Healthy food choices certainly go a long way, especially when food selections are made in accordance with specific health concerns. The medicinal properties of mushrooms have long been touted throughout the world. Interest in the medicinal application of mushrooms has spiked over the last three decades, and a large number of scientific studies have been devoted to them, especially in China, Japan, and Korea. These studies have confirmed traditional uses, as well as revealing new health benefits of mushrooms.
Therapeutic uses indicate immunological and anti-cancer properties, as well as anti-hypertensive and cholesterol lowering, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-viral, and anti-microbial properties. What a miraculous fungi! Why not add this amazing food to your daily routine?
Shiitake mushrooms are typically found in my refrigerator. Shiitake is cultivated all over the world but found naturally in East Asia. Meal planning at my house often includes these yummy gems a couple of times a day. Mushrooms are convenient to use and extremely versatile, easy to add into dishes such as eggs, rice and vegetables, a simple complement to meats, or to zip up a salad.
There are many ways to eat and prepare shiitake mushrooms. I like them fresh, or sliced and sautéed in olive oil. You can throw them into soups or bake them into tasty casseroles. They are relatively easy to find, either dried or fresh in most grocery or health food stores.
Healthy eating is key to a healthy and long life, so don’t forget the fungi!
Contributor:
Acupuncturist, herbalist, Maya abdominal practitioner, and reflexologist Christina Morris is the founder of Element Natural Healing Arts. Writing about health and wellness gives her an outlet to express her care and concern for her beloved community. She believes everyone can achieve better health and happiness–emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually.