Are Shiitake Mushrooms Good For You? 7 Things to Consider

If you’re not picky about eating mushrooms, it’s likely that you’ve eaten Shiitake mushrooms at some point. But did you know that these mushrooms are more than a tasty addition to your meal? There is a lot of evidence that supports the fact that Shiitake mushrooms are one of the healthiest foods you can eat.

Here is a closer look at some of the health benefits of shiitake mushrooms.

1.Boosting the immune system

Almost all mushrooms have the ability to bolster the immune system.

Shiitake mushrooms contain compounds that can stimulate the production of white blood cells, which helps to boost the immune system. This can help the body fight off infections and illnesses more effectively.

In practical use, shiitake mushrooms have been used for thousands of years to alleviate the symptoms of illnesses such as the common cold. The beta-glucans contained in the cell walls of mushrooms activate cells in our immune system, giving them a boost in both fighting and creating antibodies for harmful pathogens. 

2.Lowering cholesterol

If you are one that struggles to keep your cholesterol in check, there’s good news for you! The nutritional makeup of shiitake mushrooms has been shown to decrease the absorption of cholesterol in the gut, which can help lower cholesterol levels in the blood. 

This can be beneficial for people who are at risk of heart disease or stroke, as high cholesterol levels are a significant risk factor for these conditions.

3.Anti-cancer properties

Like many other mushrooms, the nutrients in shiitake mushrooms have proven to have anti-cancer capabilities.

Due to their high levels of beta-glucans and other compounds, shiitake mushrooms have shown the ability to stop and even fight the growth of cancer cells. This can be beneficial for people who are at risk of cancer, as shiitake mushrooms may help to prevent or slow their growth.

4.Lowering blood pressure

Shiitake mushrooms have been found to be beneficial in lowering blood pressure. The compounds present in these mushrooms have the ability to relax the blood vessels, which leads to a decrease in blood pressure. This can help to reduce the risk of hypertension, which is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. 

The nutritional compounds found in shiitake mushrooms may also help to reduce inflammation in the blood vessels and improve their elasticity, which can further contribute to the decrease in blood pressure. Additionally, the high potassium content in shiitake mushrooms also works to balance out the negative effects of sodium, which can also help in controlling blood pressure. 

Eating shiitake mushrooms as part of a healthy diet may be beneficial for people with hypertension or those looking to prevent hypertension.

5.Improving liver health

Some diseases make it more difficult for the liver to filter out toxins, leading to liver disease and dysfunction. Nutrients contained in shiitake mushrooms are capable of bolstering the liver in its function while simultaneously acting as an antioxidant and detoxification agent. 

The result is a stronger liver and a healthier system. With this kind of support, your body can continue to function at peak performance. 

6.Reducing inflammation

Like many other mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. The nutrients and complex carbohydrates can be broken down into substances that your body can use to regulate inflammation levels caused by various conditions. 

There are a number of inflammatory diseases that could be improved through the consumption of anti-inflammatory foods like shiitake mushrooms. Things such as irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis, and hypertension are all diseases that could benefit from inflammation-reducing foods.

Because they are low in inflammation foods, shiitake mushrooms are also easy on the gut. Inflammation in the gut can lead to a variety of digestive issues, such as bloating, cramping, and diarrhea. Consuming shiitake mushrooms can help to reduce inflammation in the gut and promote healthy digestion. 

Mushrooms are high in fiber and low in inflammatory effects; this is a great combination to feed gut bacteria. The microbiome in your gut is critical to reducing bloating, gas, and other uncomfortable digestive issues. 

7.Supporting weight loss

As shiitake mushrooms are good for gut health, they are also a great addition to a diet for weight loss. 

Being high in fiber and rich in complex carbohydrates, shiitake mushrooms will help you feel fuller for longer. They are also stuffed full of complex carbohydrates that can help reduce your appetite and help you feel energized longer than simple carbs can. 

These combined benefits allow you to reduce your calorie intake while not feeling starved. This is ideal for people who struggle to manage their appetite and dread managing calorie intake. 

8.Improve Cardiovascular Health

As mentioned before, consuming shiitake mushrooms may help to improve blood lipid profile by reducing total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides. 

Some studies have also suggested that the compounds present in shiitake mushrooms may help to improve endothelial function and reduce the risk of blood clots, which can further contribute to the protection of cardiovascular health. 

Additional nutrients and antioxidants in these mushrooms, such as ergothioneine and selenium, may also help to protect against oxidative stress, which is another contributing factor to cardiovascular disease.

9.Blood Sugar Regulation

Many of the compounds in these mushrooms can lend themselves to assisting your body in regulating blood sugar. 

The beta-glucans in shiitake mushrooms can help increase insulin sensitivity. As insulin is one of the primary methods your body uses to regulate blood sugar levels, decreased sensitivity to it makes it difficult for your body to compensate for increasing or decreasing blood sugar levels.

Increasing your sensitivity to insulin with the nutrients in shiitake mushrooms can help your body respond better to insulin levels, thus helping people with diabetes.

Get Your Daily Mushroom Boost From Avodah Wellness

Shiitake mushrooms have a number of health benefits, such as boosting the immune system, lower cholesterol, anti-cancer properties, lowering blood pressure, improving liver health, reducing inflammation, supporting weight loss, improving cardiovascular health, and regulating blood sugar levels. 

Increasing your intake of these mushrooms can have very real benefits for your overall health and well-being. 

If you want to take a mushroom supplement and get all the benefits of shiitake without needing to eat them daily, you can consider getting supplements from Avodah Wellness, a company that provides shiitake supplements and a wide variety of additional mushrooms. 

Get your very own mushroom supplements today!