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Although their names may sound somewhat exotic, all of these mushrooms are commonplace in the cuisines of many countries. Most of them come from what is now Asia. They have been used there for many centuries as ingredients in dishes, but also as medicinal remedies. Mushrooms are not considered particularly nutrient-dense. Nevertheless, some species of mushrooms can offer a range of beneficial effects and properties.
Cordyceps – what is it?
Cordyceps sinensis is a parasitic fungus that occurs naturally in the Tibetan Plateau. It's a very rare species, which makes it even more valuable. This is because it feeds on moth larvae that overwinter underground. This presents another challenge in its search. Despite these obstacles, this fungus is enjoying increasing popularity due to its unique properties.
Cordyceps – Properties and Effects
These mushrooms are valued for their many beneficial properties. They combat free radicals and also reduce inflammation and infections. They can protect the body from many diseases, including respiratory, digestive, and liver disorders. These properties may be due to their influence on the nervous and immune systems. They strengthen the body's immune response and accelerate healing processes, which is important for a quick recovery from infections. The kidneys also benefit from their use. Mushrooms of this type have a positive effect on their function and also relieve possible bladder infections. They are a natural energy drink. They can be a real help for chronic fatigue syndrome and also increase vitality and sex drive, making them a good remedy for male potency.
Cordyceps – how to take it?
Cordyceps is available in tablet, powder, and capsule forms, and the dosage depends largely on the intended use. This can be generalized somewhat. It is recommended to use 5 to 10 grams of Cordyceps per dose. The number of daily doses is one or two. The dosage depends primarily on the desired therapeutic effect. However, for prophylactic use, two doses per week are sufficient.
Cordyceps – Contraindications
It's important to remember that Cordyceps is a mushroom. Its use should, of course, be restricted to children under 12 years of age. This also applies to pregnant women and nursing mothers. Chinese Cordyceps has been considered relatively safe. However, the supplement may carry the risk of side effects. It can flush calcium from the body and interact with medications. These mushrooms are not recommended for use with immunosuppressants and anticoagulants. Furthermore, they potentiate the effects of antidiabetic, antidepressant, and antihypertensive medications. For safety reasons, it should not be taken before elective surgery.
Reishi mushrooms – a handful of information
Reishi has been used in traditional medicine in the Far East for over two thousand years. The mushrooms were considered magical and were gathered from the moist banks of rivers and lakes. They are considered a symbol of longevity and health. In Asia, their properties are still valued today and are considered a remedy for virtually every ailment. There are six varieties of Reishi. The most valuable of these is the red variety. It contains the most active substances.
Reishi - Properties
Thanks to their active ingredients, Reishi mushrooms have a truly diverse effect on our bodies. They can support the immune system by stimulating T lymphocytes and macrophages. This leads to increased immunity, especially in autumn and winter. They also have a hypoglycemic effect. They also inhibit the production of glucagon in the liver, an enzyme that increases blood sugar levels. Due to their triterpenoid content, Reishi mushrooms lower blood pressure and also have an anti-aggregation effect, thus preventing the development of arteriosclerosis. Furthermore, they are excellent blockers of inflammatory mediators. As a result, they have an allergy-relieving effect, reducing the severity of allergic symptoms. Consuming Reishi mushrooms can improve both quality of life and life expectancy. By influencing the remodeling of the immune system, as well as through antibacterial and antiviral effects, they make the body resistant to environmental influences. This increases the comfort of life, but also the risk of negative complications from individual diseases, each of which potentially leaves traces in the body.
Reishi and weight loss
It has been proven that the substances contained in these mushrooms can significantly accelerate metabolism. When your metabolism increases, your body uses more energy to digest food more efficiently. This energy can potentially come from the body's reserve material, including fatty tissue. Thus, they can actively support weight loss. Furthermore, they further boost cellular metabolism by increasing the oxygen supply to the cells via the blood. This measure can only be an aid in weight loss and is not a potential cure for obesity.
Reishi – Contraindications
These mushrooms are harmless. However, it is recommended not to exceed 30 days of treatment, as side effects may occur after this time. However, it is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or children under 12 years of age. Possible side effects include nosebleeds, itchy skin, indigestion, rash, and bloody stools.
Shiitake mushrooms – uses and properties
Unlike their predecessors, shiitake mushrooms are not only used as a dietary supplement. They are a valued ingredient in many dishes, especially in Japan. This is due to the unique taste and aroma they impart to dishes. Examples worth mentioning are Thai soup with shiitake mushrooms, all kinds of noodles with added ingredients, or a somewhat more homely accent, namely scrambled eggs. In the culture of the Far East, they play a similar role to our native mushrooms, such as butter mushrooms, porcini mushrooms, and cep mushrooms. But their use does not end in the kitchen. They strengthen our immune and nervous systems. Shiitake mushrooms are characterized by a record content of niacin, i.e. vitamin B3. In addition, research into their use in cancer therapy has been conducted since the 1960s. The chemical compound in question is called lentinan, and it is said to have anti-cancer effects. It likely stimulates the immune system and the activation of certain cells and proteins that attack tumors—including macrophages, T cells, and natural killer cells. Unfortunately, this property doesn't work for all types of cancer. Prostate cancer is the most prominent cancer, where these fungi have no significant influence. However, this doesn't change the fact that this could change in the future.
Chaga mushroom – properties
This mushroom has long been known, especially to the inhabitants of Siberia. People in this region prepare various decoctions from it, which have a significant effect on our body. Chaga mushroom is used to treat various infectious diseases. It works similarly to Coriolus, which scans the body, searches for various pathogens, and then eliminates them. The effect of Chaga is primarily directed at the digestive system and the liver, accelerating their regeneration. In addition, it can support the treatment of diabetes, regulates blood cholesterol levels, and has anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, it supports the cognitive functions of the brain and has a positive effect on memory and concentration. It is a very powerful adaptogen, meaning it has a positive effect on the body's endurance and its adaptation to environmental conditions.
Maitake Mushroom – Properties
Maitake mushrooms are used in the Far East to treat hepatitis, degenerative diseases, and immune deficiency. Japanese herbalists attribute to them the ability to strengthen the body, reduce fatigue, and increase resistance to infections. Despite such a broad spectrum of effects, only three properties of these mushrooms have been scientifically proven. These include antidiabetic, anticancer, and immune-stimulating effects.
Summary
All of the mushrooms mentioned in this article are very valuable to us. They are not just an interesting addition to dishes, but also full-fledged adaptogens. Moreover, their uses are extremely broad, so almost everyone can find something for themselves.
