We know how tasty shiitake mushrooms are, but did you know that they have some amazing health and beauty benefits? Here are the top five reasons we think you should be eating shiitake mushrooms all the time.
1. Improve Your Skin
Shiitake mushrooms have anti-inflammatory properties and selenium, which can help reduce acne, rosacea and eczema. Selenium is actually a natural anti-acne treatment. They are also high in vitamin D, which can help protect against environmental-related problems such as wrinkles or discoloration. In addition, they are high in zinc, which can help boost the immune system and improve the skin’s ability to heal.
2. Help With Weight Loss
Believe it or not, shiitake mushrooms can help you lose weight! They are chock full of hypolipidemic, or fat-reducing, properties such as eritadenine and b-glucan. Because of the vitamin B present in shiitake mushrooms, eating them can also increase your energy levels. Thanks to vitamin B, you burn more fat in addition to not absorbing it as quickly.
3. Anti-Aging
Mushrooms are also anti-aging agents. Kojic acid, commonly found in mushrooms, is often used in creams and other topical treatments for sun spots, wrinkles, liver spots and discoloration. They also help improve the skin’s ability to defend itself, further preventing damage from the sun or wind that naturally occurs as you age.
4. Makes Hair Look Young and Healthy
Shiitake mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D, antioxidants, selenium and copper, all of which are essential for healthy hair. They also contain a lot of iron, which combats anemia and can therefore prevent hair loss. The copper in mushrooms helps with the absorption of the iron, which can, in turn, assist with producing melanin, the chemical that gives our hair and skin their color. This means it can also help prevent grey hairs from popping up. Meanwhile, selenium, an antioxidant, helps rid the body of free radicals and is thus essential to healthy hair. Selenium is often found only in animal protein, so this can be very useful for vegetarians. It also encourages hair growth and prevents dandruff.
5. Boots Overall Immune Functionality
Vitamins A, B and C, as well as the antioxidants, minerals and enzymes present in shiitake mushrooms, can help provide a much-needed boost to the overall immune system. This helps the body battle everyday sickness, as well as more serious diseases. There is even research that has shown that the mycochemical properties in shiitake mushrooms can inhibit the growth of tumors and cancerous cells. They can also be a natural antibiotic that can help kill infections in the body.
As you can see, shiitake have an amazing range of health and beauty benefits, and with their delicious earthy flavor and meaty texture, are the perfect addition to any meal. Japanese recipes use shiitake mushrooms frequently. If you’re trying to think of the best way to make them, this recipe of stuffed shiitake mushrooms might be a good place to start!
