What is most fascinating in the exploration of the healing benefits of medicinal mushrooms is that they are in fact closely related to human beings. When human beings consume these mushrooms, they are ingesting highly absorbable medicinal constituents that are recognized by the human body. Human use of medicinal mushrooms has a long history, and the valuable medicines of mushrooms are a vital element in protecting our health. Fungi have developed incredible properties to ward off bacteria and mold that would compete with them. When humans consume these fungi, most of all they are bestowed with a strong immunity. This will be an important theme throughout the discussion, and of vital importance in our day and a

IF YOU FIND THIS ARTICLE HELPFUL SHARE AND HELP OTHERS! Share0 Share 0 Tweet0 Pin0 Abstract Due to substantial morbidity and high complications, diabetes mellitus is considered as the third “killer” in the world. A search for alternative antidiabetic drugs from herbs or fungi is highly demanded. Our present study aims to investigate the antidiabetic […]

IF YOU FIND THIS ARTICLE HELPFUL SHARE AND HELP OTHERS! Share0 Share 0 Tweet0 Pin0 Red Reishi Useful For Lowering Cholesterol?   1Nestlé Research Center, Lausanne 26, 1000, Switzerland. [email protected] INTRODUCTION: There has been renewed interest in mushroom medicinal properties. We studied cholesterol lowering properties of Ganoderma lucidum/red reishi (Gl), a renowned medicinal species. RESULTS: […]

In the northeastern woods of Japan and the United States grows a ruffly-looking, exotic fungus with exciting possibilities, both culinary and nutritional. Called maitake or hen of the woods mushrooms, their woodsy aroma, meaty texture, and rich flavor have long given them special status in Japanese cuisine. Now, research is showing that maitake have potential that goes far beyond the kitchen.

Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis) a rare Chinese mushroom that grows naturally on certain species of caterpillars that live on the Tibetan Plain. For centuries it has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of several health conditions including fatigue, renal failure and respiratory disease.

Recent studies have shown that Reishi mushrooms and other exotic mushrooms like Maitake and Cordyceps, are not only delicious, but also offer health benefits and help people lose weight. The mushrooms can be added to your favorite recipes and even be a substitute for beef. Other mushrooms can be consumed in tea form or taken as a daily capsule. These mushrooms offer such benefits as increased metabolism, a lower fat and calorie alternative in meals, reduced blood sugar levels, and even increased stamina and endurance to help you get the most from your workout.

Mushrooms have been valued throughout the world as both food and medicine for thousands of years. In virtually every culture people enjoy hunting for wild mushrooms. Europeans have always appreciated their gastronomic value. In Japan, pushcart vendors on the streets still sell medicinal mushrooms to the average citizen who uses them to maintain health and promote longevity.

In this study, the researchers aimed to see if reishi was effective in preventing obesity. They gave mice different amounts of reishi or placebo and either a normal diet or a high-fat diet for eight weeks. All mice on the high-fat diet gained a lot of weight and body fat, but those given reishi did not gain as much weight or body fat. The reishi supplement did not have an effect on mice fed a normal diet. The supplement appeared to work by improving the number of “good” bacteria in the gut and through reducing inflammation. Some studies have suggested that chronic inflammation and an increased number of “bad” bacteria in the gut are linked to obesity in humans.