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Shiitake is used in traditional Oriental
medicine to prevent high blood pressure and heart disease and to reduce
blood cholesterol levels. The Shiitake Mushroom is adaptogenic in nature
promoting both vitality and longevity and is useful in increasing the
production of interferon, thus reducing the possibility of tumor
development. The shiitake is also an anti-viral, which helps the body
excrete excess cholesterol and as such, helps prevent heart disease.
Studies suggest that these mushrooms may work by enhancing the immune
system's ability to fight against infection. The Shiitake Mushroom is a
large brown mushroom which is good for soup stock. Before eating, remove
the woody stems. Shiitake needs a longer cooking time than other
mushrooms due to its toughness. The Shiitake Mushroom contains an
anti-viral substance, known as lentinan, that stimulates the immune
system, as well as activating the T-helper cells and the
macrophages.
Japanese experiments have found lentinan
to be more powerful than the prescription anti-viral drug, Amantadine.
The shiitake mushroom stimulates a person's immune system to produce
more interferon, which is a natural compound that fights viruses and
often used as a treatment against cancer.
Shiitake Mushroom, also
known as:
- Forest mushroom,
- Lentinus
edodes
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