There has been a surge in the popularity of Shiitake mushrooms globally. It is not surprising considering the immense health benefits and delectable recipes these exotic mushrooms offer. This article will help you get a clear understanding of what these mushrooms are and how they help improve your health.
What are Shiitake Mushrooms?
Shiitake is a mushroom of East Asian origin. The first reference to mushrooms in history dates back to 199 BC when Chinese emissaries offered them to the Japanese emperor. They are used in traditional Chinese medicine and are the second most cultivated variant after the button mushroom.
In China, Korea, and Japan, Shiitake mushrooms have been consumed widely for centuries because of their medicinal and nutritional value. These days they have a global appeal.
They also are called Sawtooth oak mushrooms, black forest or black mushrooms, golden oak mushrooms, or oakwood mushrooms. In India, they are mainly cultivated in Himachal Pradesh, and you can buy farm fresh Vitamin-D enriched shiitake mushrooms in Delhi and NCR from Woodberry.
Nutritional Value of Shiitake Mushrooms
In one serving of 100g, raw Shiitake mushrooms deliver 34-40 calories. Almost 90% content of the mushrooms is water, with 7% carbs, 2% protein, and less than 1% fat.
Shiitake is a Vitamin D2 storehouse and becomes further enriched when exposed to the UVB rays of the sun. Furthermore, they have plenty of B Vitamins (providing over 20% of the daily value) and moderate minerals. A 2015 study revealed a possible correlation between regular consumption of Shiitake mushrooms and improved immunity levels.
Health Benefits of Shiitake Mushrooms
Helps Fight Obesity: Chemical-free Shiitake mushrooms are the best food to turn to if you plan to reduce weight or fight obesity. They improve satiety, decrease food intake, delay nutrient absorption, and lower fat levels. The two soluble dietary fibers in them, Eritadenine and b-glucan, also found in barley, rye, and oats, have fat-reducing properties.
Say Goodbye to Heart Sisease and Diabetes: Substituting highly processed foods with healthy mushrooms has been found to reduce the likelihood of heart disease. Vegetables, fruits, and whole grains increase the amount of fiber in your diet, which lowers the risk of heart disease.
Drastically Improves Your Mood: Consuming highly processed foods with trans-fat can deplete your energy levels, disrupt your cognitive function, and leave you with erratic mood swings. It is a cause of concern for people with underlying mental conditions. You can be irritable, stressed, and angry simply because your diet consists of unhealthy food. By rejecting toxic food and substituting it with whole foods, you will have fewer mood swings. Your relationships and social standing will improve, and you will be more satisfied.
Healthy Food for Guts: Your gut health is a reliable indicator of your overall immunity.
The nutrient-dense, protein-loaded, beta-glucan, micro-nutrient packed, mineral-rich, and chemical-free mushrooms are the best food for your guts. The aim is to grow the good bacteria in your intestines with rich prebiotics. There are over 39 trillion strains of bacteria in your intestines, and the more diverse your gut, the healthier you will be.
Common Recipes:
Shiitake has a meaty, buttery flavor and texture that becomes more pronounced when cooked. There are many ways to treat yourself to this delectable food, but here are some recipes:
Green bean and shiitake mushroom stir fry
It is a perfect recipe for beginners. Diced mushrooms are stir-fried with onions, oyster sauce, garlic ginger, and green beans and served in a rice bowl.
Garlicky roasted shiitake mushrooms
Shiitake is super-easy to prepare and tastes good without much effort. Sprinkle some herbs and bake for 10 minutes in an oven, and you have a healthy treat to snack on.
Creamy mushroom soup with Shiitake
Mushroom soup is the best way to access the immunity bolstering properties of Shiitake. Cook a bowl with Shiitake and other veggies for a sick friend or family member for immunity, easy hydration, and digestion.