Mushrooms are an interesting group, very different from plants. They have no roots, leaves, flowers and seeds and completely devoid of chlorophyll. So they cannot make their own food and grow as saprophytes. They belong to an entirely different kingdom, Fungi of domain Eukarya. There are close to 14,000 species of mushrooms out of which only 3000 are edible, about 700 have medicinal value and less than one percent are poisonous. Mushrooms are found growing naturally all over the world since ancient times. However, their cultivation started in Europe some time in the 16th century. The first cultivation was near Paris, even today there are huge areas under cultivation of mushrooms in France. In the United States, mushroom cultivation started in the late 19th century. Most mushrooms are grown in the state of Pennsylvania. United States is supposed to be one of the biggest country to grow mushrooms commercially.
Most people are not aware of the medicinal value of mushrooms. This is a wonderful herb loaded with medicinal values. Nowadays, there is a lot of focus on mushrooms and their anti-cancer attributes. They have anticancer and antiviral properties and high nutritional value. There are many types of mushrooms available, however I will focus briefly only on 4 different types – button mushrooms, maitake, reishi and shiitake.
Button Mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus): These mushrooms look like little umbrellas. They have a dense umbrella like cap attached to a stem called stipe. There are 3 types of button mushrooms: white mushroom, crimini and portabello. White mushroom is cream in color and most commonly found in stores. Crimini mushroom looks just like a button, is coffee colored and has a more distinct flavor. The portabello mushroom is of a larger size and has a meaty flavor. The scientific name of these type of mushroom is Agaricus bisporus. Crimini mushroom is called by many other names as well- cremini, baby bellas, and portabellini.
Button mushrooms have grown wildly since prehistoric times. They have been consumed by early hunter-gatherers. Since ancient times, mushrooms are known to have special powers. The Egyptians believed that they grant immortality. Pharaohs believed they were the only ones worthy of this gift. The common people were not supposed to touch mushrooms, let alone eat them. In ancient Rome, mushrooms were thought to be food for the gods. Greeks used to feed mushrooms to their warriors for the strength. Also in China, Russia and Mexico, it is believed that eating mushrooms grants them superhuman power.
New research indicates that button mushrooms are equally rich in antioxidants as their more expensive cousins maitake, reishi and shiitake. The button mushroom is the foremost cultivated mushroom in the world with thousands of tons being consumed every year. It is often thought of as poor nutrition and lower medicinal value in comparison to other expensive forms. But that does not seem to be true any more. Recent research proves that these mushrooms are equally good and sometimes proven to have more antioxidants than other expensive ones. They are also as good in lowering cholesterol and preventing chronic diseases. White button mushroom is supposed to have high amounts of ergothionein with anti aging properties. It also protects against cancer, cellular destruction and other diseases.
Maitake (Grifola frondosa). This is one of the popular mushrooms from Japan. This delicious edible mushroom is known by mushroom hunters as “hen-of-the-woods”, because it grows in clusters on the ground at the base of the trees and stumps, clusters that resemble fluffed tail feathers of a nesting hen. The Japanese also call it dancing mushroom. The underside of this mushroom is white with tiny pores instead of gills. Grifola belongs to a family of mushrooms called Polypores. In general polypores are non-toxic, but only few are edible. Most are tough and woody, growing as brackets or shelves on dead or living trees. In the western part of the world, polypores mushrooms are of interest to forest pathologists because they cause heart rot in living trees and are important decomposers of dead drying trees, but in the far east they are highly esteemed as medicinal herbs.
Maitake supplements are used to cure cancer, AIDS and chronic hepatitis. It is claimed to boost immune system and also used as a remedy for chronic fatigue syndrome and environmental illnesses. Maitake is specially recommended for the stomach and intestine, as well as blood sugar levels. It has been actively investigated by Japanese scientists and doctors.
Maitake also contains grifolin, an important beta-glucan polysaccharide. Grifolin has been shown to activate macrophages, a cell considered “heavy artillery of the immune system”. D-fraction, one of the polysaccharides in maitake mushroom, also energizes the immune system. This mushroom is reported to be effective against leukemia , stomach and bone cancers. Responses were further improved when maitake D-fraction and chemotherapy were used together. Individuals receiving maitake D-fraction polysaccharide also experienced relief from the side effects of chemotherapy, such as loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, hair loss and deficiency of white blood cells. In addition, many doctors in Japan use maitake mushroom to lower blood pressure and blood lipids. It also helps digestion by regulating the stomach and intestines, and helps eliminate food stagnation.
