26 Dec 5 Mushrooms you should be using and their superpowers
The Healing Power of Mushrooms.
It’s not just about eating “good” food, it’s about eating the “RIGHT” food! There are differences between food that is good for you and foods that nourish your body. No matter what food you may eat when possible choose “clean” food, in other words, food that has been grown organically, not processed, without toxins, GMO’s or other unhealthy ingredients.
One of the first things I learned when I started my healing journey was the power of mushrooms. I didn’t exactly know why my nutritionist was telling me to eat mushrooms such as Shiitake and Maitake, but my curiosity kicked in. I began to look at these mushrooms closer. I soon discovered mushrooms contain many healing properties.
Many mushrooms can be considered genuinely miraculous and have earned the title of medicinal mushrooms. I am not speaking of “the medicinal mushrooms” in the 70’s sense of hallucinogenic mushrooms or the weird ones found growing in cow patties. I am talking about the varieties of mushrooms found at your local health store.
These mushrooms offer powerful immune support and fight to prevent a broad spectrum of diseases. Mushrooms are considered high in protein with micronutrients like B vitamins, iron and Vitamin C. Medicinal Mushrooms, such as the Shitake mushroom, for example, inhibit tumor growth and enhance the immune system about 100 times more than white button mushrooms, No wonder they are considered a “superfood.”
As a medicinal mushroom, you can purchase Shiitake and Maitake mushrooms as fresh or dried. While other medicinal mushrooms can be purchased in a powdered form and easy to incorporate into recipes. Some of these mushrooms may be a little bitter to the taste, but when you combine them into a soup, stew or one of your favorite dishes, they are really quite good.
Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms have been used for a long time in traditional Chinese medicine to treat high cholesterol, colds, and flu. These mushrooms contain LEM s (lentinula edodes mycelia), a unique antioxidant that may inhibit tumor growth. LEM is currently being used in Japan to improve immune functions. LEM has a unique ability to stimulate antibodies and has been used in treating hepatitis, HIV, tooth decay, liver disease, and other bacteria related diseases.
Maitake Mushrooms
Maitake has traditionally been used in Japanese medicine to boost the immune system and vitality. Decades of research has shown this mushroom effective in controlling diabetes, lowering cholesterol, stabilizing blood pressure, balancing weight and aiding in responding to your body’s defense against autoimmune disease.
Reishi
Eastern herbalists consider Reishi mushrooms the “king of herbal medicine.” These mushrooms contain an array of important antioxidant and microelements, such as beta-glucans, lingzhi-8 protein, and ganodermic acids. These unique mushrooms can help combat chronic fatigue, diabetes, high-cholesterol, support liver detoxification and promote anti-allergic reactions such as hay-fever and even asthma. Reishi mushrooms, assist with overall adrenal balance.
Cordyceps
When you think of Cordyceps, think of energy and vitality. These mushrooms are used by some athletes for pre and post workout recovery. This mushroom allows us to better utilize the amount of oxygen we take in. As well as, boosts stamina and performance. In China, Cordyceps is used to enhance sexual function in both men and women. Studies have shown this mushroom to:
1.) lower bad cholesterol
2.) increase good cholesterol
3.) improve respiratory health
4.) bronchitis and asthma
5.) help diabetes symptoms
6.) fatigue
7.) hepatitis B
8.) liver and kidney disorders
Wew – that’s a lot!
Changa
The Changa mushroom’s reputation is continuing to grow as a powerful “superfood” in medical communities around the world. Changa possesses anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-fungal and antitumor capabilities. Changa is one of the highest suppliers of a powerful antioxidant known as superoxide dismutase (SOD), Vit D, and unique minerals such as zinc, germanium, and beta glucans. The healing properties such as lowering blood pressure, decreasing blood sugar levels, and chronic stomach disorders contribute to this mushroom being considered a superfood. My favorite reason to have Changa mushrooms in the cabinet is due to the anti-cancer properties that range from cellular regeneration after chemo to delaying some kinds of tumor growth. Research indicates that Changa shows promise in a wide range of cancers such as melanoma, liver, bone, and stomach cancer.
As I mentioned earlier in this post, mushrooms are great for cooking or adding to your stews and soups. If you want to increase the power (and flavor – if you aren’t a mushroom lover), I recommend adding healthy herbs and spices to your mushrooms.
I posted a blog a few weeks back “7 spices that may not be in your spice cabinet, but should be.” I invite you to check it out for a few new ideas.
Did that get you as interested in the healing properties of Mushrooms as it did me when I learned it? I encourage you to begin playing with mushrooms in your recipes. I recommend visiting your local health food store to explore their selection of mushrooms or check out this online source https://www.mountainroseherbs.com
Please, share this blog with someone you think would be interested in learning more about Mushrooms and the superpowers!
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