Hiratake mushrooms: The superfood with a myriad of health benefits
*Disclaimer: none of this information constitutes nutritional or medical advise. It is simply a compilation of research to help you make informed decisions. We have linked all sources and scientific studies used to provide you with this information and encourage you read these papers for a more in depth understanding of the potential therapeutic benefits of Hiratake oyster mushrooms. While we have tried our best to make sure that these sources are reputable, we advise you to do your own due diligence.
5 Health Amazing Benefits of Hiratake Mushrooms.
Hiratake Oyster Mushrooms are called a superfood for a reason. They contain many health and immune boosting compounds including beta-glucans and polysaccharides. They are also a good source of protein, thiamin, vitamin B6, folate, iron, magnesium, zinc and manganese, and a very good source of dietary fiber, riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), phosphorus, potassium and copper. Our mushrooms are exposed to natural sunlight, which also helps them to adsorb vitamin D.
Hiratake mushrooms have been used for centuaries in traditional Chinese medicine to support a healthy immune system and also treat a wide range of ailments.
More recently, oyster mushrooms have been the focus of many scientific, nutritional, and medical trials, which confirm the benefits of eating oyster mushrooms in a balanced diet.
Some noteworthy health benefits of oyster mushrooms
1. Antioxidants.
Hiratake oyster mushrooms are a great source of antioxidants, including ergothioneine, which is uniquely found in fungi and unlike other antioxidants, is not destroyed by heat during the cooking process. They also contain beta-glucans which may also have an antioxidant effect.
Antioxidants are important because they help to clean up free radicals within the body.
Free radicals are molecules that have been damaged and have an unbalanced number of electrons. They then become scavengers, stealing electrons from other molecules in the body as they try to regain stability. This can damage cells, proteins and DNA and has been linked to aging and cancer. Antioxidants can help to prevent or delay some types of cell damage caused by free radicals, by donating an electron to them, effectively stabilizing and neutralizing the free radical molecule.
The body naturally has a balance between free radicals and antioxidants. however factors such as stress, smoking, drinking, air pollution, pesticide and herbicides, saturated fats and UV exposure can all generate excessive free radicals which leads to oxidative stress and cell damage.
sources:
https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/cellular-microscopic/free-radicals.htm
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15864722/
2. May help to fight some forms of cancer.
The link below shows the results of a scientific study which concludes that Hiratake oyster mushroom has potential therapeutic/preventative effects on breast and colon cancer.
Antioxidants in oyster mushrooms also help to clean up free radicals which have been linked to cancer.
3. Can help to lower blood sugar levels and prevent and combat diabetes and related Cardiovascular diseases.
Hiratake oyster mushrooms contain compounds such as beta-glucans and guanidine which naturally help to lower blood sugar. In animal studies, oyster mushroom has been found to be effective in reducing blood sugar levels and improving impaired liver function of diabetic mice. Beta-glucans have also been shown to improve insulin sensitivity in diabetics. Consumption of oyster mushroom also has the effect of reducing high blood pressure and relaxing arterial walls, reducing your chance of developing hardened arteries and heart disease.
Beta-glucans in the treatment of diabetes and associated cardiovascular risks (nih.gov)
4. Anti-Inflammatory properties.
Many diseases have been linked to chronic inflammation. These include cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, depression, and alzheimer's. Studies have shown that Hiratake oyster mushroom has anti-inflammatory proprieties due to its ability to inhibit certain signals associated with inflammation.
Foods that fight inflammation - Harvard Health
5. Can help to improve brain function and reduce risk of Alzheimer's
Hiratake oyster mushrooms are a good source of niacin. Studies have shown that niacin may help against Alzheimer's disease and related cognitive decline.
