, G. lucidum is unique in that its pharmaceutical rather than nutritional value is paramount. Polysaccharides, peptidoglycans, and triterpenes are three major physiologically active constituents in G. lucidum. The specific applications and attributed health benefits of lingzhi include control of blood glucose levels, modulation of the immune system, significant anti-inflammatory effects, reduces allergic responsiveness, hepatoprotection, bacteriostasis, and inhibit the growth of some malignant tumors among other effects. Take reishi every day for at least two months to see what it can do for you.
TURKEY TAIL {Trametes versicolor}
A purely medicinal mushroom with proven anti-cancer effects. Polysaccharide-K (PSK or krestin), extracted from T. versicolor, is considered safe for use as an adjunct therapy for cancer and anti-microbial treatment in Japan where it is known as kawaratake (roof tile mushroom) and approved for clinical use. As a glycoprotein mixture, PSK has been studied in clinical research in people with various cancers and immune deficiencies. Probably the most well-researched mushroom around – over 400 studies support the immuno-modulating action of Trametes. It is often used to help treat minor symptoms of respiratory, urinary and gastrointestinal infections, as well
as hepatitis B and other liver diseases.
LION’S MANE {Hericium erinaceus}
Mushroom health benefits can also come from this nontoxic medicinal and culinary mushroom, which is believed to stimulate nerve growth. It also may improve mild cognitive impairment. A Japanese study published in 2009 found that test scores of study participants who took Lion’s Mane in tablet form improved as over the course of the 16 weeks they took the pills but declined afterwards. The researchers concluded that Lion’s Mane mushrooms are effective in mild cognitive impairment.
ENOKI {Flammulina velutipes}
Golden needle fungus
Slender white mushrooms that need only brief cooking and have a very mild taste. They are good in soups and salads. Enoki mushrooms have significant anti-cancer and immune enhancing effects. Nutrient rich (fibre and B vitamins), high in antioxidants (quercitin and gallic acid), immune supporting and tumor reducing, this one’s got it all.
MAITAKE {Grifola frondose}
Hen of the woods – not to be confused with Chicken of the woods!
This delicious Japanese mushroom is also called “hen of the woods” because it grows in big clusters that resemble the fluffed tail feathers of a nesting hen. Extracts are also widely available. Maitake has anti-cancer, ant-iviral, and immune system enhancing effects and may also help control both high blood pressure and blood sugar levels. An “adaptogen” that helps balance various body systems. It is rich in amino acids, vitamins and minerals like potassium and magnesium.
Himematsutake {Agaricus subrufescens}
King Agaricus or Almond Portabello
It looks a bit like a portobello and is in the same genus. This compost-loving mushroom is an immune system stimulant, is used as a companion to or replacement of cancer therapies, and it is thought that this mushroom supports the immune systems of those who are immune compromised. This mushroom contains more of the immune-stimulating polysaccharide, beta-glucan, than any other mushroom and also helps reduce blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Cordyceps {Species}
A high Tibetan plateau fungus that parasitises insects and their larvae. It is used as a tonic and restorative, for Kidney and Liver disease, Diabetes and Insulin resistance but is also known for its anti-tumor activity, reducing fatigue and improving athletic performance. You can drink tea made from powdered cordyceps, but it is more convenient to get cordyceps extracts in liquid or capsule form. To treat general weakness, take cordyceps once or twice a day, following the dosage advice on the product. For health maintenance, take it once or twice a week. Cordyceps species commonly contain Vitamins (B1, B2, B12, E, and K), various minerals (including magnesium, iron, zinc, selenium, and calcium), protein and essential amino acids, a range of sugars and polysaccharides, and sterols
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