Native to China, Shiitake mushrooms have been eaten for nearly 6000 years. The mushrooms gained prominence during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), where they were considered the "elixir of life" and reserved to be enjoyed only by the emperor and his family. Aside from being a rich source of protein, shiitake mushrooms supply niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, potassium and iron, and are a good source of vitamins A, B and C. When used in their sun-dried form they provide a valuable dose of Vitamin D, found in very few foods. They contain more than 50 different enzymes, including pepsin that aids digestion and asparaginase, which is a substance that has been used to treat childhood leukemia.

Recent studies have traced shiitakes' legendary benefits to an active compound contained in these mushrooms called lentinan. Among lentinan's healing benefits is its ability to power up the immune system, strengthening its ability to fight infection and disease. Against influenza and other viruses, lentinan has been shown to be even very effective; it even improves the immune status of individuals infected with HIV, the virus that can cause AIDS.

A large number of animal studies conducted over the last ten years have shown that another active component in shiitake mushrooms called eritadenine lowers cholesterol levels-and this amazing compound lowers cholesterol no matter what types of dietary fats the lab animals are given. Even when lab animals are given dietary protein rich in methionine (an amino acid researchers have found causes an increase in cholesterol formation), eritadenine still lowers plasma cholesterol levels in a dose-dependent manner. In other words, the more eritadenine given, the more cholesterol levels drop.

L-ergothioneine, a powerful antioxidant, has been discovered in mushrooms, thanks to a new analytical method capable of identifying this antioxidant in plant material. In research presented at the 2005 American Chemical Society meeting in Washington, D.C., an American research team revealed that mushrooms contain higher concentrations L-ergothioneine than either of the two dietary sources previously believed to contain the most: chicken liver and wheat germ.

Thrombosis, the formation of a blood clot that inhibits blood-flow, has been shown to be significantly reduced by individuals consuming shiitake mushroom oil. The Department of Agricultural and Biological Chemistry at Nihon University in Japan has demonstrated that the levels of lenthionine found in shiitake mushrooms inhibited platelet aggregation.

Some possible benefits of our raw organic Shiitake mushroom powder may include:

● Containing more than 50 different enzymes
● Helping fight infection, disease, & viruses
● Reducing cellular mutation by way of a branched beta-glucan called Lentinan
● Containing eritadenine which supports healthy cholesterol levels
● Boosting immune system
● Good natural source of vitamin D
● Powerful antioxidant properties
● Reducing blood clots

Suggested Use: Add 1 - 2 teaspoons to dishes, sauces, smoothies or infuse in a tea.

Botanical Name: Lentinus edodes, Lentinula edodes

Other Names: Forest Mushroom, Chinese Mushroom, Black Mushroom, Lentinula, Pasania fungus, Hua Gu, Japanese mushroom, Black Forest mushroom, golden oak mushroom, oakwood mushroom

Origin: China - Certified Organic

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 Shiitake Mushroom powder is organically grown in a traditional manner by Chinese herbalists. This products passes our strict quality assurance which includes testing for botanical identity, heavy metals, chemicals and microbiological contaminants. ZNaturalFoods.com offers raw organic Shiitake 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 Organic raw Shiitake Mushroom powder in a cool, dark, dry place.

References:

Hobbs, Christopher and Michael Miovic, eds., Medicinal Mushrooms: An Exploration of Tradtion, Healing and Culture, 2nd ed. (Santa Cruz: Botanical Press, 1995) p.104
Kimoto, M., et al., “Effect of Shiitake Mushrooms on Plasma and Liver Lipid Contents in Rats” Eiyo to Shokuryo 29(1976) pp 275-281