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Shiitake (Lentinus Edodes)
- Mushroom for Digestive Health
- Mushroom for Anti-Fungal Activity
Mushrooms are all around us, they are the true communicators in nature. Medicinal mushrooms have been used globally for thousands of years for their health benefits and can provide the missing link to support our health and well-being. Each medicinal mushroom has its own unique set of compounds to support health, let’s learn more about shiitake:
Meet the Mushroom
Shiitake is the second most widely cultivated mushroom after the common button mushroom. It has many health benefits and an excellent nutritional profile, it is rich in B-vitamins, vitamin-D and all 8 essential amino acids. The name, shiitake, is Japanese, and comes from the word “Shii” which is the name of the tree that it usually grows on.
History
Traditionally used as a culinary mushroom, shiitake’s properties have been researched in Japan since the 1960’s, and it was traditionally considered to be the “elixir of life” by Japanese elders.
Benefits: Why you should use it?
- Digestive Support: High anti-microbial activity, it has the highest anti-candida action among several mushrooms.
- Liver Support: Has broad anti-viral and hepatoprotective properties, it improved liver function in a study of patients with chronic hepatitis.
- Cholesterol Balance: Shiitake and its compounds, including eritadenine, have been shown to inhibit the development of hypercholesterolemia, decrease total cholesterol and triglycerides (1).
- Immunity: Regular consumption is linked to improved immunity as seen by improved cell proliferation and activation and increased SIgA production. The increase in SIgA implies improved gut immunity. There was also a reduction in CRP which suggests less inflammation (2).
Key Actives
- Lentinan: Protects DNA from oxidative damage and is a powerful anti-fungal useful against various viral and parasitic infections.
- Polysaccharides: Rich in beta-glucans and other polysaccharides to support immunity.
- Eritadenine: Supports cardiovascular health alongside its plant sterol compounds.
Product Info
Our Organic Shiitake is a 100% fruiting body extract grown in Qingyuan province, under nature-identical conditions on rice and wood chips.
It is hot-water extracted (Up to 10:1 extract ratio) to release and concentrate its polysaccharides including beta-glucans. It has a minimum of 30% beta-glucans to support immunity.
Our Pure Grade range of extracts are regarded as practitioner quality and contain the highest levels of active compounds. It is common for mushroom capsules and powders to use ‘drinks grade’ extracts that contain a high level of maltodextrin to help encapsulation, and to taste sweeter to the palate. Pure Grade is the hallmark of the highest quality mushroom supplements.
How to use
Capsules: Adults take 2 capsules, 1-3 times a day with or without food, or try adding the powder from the capsules into a smoothie.
Powder: Take 1g 1-4 times a day. Shiitake has a rich flavour. Add it to your coffee, soups and sauces.
FAQs
When is the best time to take it? : Unlike some other mushrooms shiitake can be taken at any time of day. Regular consumption of shiitake can help you take advantage of its health benefits.
Are there any side effects? : May cause mild digestive symptoms. Reports of dermatitis (shiitake dermatitis) are linked to consumption of raw shiitake mushrooms and there are no cases from the use of it in supplement form.
Are there any interactions? : We would advise anyone on any medication, or those who are pregnant/breastfeeding to check with their healthcare practitioner.
Do you test the product? : Yes, it is third party tested, COA are available on request.
Why do you source from China? : The use of medicinal mushrooms was a cornerstone in Traditional Chinese Medicine and this practice dates back thousands of years. No country has more extensive knowledge than China in the growing and extraction of mushrooms. China is also home to some of the vastest and most pristine forests in the world, which provide the ideal environment for mushrooms to grow. It is universally agreed, through ongoing DNA analysis, that China continue to grow the best quality mushrooms in the world.
Combine with
Shiitake can be taken on its own or combined with other supplements and functional foods for synergistic effects. Combine with red yeast rice or other natural sources of statins for cholesterol support, or herbs like oregano and clove for anti-candida actions.
Fungi Fact
Shiitake mushrooms are able to successfully break down organic material, due to their strong myco-restoration properties. Although this is still being researched there is evidence that they can remove toxins and heavy metal contamination from the environment.
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