shiitake mushroom benefits

Shiitake Mushroom Benefits Share Reasons to Grow Your Own 

According to clinical trials discussed in this article, shiitake mushroom benefits may include the ability to support human immunity

Shiitake mushrooms are one of the most popular mushrooms in the world. Shiitakes are the number one mushroom in Asia, and only second to the button mushroom on a global scale.  Clearly, based on this interest, there must be some type of shiitake mushroom benefits available to those who consume it, right? We think so, and today we are looking at some studies that support our thoughts on this.  Another reason we are sharing this information today is to make sure you realize that you can be producing your own shiitake mushrooms at home. Shiitake logs and totems are popular in backyards, gardens, and even inside warehouses and growing facilities. Shiitake mushroom growing kits are a viable option for anyone who wants to grow your own delicious mushrooms from the comfort of your own home. 

Shiitake mushroom benefits and its great potential 

A main study we are looking at today is entitled The Unexplored Anticaries Potential of Shiitake Mushroom. This study was conducted in 2016. The first part of the study we are going to look at involves the actual biology of the shiitake mushroom. According to the study, “Various biologically active compounds such as erythritol, copalic acid, adenosine, carvacrol, and many more are responsible for this mushroom's antimicrobial activity.”

The study continues with anticarcinogenic properties. “Anticariogenicity can be attributed to the induction of the detachment of cariogenic microorganisms from hydroxyapatite, changes in cell surface hydrophobicity, bactericidal activity, and disruption of signal transduction.” Overall, the study was looking closely at oral health and shiitakes influence on it. The conclusion of the study states:

“There exists convincing evidence of this mushroom to be used as a functional food for the prevention of oral diseases and the betterment of oral health as a whole. Different extracts of shiitake have shown potent antibacterial and antifungal activities. Apart from these pharmacological benefits, it has tremendous potential to use as an antioxidant agent and also in prevention of cancer. From the oral health point of view, shiitake extracts have demonstrated caries preventive activities, reduction in oral biofilm formation, and antigingivitis effects.”

It appears that shiitake mushroom can support oral health, but there is more to report. 

Shiitake mushroom benefits and human immunity

The next study we looked at is entitled Consuming Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) Mushrooms Daily Improves Human Immunity: A Randomized Dietary Intervention in Healthy Young Adults. This study was conducted in 2015 and sought to determine if whole, dried shiitake mushrooms could improve human immune function. 

The test involved 52 healthy males and females between the ages of 21 and 41. These subjects consumed 5 or 10 grams of dried shiitakes daily for four weeks. Each subject had blood drawn and tested at the end of the study. Saliva and serum were also collected and analyzed. 

The results showed that both gamma delta T cells and natural killer T cells increased. Gamma delta T cells increased by 60% and natural T cells doubled.  Some additional results, according to the study: “Both cell types also demonstrated a greater ability to express activation receptors, suggesting that consuming mushrooms improved cell effector function. The increase in sIgA implied improved gut immunity.“ According to the conclusion of the study, regular shiitake mushroom:

“Consumption resulted in improved immunity, as seen by improved cell proliferation and activation and increased sIgA production. The changes observed in cytokine and serum CRP levels suggest that these improvements occurred under conditions that were less inflammatory than those that existed before consumption.”

Shiitake mushroom benefits: Studies show some intriguing properties

According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center:

“Studies conducted with shiitake extracts in vitro and in animal models reveal immunostimulatory, antiviral), hepatoprotective, antihypercholemic, antiproliferative, cytotoxic, antimutagenic, and anticaries properties. Latcripin-13 domain isolated from shiitake was shown to exhibit antitumor activity in lung cancer cells.”

There is an interesting potential behind many of these properties. However, it seems that more tests still need to be conducted for the medical community to have greater faith in shiitake. 

Growing shiitake mushrooms for your own shiitake mushroom benefits 

Take a look at this article we’ve developed that discusses a few popular methods for cultivation shiitake mushrooms, including the use of logs, totems, and grow kits.  Also, if you want to get more specific into the process of growing shiitakes, you can take a look at these articles that focus on cultivation indoors and cultivation outdoors You can grow mushrooms all year long. Even in the middle of winter, you can grow your own gourmet, edible mushrooms indoors with the help of one of our high-quality mushroom growing kits. Check out entire selection now  

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