Shiitake (Lentinus edodes); Shiitake is a symbol of longevity in Asia, because of its health promoting properties. It has been used by the Chinese for more than 6000 years. Now this mushroom of rich smoky flavor is getting common in the United States and can be found in supermarkets across the country. This mushroom treats nutritional deficiencies, liver ailments and heart disease. It is known to have a compound called lentinan (branched beta–glucan) that has antiviral, immune stimulating, anti tumor properties and also strengthens an individual’s ability to fight other infections and diseases. Against influenza and other viruses, lentinan has been shown to be even more effective than prescription drugs. It even improves the immune status of individual infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
Another compound of much interest called eritadenine has been found in shiitake mushrooms, which lowers cholesterol levels in various circumstances. The more you take it, the more your cholesterol level drops.
Another interesting compound discovered in this mushroom is L-ergothioneine. It is a powerful antioxidant. At the 2005 American Chemical Society meeting in Washington, D.C., researchers reported that mushrooms contain higher concentrations of L-ergothioneine than either of the two dietary sources previously believed to contain the most: chicken liver and wheat germ. They found that shiitake, maitake, and oysters contain the highest amounts, with up to 13 mg in a 3 oz. serving, whereas portabella and criminis have about 12 times more of this chemical than chicken liver and wheat germ.
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum): Asians commonly use reishi mushrooms. It is highly regarded in China and has been dubbed as “the medicine of kings”. Scientific reports mention the use of this mushroom in significantly reducing altitude sickness in Tibet when people climb to the heights of 15,000 ft. Reishi increases blood oxygen consumption. 16th century Ming dynasty texts say that this marvelous medicinal mushroom “mends the heart”. Albert Leung, Ph.D. says in his Better Health with (mostly) Chinese Herbs and Foods that reishi has considerable value in preventing and treating arrythmia. It is considered a heart tonic like hawthorn and ginkgo. It improves blood flow to the heart and reduces coronary demand for oxygen and helps ease the chest pain of angina.
Reishi mushroom is particularly beneficial for asthma patients and people with other respiratory complaints. It has healing effect on the lungs and good for respiratory strength and coughing. For four millennia, the Chinese and Japanese have used reishi mushroom as a medicine for liver disorders, hypertension, and arthritis. Today’s researchers have found that reishi has anti-allergic, anti- inflammastory, antiviral, antibacterial and antioxidant properties. There is also suggestion that reishi may help in fighting cancer. In addition, a protein isolated from reishi –Ling Zhi-8 may reduce the risk of transplant rejection.
Reishi is also claimed to elevate the spirit, and also a mood-elevating substance. Traditionally, reishi is believed to help transform individuals into a more spiritual being. Just as mushrooms transform decayed material on the ground into life giving nourishment, reishi converts hostility and other negative feelings to more positive form, thereby raising the spirit and unshackling the mind. Individuals can consume reishi every day to support immune system, peace of mind and physical vigor. Reishi is available in syrups, teas, tinctures, tablets, soups and by injection.
Maitake, shiitake, reishi and button mushrooms all have overlapping properties – good nutritional value and high medicinal and curative properties. Raw mushrooms are naturally cholesterol, fat and sodium free. They contain very few calories -five medium sized button mushrooms added together only have 20 calories. I must say that it is one of the best foods to maintain your optimal health.
Most of these mushrooms are available in syrups, teas, tinctures, tablets and in capsules. Follow the instructions given on the package. I will recommend that you add them in your favorite food such as in soups, on burgers, as part of a sandwich or cook them with other vegetables. Of course many of us order pizza with mushroom and green onion toppings. Always use herbs in moderate amounts in consultation with your Physician.
My next article will be on the health benefits of another important herb – Flax Seeds. Wishing you well and have an enjoyable summer season.
Ali M. Jafri, Ph.D.
