Maitake is also known by the name Dancing Mushroom, famous for its taste and health benefits. Maitake mushrooms grow deep in the mountains of northeastern Japan. It is also found in the United States, east of the Rocky Mountains. Maitake is a very large mushroom, and can grow to the size of a basketball. In Japan, Maitake Mushroom is called "King of Mushroom". The fruiting body and the mycelium of Maitake are used medicinally. In China and Japan, Maitake Mushrooms have been consumed for 3000 years.

Years ago in Japan, the Maitake had monetary value and was worth its weight in silver. Historically, Maitake has been used as a tonic and adaptogen. It was used as a food to help promote wellness and vitality. The medicinal properties of the Maitake mushroom have been studied since the mid 1980's. Clinical research of Maitake has increased dramatically over the past several years. Studies have shown Maitake to have anti-tumor, anti-diabetic, and anti-viral properties. In 1992, Maitake's anti-viral activity was confirmed by both National Cancer Institute and the Japan Institute of Health. In addition, the Maitake mushroom has been the subject of research against HIV. This mushroom contains polysaccharides which are among the most powerful studied to-date. When taken orally, it is easily absorbed. The Maitake mushroom is a delicious, soft-fleshed polypore with excellent nutritional properties. It's levels of insulin and triglyceride in plasma demonstrated a change similar to blood glucose when eaten. Many studies are continuing on Maitake Mushrooms.

Most of maitake's health benefits seem to come from one main source. They contain beta-glucan, a polysaccharide compound thought to help the immune system by activating effector cells like macrophages, natural killer cells, and T cells. In addition to their role in general immunity, these types of antibodies also act against cancer. The polysaccharide is also thought to be the source of the mushroom's ability to control blood sugar to help manage diabetes and improve weight loss.

On top of all that, maitakes are also a rich source of minerals like potassium, calcium and magnesium, B vitamins, and amino acids. With all that and the fact that they taste great too, it's more than worth checking out this exotic fungal gem.

Some possible benefits of our raw Maitake Mushroom Powder may include:

● Excellent antioxidant benefits
● Boosting immune system
● Encouraging healthy weight loss
● Anti-viral, anti-tumor, & anti-diabetic properties
● Aiding digestion by regulating the stomach & intestines & helping eliminate food stagnation
● Increasing energy levels
● Reducing insulin resistance
● High levels of beta glucan, X-fraction, & L-ergothioneine
● Supporting healthy blood pressure levels
● Fighting cellular mutation
● Supporting healthy blood sugar levels

Suggested Use: Take 1/4 teaspoon 1 - 3 times daily.

Botanical Name: Grifola frondosa

Other Names: Maitake, Dancing Mushroom, Hen of the Woods

Origin: USA

Z Natural Foods strives to offer the highest quality organically grown, raw, vegan, gluten free, non-GMO products available and exclusively uses low temperature drying techniques to preserve all the vital enzymes and nutrients. Our raw Maitake Mushroom Powder passes our strict quality assurance which includes testing for botanical identity, heavy metals, chemicals and microbiological contaminants. ZNaturalFoods.com offers raw Maitake Mushroom Powder packaged in airtight stand-up, resealable foil pouches for optimum freshness. Once opened, just push the air out of the pouch before resealing it in order to preserve maximum potency. Keep your raw Maitake Mushroom Powder in a cool, dark, dry place.

References:

1. Hobbs, Christopher and Michael Miovic, eds., Medicinal Mushrooms: An Exploration of Tradition, Healing and Culture, 2nd ed., Santa Cruz, Botanica Press 1995. p.114

2. Miller, D., Clinical protocol submitted to the NIH scientific Director, Cancer treatment Research Foundation, Arlington Heights, IL, 1994

3. Mori, K., et al., “Anti-tumor Activities of Edible Mushrooms by Oral Administration” in Cultivating Edible Fungi, ed. P. J. Wuest, D. J. Royse and R. B. Beelman (Amsterdam, Elsevier, 1987) pp.1-6

4. Nakai, R. , H. Masui, H. Horio and M. Ohtsuru, “Effect of Maitake (Grifola Frondosa) Water Extraction on Inhibition of Adipocyte Conversion of C3H10T1/2B2Ci Cells”, Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology (Tokoy) 45(3) June 1999; 385-389

5. Nanba, H., “Activity of Maitake D-Fraction to Prevent Cancer Growth and Metastasis”, Journal of Naturopathic Medicine (1994), Cited in Medicinal Mushrooms: An Exploration of Tradition, Healing and Culture, 2nd ed., ed. Christopher Hobbs and Michael Miovic. (Santa Cruz: Botanical Press 1995) p.229

6. Nouza, K., and H. Krejcova, “Pathogenesis and Therapy of Multiple Sclerosis” Bratislavsky Lekarske Listy [Bratislava Medical Journal] 98(4) (April 1997) 199-203

7. Shimaoka, I., et al. “Preparation of Therapeutic Metal-Bound Proteins from Mushrooms” Chemical Abstracts 114 (1993) 3250-3240

8. Squillacote, D., M. Martinez and W. Sheremata, “Natural Alpha Interferon for Multiple Sclerosis: Results of Three Preliminary Studies” Journal of International Medical Research 24 (1996) 246-257

9. Won, S. J., M. T. Lin and W. L. Wu, “Ganoderma Tsugae Mycelium Enhances Splenic Natural Killer Cell Activity and Serum Interferon Production in Mice” Japanese Journal of Pharmacology 59(2) (June 1992) 171-176

10. Yang, D. A., S. Q. Li and X. T. Li, “Prophylactic Effects of Zhuling and BCG on Postoperative Recurrence of Bladder Cancer”, Chung-Hua Wai Tsa Chih [Chinese Journal of Surgery] 32(7) (July 1994) 433-434