Shiitake mushrooms are some of the mushroom variants commonly seen in different food choices. With the scientific name of Lentinula edodes, shiitake mushrooms are native to East Asia and they are also grown and eaten in the neighboring territories. As a food, the following are the mushrooms’ health benefits.
General Nutrition
Shitake mushrooms are rich in vitamins and minerals. According to World’s Healthiest Foods, the mushrooms contain vitamins B and vitamin D. Vitamin B promotes nervous health and function, which covers learning, thinking, sensation, and memory. On the other hand, vitamin D promotes bone health. In terms of minerals, shiitake mushrooms also contain copper, selenium, manganese, and zinc. Copper and manganese play a role in metabolism and the growth and development of the cells and tissues. On the other hand, selenium prevents cellular damage by releasing antioxidant enzymes while zinc promotes digestion and wound healing.
Shiitake Mushrooms and Weight Management
Shiitake mushrooms also help in weight management, such as obesity. According to Dr. Axe’s official website, the mushrrom contains soluble dietary fibers b-glucan and eritadenine, which boost a person’s satiety, decrease food intake, slow down nutrient absorption, and decrease fat levels in the blood. In a study, it was also found that rats that were given a high dose of skiitake mushroom in the diet had 35 percent lower body weight gains that rats on low and medium shiitake mushroom diets.
Shiitake Mushrooms and Cancer
Shiitake mushrooms can also prevent cancer. According to Mercola, the mushrooms contain an antifungal protein called lentinan, which was found to possess cancer-preventing properties. In a study, as per the publication, researchers found that oral treatment with lentinan led to delayed development of smaller tumors, along with a decrease in leukemia cells proliferation and HIV progression. Moreover, shiitake mushrooms have mycelia or spores, which also demonstrate cancer-preventive properties in patients with chronic hepatitis.
Recipe
Shiitake mushrooms can be added to some meal recipes, such as Cream Mushroom Meatloaf. As per All Recipes, the ingredients include two cups of shiitake mushrooms (sliced), a pinch of salt, one-fourth cup of butter, one sprig fresh rosemary (chopped), three tablespoons of all-purpose flour, two and a half cups of beef broth, half cup of heavy cream, salt, pepper, and two and a half pound beef, veal, and pork meatloaf.
To prepare, as per the publication, the oven is preheated to 165 degrees Celsius. Next, butter is melted in an oven-safe skillet over medium to high heat. Then, the mushrooms are stirred in, along with a pinch of salt. They are cooked and stirred for five minutes, until they become brown in color. After that, the rosemary is stirred in, as well as the flour. The ingredients are stirred to coat the mushrooms; this is done for about three minutes. Once done, the beef broth is whisked, half cup at a time. Next, the heat is turned to high and the sauce is brought to a simmer for few minutes, until the sauce begins to thicken; salt and pepper are added to taste. Then, the food is removed from heat and heavy cream is stirred. After that, the prepared meatloaf is slid into the sauce; the sauce is also spooned over the top of the meatloaf. Once done, the preheated oven is baked for about one and a half hour, until its pink color in the center fades away. Also, the instant-red thermometer in the center should also have a reading of at least 70 degrees Celsius. Next, the pan is removed from the oven and the meatloaf is gently removed to a serving platter. The extra fat is skimmed off from the surface of the sauce and the sauce is brought to a boil over medium-high heat for about five minutes, until it becomes thick.
Shiitake mushroom has proved its benefits to health with its nutritional content. Thus, adding it to various meal recipes will help promote a person’s health and wellness.
Source: blisstree.com
