In vivo, shiitake plants grow on trees in Japan and China. Today, these mushrooms are grown both on wood logs in the east, and on shavings or ground branches. The cultivation period under such conditions is shorter than the growth time under natural conditions. If you have not heard about the application and properties of shiitake, their beneficial qualities, pay attention to the information provided in the article.

Chemical composition

These mushrooms are not in vain considered very nutritious: their benefits were known in ancient China. They are especially distinguished by the presence of essential amino acids, such as:

• arginine - 0.65 g;
• valine - 0.48 g;
• histidine - 0.16 g;
• isoleucine - 0.4 g;
• leucine - 0.68 g;
• lysine - 0.34 g;
• methionine - 0.18 g;
• threonine - 0.5 g;
• tryptophan - 0.03 g;
• phenylalanine - 0.49 g.

The mushrooms contain B vitamins (B1, B2, B4, B5, B6 and B9), vitamin C, calciferol (D), as well as D2, PP.

Calories per 100 g

Fresh shiitake per 100 g contains 34 kcal, that is, the calorie content of the product is very low. The composition per 100 g is as follows:

• proteins - 2.24 g;
• fats - 0, 49 g;
• carbohydrates - 4.29 g;
• dietary fiber - 11.5 g;
• water - 10 g.

Mushrooms lower sugar levels and promote insulin production. It’s good not only for diabetics, but also for vegetarians to eat shiitake.

Properties of Shiitake Mushrooms

First, pay attention to the healing characteristics of fungi in various diseases. Keep in mind that the effect on the body of any food is noted with periodic use.

Beneficial features

Shiitake has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for infectious diseases, multiple sclerosis, treatment of liver diseases, and weakened immunity. Lentinan is present in these tree fungi: this polysaccharide acts on antitumor immunity. Please note that mushrooms are used to prevent diseases associated with the digestive system and blood vessels.

Against cancer

Modern experts are working on the study of cancer, on the influence of various substances on the tumor and malignant cells.

The lentinan polysaccharide has the following properties:

• affects the increase in the rate of maturation of lymphocytes (CTLs);
• increases the lifespan of these cells;
• enhances the antitumor function of immune cells.

For the prevention of peptic ulcer

The powder from the mushrooms in question is used as a prophylactic for peptic ulcer disease. You should take a teaspoon from 1 to 3 times a day for 1 month. You need to use such a medicine before meals - for 30-40 minutes.Next, it is supposed to take a break in taking the powder for 2 weeks, and then continue prophylactic use.There are two courses - six-month and one-year. This use of shiitake strengthens the immune system.

For the prevention of cardiovascular disease

With hypertension and other problems with the vessels, tincture is used. Preparing the drug like this:

1. 0.5 g of vodka or warmed olive oil is taken per 10 g of mushroom powder.
2. Then you need to insist the liquid for 20-30 days in the refrigerator (on shelves further from the freezer).
3. At the end of the period, the product should be filtered to remove the precipitate.

Use 1 tablespoon before meals twice a day. You can replace the drug with powder: it is used differently - 1 teaspoon each. Tinctures are taken within 30 days, then stopped for 2 weeks and then repeated - the course lasts either 6 or 12 months.

Important! Per day fresh mushrooms should not exceed 200 g, dried — 18–20 g

Harm and contraindications

To prevent a possible allergic reaction, shiitake should be eaten gradually. Serious harm occurs with allergies.

• It is important to know the contraindications for taking shiitake:
• do not give to children under 5 years old, and from 12 - when appointing a specialist with caution (this is due to the fact that the liver of the child is not burdened);
• not to be used by pregnant and lactating women;
• do not take with bronchial asthma (due to hypelergic reaction in case of illness).

Application features

For several centuries, traditional medicine in China has been familiar with the healing properties of shiitake. Today, these mushrooms are gaining popularity again due to their benefits. But not only with diseases help drugs based on this product - it is used in another direction.

In cosmetology

Shiitake is rich in substances that penetrate the skin tissue and promote regeneration. :

• It favors
• rejuvenation;
• healthy skin (fungus extract helps against acne).

Several well-known manufacturers have been using shiitake extracts for several years and offer creams, masks and other products in the cosmetology market that care for the skin and make it healthier and younger. This property of wood mushrooms was also well known in ancient China.

In folk medicine

In ancient times, shiitake preparations for longevity were known in Japan. These mushrooms were not in vain in the Chinese tradition the name of the royal. For the medical industry today, a classic method of cultivation is used - vaccination of logs.

Important! Cholesterol levels can greatly reduce erythadine, a substance found in Shiitake mushrooms.

Tincture

In addition to the indications already listed in the article, fungi help with viral diseases, including hepatitis B and C. The use of tinctures stabilizes blood pressure. In oncology, with multiple sclerosis in combination with thyme grass, with fungal skin diseases and as a general strengthening drug, tincture of wood mushroom is used.Alcohol and oil tinctures go well with other medicines. Compounds found in medicines are easier to absorb with substances found in shiitake.

Powder

The powder can be consumed directly or made from it tea drinks and decoctions. For the first method, 1 teaspoon is poured into a glass of hot water. For the second - 2 teaspoons are poured into a container, pour 1 cup boiling water, and then cook for 40 minutes over low heat.

Important! Aspirin is incompatible with shiitake-based drugs.

Half a glass of such a decoction should be drunk 30 minutes before meals 3 times a day. The break and duration of the course are the same as indicated in the article above - with a break of 2 weeks, 6-month or annual duration.

Extract

Shiitake extract is used not only in cosmetology. Capsules contain lentinan: it is an immunomodulator, has antioxidant properties. Lentinacin also has an antifungal, antibacterial effect. The substance works well with measles and chickenpox.

The amino acid complex in Shiitake extract is in a unique combination. For example, the Akura and Yamakiro preparations help to cleanse the liver, have an antiparasitic effect, and are used in bioregulation and Ayurveda.

How to store

Fresh mushrooms can be stored for 2-3 weeks at temperatures from 0 ° to + 2 ° C. However, 80% of shiitake are used in dried form. To store wood mushrooms so that they do not break, it is worth in small boxes. They can be covered with polyethylene on top, but it is important to avoid condensation.

For storage, there are such methods:

• dry in the sun and store in a dry ventilated place (up to a year);
• freeze (should be used for six months);
• pickle.

On the preparations, the expiration date should always be indicated, which should be followed. As you can see, thanks to the unique chemical composition, shiitake has many benefits. On the Internet you will find a lot of positive reviews: these mushrooms have an amazing taste, they are similar to porcini and champignons, used as a delicacy in culinary, their healing properties have long been known in the East. Today, shiitake can be easily purchased or grown at home.