The Chinese and Japanese call shiitake "emperor's mushroom" and "elixir of life". Due to its nutritional and beneficial properties, this mushroom has been used in Chinese cuisine and medicine for centuries.
Chemical composition and medicinal properties of shiitake mushrooms
In the composition of the shiitake mushroom, scientists have discovered a unique polysaccharide lentinan, which has the ability to prevent the formation of cancerous tumors, and fungal phytoncides that can fight influenza, AIDS and hepatitis viruses. The polysaccharide lentinan is able to slow down the growth of malignant tumors, it eliminates the effects of radiation and chemotherapy courses. The composition of mushrooms includes many vitamins, micro- and macroelements, shiitake contains 18 essential amino acids for the human body. The beneficial properties of these mushrooms are comparable to those of ginseng. Regular consumption of shiitake food can reduce the risk of infectious and viral diseases and cleanse the body of toxins and heavy metal salts.
Introduce shiitake into your diet gradually to avoid allergic reactions.
Shiitake will help improve immunity, strengthen the nervous system and get rid of chronic fatigue syndrome. This mushroom is able to normalize metabolism, cleanse the blood, lower cholesterol levels, improve the condition of the walls of blood vessels, and increase male potency. Shiitake mushrooms normalize blood pressure, lower blood sugar levels, and protect against gangrene. They can help in the treatment of skin diseases, bronchitis, stomach diseases, eye diseases. Mushrooms normalize carbohydrate metabolism, improve digestion and promote active fat burning. The calorie content of shiitake is 34 kcal / 100 g.
Shiitake mushrooms in cooking and cometology
Shiitake is taken with food, adding it to various dishes. These are very tasty mushrooms, broths, sauces are prepared from them, they can be boiled, steamed, frying mushrooms also does not impair their taste. The most delicious mushrooms are those on the cap of which cracks create a pattern that looks like a snowflake or a flower. To get the most benefit, they should be eaten raw. The daily norm for taking shiitake is no more than 200 g of fresh mushrooms or no more than 20 g of dried. Mushrooms are also used for the preparation of tinctures, decoctions.
Shiitake is not recommended for pregnant women, nursing mothers, patients with bronchial asthma.
In China, shiitake is widely used in cosmetology, mushroom extract is prepared from them, which has a wonderful effect on the skin, making it elastic and smooth. Masks, creams and lotions have a rejuvenating effect. Coenzyme Q10 stimulates cell regeneration, removing toxins from them. The mushroom infusion is excellent for the care of oily porous skin, after its application the face looks fresh and young.
