Maitake Mushroom – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

Friday, June 30, 2017 by Russel Davis

Maitake mushrooms are highly nutritious fungi that are usually found in temperate hardwood forests. The mushroom variety is known to achieve large sizes, with some even reaching 50 pounds per specimen. Maitake mushroom is commonly called “hen of the woods” in Europe and the U.S. largely due to its frond-like growths that resemble chicken feathers. In Italy, the mushroom variety is known as signorina, or “the unmarried woman.” The Japanese, which first cultivated maitake mushrooms, commonly refer to it as “the dancing mushroom.”

List of known nutrients

Like many other mushroom varieties, maitake mushrooms have an ample supply of important vitamins and minerals that support the body’s overall function.

Calcium
Copper
Iron
Magnesium
Manganese
Niacin
Pantothenic acid
Phosphorus
Potassium
Riboflavin
Selenium
Sodium
Thiamin
Vitamin B6
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Zinc

Medicinal uses for maitake mushroom

Maitake mushrooms are known for their anti-cancer properties. In fact, studies show that certain compounds in maitake mushroom inhibit cancer cell growth and proliferation. Maitake mushrooms are also found to be highly effective in suppressing tumor growth. Aside from this, maitake mushroom extracts are found to boost the efficiency of anti-cancer proteins.

Maitake mushrooms are notably effective in combating the debilitating effects of chemotherapy. Furthermore, the mushroom variety is known to bolster cellular activity and facilitate the production of interleukins and other lymphokines that contain chemo protective effects.

The mushroom variety is also known for its potential in diabetes management. Maitake mushrooms are found to contain a high-molecular polysaccharide that eliminates insulin resistance and boosts insulin sensitivity. The same polysaccharide is notably effective in regulating the body’s blood pressure, glucose, insulin, and blood lipid levels. Aside from this, maitake mushrooms are touted as a weight loss superfood largely due to their low caloric content and abundant fiber content. Maitake mushrooms are known to promote satiety and reduce food consumption. A study also shows that maitake mushroom extracts are highly effective in reducing body weight in animals.

Maitake mushrooms are also especially beneficial to the heart and the overall circulatory system. Previous human and animal studies have found that maitake mushrooms help lower blood pressure levels.

Maitake mushrooms also have immune system benefits. Maitake mushrooms contain an abundant supply of beta-glucans that facilitate the production of certain defense cells including macrophages, T-cells, natural killer cells, and neutrophils. Furthermore, maitake mushrooms eliminate cellular wastes and speed up healing from tissue damage. However, the scientific community cautions that old mushrooms might be more difficult to digest than other food. Experts have also warned that allergic reactions and upset stomach may occur with the ingestion of maitake mushrooms.

Body systems supported by maitake mushroom

Maitake mushrooms are beneficial to the digestive system, the immune system, and the heart and overall circulatory system.

Ways to use maitake mushroom

According to online recipe generator BonAppetit.com, it is ideal to put away the knife and just use both hands in preparing maitake mushrooms to maintain their textural appeal. The website also curated various mushroom recipes that include soups, baked meals, and sauces.