Boost Your Immune System with Mushrooms

We are blessed to be able to choose from many varieties of mushrooms to eat or take in supplements that contain medicinal mushrooms, and researchers are continually discovering more and more health benefits linked to mushrooms. Full of vitamins, minerals, and other natural substances, mushrooms are particularly beneficial when it comes to strengthening the immune system.

Some exciting studies have shown that the use of certain types of medicinal mushrooms can greatly aid cancer patients, especially those undergoing conventional therapies such as chemo or radiation. Mushrooms can provide support that directly fights cancer and indirectly protects the body from the harmful side effects of such therapies as well. The article below gives an overview of mushroom types and their effects, and also provides some excellent recipes and cooking tips for preparing mushrooms. Take some time to leisurely enjoy a meal that includes mushrooms, just one of many ways that eating naturally can help us pursue wellness.


Mushrooms: Friendly Fungi
By: Miriam Horowitz, RD, CDEPublished: Thursday, May 29, 2008

Recently I have been asked: Are there any nutritional benefits to mushrooms? The answer is yes.

There are many types of edible mushrooms. Among the most popular are white "button" mushrooms, cremini, portobellos, shiitakes, oysters, enokis, porcini, and maitakes. These are only a fraction of those that exist in nature, both cultivated and wild.

Mushrooms are a nutritious "vegetable" (yes, actually they are fungi). They provide nutrients including B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D, selenium, and potassium. Mushrooms are extensively studied for their antioxidant benefits. Many mushrooms are believed to contain powerful immune modulating agents (meaning that they help support the immune system).

Mushrooms have been used in Chinese and Japanese remedies for centuries. Mushroom extracts are routinely utilized in Japan in conjunction with chemotherapy in cancer patients, both to inhibit tumor growth and to reduce chemotherapy side effects. These extracts are being studied in Western medicine, as well. The Japanese doctors claim that the mushroom extracts have successfully strengthened immune systems, have prevented recurrence of cancer in patients, and play a role in preventative health. There is some Western research-based evidence that supports these claims.

There is growing evidence in animal studies that specific properties in mushrooms -- specifically in shiitake, maitake, and reishi mushrooms -- stimulate immune response, especially against cancer and tumor cells. Some researchers believe mushrooms can aid in reducing cholesterol (by blocking the absorption of cholesterol in the blood). This research is very exciting and promising. More evidence is necessary to support the routine medicinal use of mushrooms. Currently, there is no federal regulation of mushroom supplements; therefore, the quality of the supplements available is variable.

So, should mushrooms be included in daily diets? We know that mushrooms are low in calories and sodium, and are virtually fat-free. Mushrooms are a source of fiber and contain essential vitamins and minerals. The selenium found in mushrooms provides antioxidant benefits. Selenium is only one of many antioxidants already isolated in mushrooms. Based on these attributes alone, mushrooms qualify as an "all the time" food. The added proposed immune benefits and cardiovascular benefits are a potential bonus that can only improve one's health.

Furthermore, mushrooms offer great flavor, texture, and aroma. They are a great accompaniment to many different main dishes, soups, sauces, and salads. Choosing a variety of fresh or dried mushrooms is important, as they offer different properties. Shiitake mushrooms are among the most studied and have proven health benefits.

The following are great ways to include mushrooms into typical meals:

* Toss large and juicy portobello mushrooms on the grill for a delicious meaty side dish that is low in calories or as a burger alternative.
* Add sauteed sliced mushrooms to brown rice or kasha.
* Stir-fry shiitake mushrooms with some garlic and mix in some multigrain angel-hair pasta.
* Top some chicken breast or fish fillets with sauteed mushrooms and onions. * Add mushrooms to egg whites for a great-tasting omelet.
* Mushrooms work great in red sauce; include them in your marinara sauce or favorite meatball recipe.

While it is unknown to us now how many fresh or dried mushrooms one must eat to actually gain the potent immune responses, clearly mushrooms are worth eating on a regular basis. So experiment with the variety of fresh and exotic mushrooms available. It may prove more than just delicious in years to come.

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