Wow! What a mushroom this really is! Part of the category of mushrooms now classified as medicinal mushrooms, the Maitake mushroom is in a class all its own. A champion of sorts if you will. Unlike the regular button cap mushrooms we’re all acquainted with, Maitake mushrooms are overflowing with nutrition. Providing a success of protein, B-Vitamins, Vitamin-C, Niacin, Potassium, One up bar Selenium, and an abundant resources of fiber, you can’t fail adding Miatake mushrooms to the dinner menu. Maitake mushrooms taste excellent, sporting an abundant flavor and a meaty texture. A part dish with this spectacular mushroom sautéed to perfection is the right compliment to just about any menu.
The Maitake mushroom originates in the mountains of Japan. With a firm yet supple base, they are easily identified by their cluster of dark fronds which become slightly crumbly at the edges. It is these dark fronds, which resemble the tail feathers of a hen that provides them their infamous nicknames,”hen of the woods “or”dancing butterfly.” We is now able to find Maitake mushrooms growing on deciduous hardwoods in northern US temperate forests. Nowadays there are many firms that specialize in the cultivation of Maitake mushrooms under strict and controlled environments. This obviously, in an effort to preserve the inherent and rich nutritional qualities with this revered mushroom species.
Maitake mushrooms are rapidly becoming well-known for their naturally occurring medicinal properties. Purported uses with this species in other countries include tumor inhibition, treatment of high blood sugar, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and immunity system stimulation. The medicinally active components of Maitake are present in the fruit bodies and the mycelium. Consequently of medicinal uses in other countries, there now exist US laboratories and specialty producers who specialize in cultivating the active agents present in Maitake mushrooms for use in nutraceuticals. We is now able to find medicinal extracts with this remarkable mushroom species on the market in holistic medical care offices and health food stores throughout the US.
The maitake mushroom contains high concentrations of a specialized molecule called Beta 1, 3- 1, 6 Glucans. These complex molecular and naturally occurring compounds are considered to enhance the ability of the immunity system to work at an optimum level. Research means that immunity system cells such as for instance macrophages, T-cells, and interleukin -1 cells seem to activate and function at an even more aggressive level when specialized Maitake compounds are taken in oral form. Recent research has also implied that naturally occurring maitake plant chemicals independent of the Beta compounds may indeed possess tumor fighting effects as well.
While research into the magical mushroom referred to as the Maitake remains young, there’s enough early evidence to imply that further research with regard to inherent health advantages is warranted. Interest in Maitake mushrooms and other members of the medicinal mushroom family in general has risen. The fascination with the medicinal mushroom family in general has experienced a marked rise days gone by 2 full decades in the US. Based on Harriet Benfield, acupuncturist and author, “The movement began with healthy food in the late 1960’s. Now it’s health medicine.”
Though a fairly recent introduction to the US diet, it could be safe to say, the Maitake mushroom can prove a both a valuable addition to the daily diet. The naturally occurring extracts of the Maitake might also serve a beneficial function as part of a supplement regime. Have you’d your serving of Maitake mushrooms today?