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Mushrooms
Recent studies have discovered that mushrooms are much richer in the immune-boosting antioxidant ergothionene than any other food that exists and this means that mushrooms can help prevent colds, flu and other viruses due to the potent immune boosting effects of this antioxidant.
The mushrooms that appear to have the most health benefits are the maitake, shiitake, and reishi mushrooms, but even the common button mushroom is now known to be rich in the antioxidant ergothionene too and it good for health too.
All the edible mushrooms below have anti-cancer properties.
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Shiitake
- This mushroom is know as the "elixir of life" in China, Japan and Korea due to its beneficial effect on health
- Studies show it has anti-cancer, anti-fungal, anti-viral properties, is an immune-booster, as it helps the body fight against disease and infection
- Other studies show it has heart-protective qualities, as it lowers LDL ("bad") cholesterol and may even help to lower blood pressure in people whose blood pressure is already high (hypertension)
- Rich in many nutrients, especially selenium
Maitake
- This mushroom is excellent for people with sugar imbalances and diabetes, as studies show it helps to normalise blood sugar levels and it also stimulates production of insulin to normal levels
- Studies show it has anti-inflammatory properties, helps to lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels and regulate blood pressure
- Rich in many nutrients, especially selenium
Reishi
- This mushroom is popular in Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Studies show it calms and nourishes the emotions and relaxes the nervous system (especially the parasympathetic nervous system), as well as being able to relieve pains and aches
- Other studies show that it has anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory properties and these anti-inflammatory properties are that which assist in promoting heart heart and relieving respiratory illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis
- Rich in many nutrients, especially selenium
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Oyster
- Studies show that this mushroom has anti-viral propertie, reduces high LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels and has supportive, healing effects on the digestive system, blood vessels and liver
- Studies also show that it is beneficial for people with diabetes, as it stabilises blood sugar levels
- Rich in many nutrients, especially selenium
Button
- Studies show this mushroom is high in the antioxidant ergothionene, which has anti-cancer properties, especially cancers of the breast and prostate
- Studies also show it has protective effects on the heart
- Rich in many nutrients, especially selenium and copper
- What are superfoods?
- Benefits of superfoods
- 10 Superfoods
Last reviewed: 5 April 2007 || Last updated: 17 July 2008
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references
- Graci S, Diamond H, Martin JM, The Power of Superfoods, Prentice Hall Canada, 1999
- Pratt SG, Matthews, K. SuperFoods Rx: Fourteen Foods That Will Change Your Life, Harper-Collins Publishers USA, 2004
More information
To learn more, go to the following web sites:
NOTE: Mega doses of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, or other supplements cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of nutrient supplement.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.