Medicinal Mushrooms - Food of Immortality

Medicinal mushrooms improve liver function, prevent the accumulation of triglycerides in the vessels, prevent bronchitis and cough, increase strength and vitality

The beneficial properties of some mushrooms are transformed into real medicinal power. This is why they are also called medicinal mushrooms. The active ingredients in each mushroom have different combinations and concentrations and are effective in the treatment or defense of specific organs and functions. Preparations of medicinal mushrooms can be found in pharmacies, herbalists and natural food stores where they can also be dried or fresh. To be effective they must be of quality, better if with organic certification (the European one is more severe) that guarantees origin and type of cultivation. Here are the most important medicinal mushrooms to try.

Reishi or mushroom of a thousand years

The Ganoderma lucidum or reishi, in Japan was a dowry for brides: it is one of the 10 most effective natural medicines, with 400 bioactive substances in the spores. The contained germanium eliminates the toxic metals from our body, the triterpenes are antioxidants, hepatoprotective and anti-cholesterol. Moreover, this medicinal mushroom rebalances the immune system dysfunctions, it is relaxing, antiallergic and anti-inflammatory, supporting the anticancer therapies. And it is used in cosmetics. Too tough to be cooked, it is used in powder: in the market there are tea, coffee or chocolate made from reishi. With the mushroom powder you can also prepare an infusion (it is left to infuse in boiling water, to rest one hour and drink without filtering it).

Shiitake, strengthens the immune system

Lentinula edodes is the most widely cultivated mushroom in the world after champignons and its regular consumption in small quantities weekly (70 g dried, 150 g natural) strengthens the immune system, regulates cholesterol and triglycerides and prevents gum disease. Its "Lenin" polysaccharide, a drug in the East since 1976, is the third most prescribed in support of the treatment of certain tumors. These medicinal mushrooms are cooked like any mushroom: in the kitchen the shiitake is prince; fleshy and tasty almost like a porcino, it is fresh and dry and is cooked in preparations such as preserves, side dishes, risottos or sauces.

Hericium. Toccasana for tense nerves

Hericium erinaceus has a singular appearance, promotes digestion and regenerates the gastric mucosa defending from gastritis and ulcer. Today it is at the center of research on the protection and regeneration of the central nervous system and is considered in the support therapy for serious neurological diseases. This medicinal mushroom is helpful against stress and anxiety, melancholy, deficit of memory and concentration. It is excellent in the kitchen for its delicate flavor, paired with meat or fish. Preserved for a long time, however, it becomes yellow and becomes acidic: it is a fungus that deteriorates quickly.

Maitake, satiating and slimming

The leafy Grifola, rich in polysaccharides and beta-glucans, vitamins and minerals, is the nutraceutical par excellence. It is a medicinal fungus that reduces the risk of metabolic syndrome and counteracts weight gain and obesity, accumulation of fat in the liver and tissues, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes and hyperglycemia. The dried mushroom can be found on the market. The dried mushroom is used for infusions (3-7 grams a day) or in the kitchen where the fibrous and slightly sweet taste makes it tasty in salads, stewed, sautéed and in oil. But beware: it deteriorates quickly.