Shiitake Mushroom Benefits - Nutrition and Some Of Its Benefits

SHIITAKE MUSHROOM BENEFITS – These are the reasons why we need to eat shiitake mushrooms, a popular and delicious food.

The third of the world’s most widely cultivated edible mushrooms is the shiitake mushroom. These delicious mushrooms are packed with nutrients and they offer great health benefits. Here are some of the benefits we can get from this food.

Shiitake Mushroom – How To Cook This & Its Benefits

Here are some details about shiitake mushroom such as its health benefits and how this is cooked.

SHIITAKE MUSHROOM – One type of edible fungus is shiitake and here are some of the things you probably don’t know yet about this.

Lentinus edodes or also called Shiitake mushroom is an edible fungus that is native to Japan and China and it grows in fallen logs. It contains a chemical called lentinan and this type of mushroom is the second most commonly eaten mushroom in the world.

This has an earthy flavor and many people even describe its distinctive taste as meaty. It also has a buttery texture.

When in terms of its appearance, it has an umbrella-shaped cap, wide open veils, tan gills, and curved stems. When in grocery stores, always opt for a firm with a fresh, smooth appearance. When it comes to nutrition, this is also good for us!

Shiitake Mushroom — ***Photo from The Mushroom Council***

4 dried shiitake weighing 15 grams have the following:

Calories: 44
Carbs: 11 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
Protein: 1 gram
Riboflavin: 11% of the Daily Value (DV)
Niacin: 11% of the DV
Copper: 39% of the DV
Vitamin B5: 33% of the DV
Selenium: 10% of the DV
Manganese: 9% of the DV
Zinc: 8% of the DV
Vitamin B6: 7% of the DV
Folate: 6% of the DV
Vitamin D: 6% of the DV

They are also great sources of selenium and high amounts of natural copper.

Here are some of its benefits:

Its eritadenine can help manage cholesterol levels by reducing it and it also has beta-glucans that work against inflammation. It is good for heart health.
Its polysaccharides like lentinans and other beta-glucans can help support immune health by protecting it against cell damage.
According to a post from Healthline, the polysaccharides in this edible fungus have anti-cancer effects.

How do you use this? For a healthy meal, you may stir-fry broccoli and shiitake together and add soba noodles. Caramelized shiitake also works great in risotto with rice and parmesan cheese. You can also make shiitake mushroom soup.