Wow! Exactly what a mushroom that is! Part of the category of mushrooms now classified as medicinal mushrooms, the Maitake mushroom is in a class all its own. A champion of sorts in the event that you will. Unlike the regular button cap mushrooms we are all knowledgeable about, Maitake mushrooms are filled with nutrition. Providing a wealth of protein, B-Vitamins, Vitamin-C, Niacin, Potassium, One up bar Selenium, and an abundant sources of fiber, you can’t go wrong adding Miatake mushrooms to the dinner menu. Maitake mushrooms taste excellent, sporting an abundant flavor and a meaty texture. An area dish of this spectacular mushroom sautéed to perfection is the perfect compliment to nearly every menu.
The Maitake mushroom originates in the mountains of Japan. With a company yet supple base, they are easily identified by their cluster of dark fronds which become slightly crumbly at the edges. It’s these dark fronds, which resemble the tail feathers of a hen that offers them their infamous nicknames,”hen of the woods “or”dancing butterfly.” We are now able to find Maitake mushrooms growing on deciduous hardwoods in northern US temperate forests. These day there are many firms that specialize in the cultivation of Maitake mushrooms under strict and controlled environments. This of course, in an effort to preserve the inherent and rich nutritional qualities of this revered mushroom species.
Maitake mushrooms are rapidly becoming fabled for their naturally occurring medicinal properties. Purported uses of this species in other countries include tumor inhibition, treatment of high blood sugar, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and immune system stimulation. The medicinally active the different parts of Maitake are present in the fruit bodies and the mycelium. Consequently of medicinal uses in other countries, there now exist US laboratories and specialty producers who specialize in cultivating the active agents present in Maitake mushrooms for used in nutraceuticals. We are now able to find medicinal extracts of this remarkable mushroom species on the market in holistic healthcare offices and health food stores across the US.
The maitake mushroom contains high concentrations of a specialized molecule called Beta 1, 3- 1, 6 Glucans. These complex molecular and naturally occurring compounds are thought to enhance the capability of the immune system to operate at an ideal level. Research signifies that immune system cells such as macrophages, T-cells, and interleukin -1 cells seem to activate and function at a far more aggressive level when specialized Maitake compounds are taken in oral form. Recent research has additionally implied that naturally occurring maitake plant chemicals independent of the Beta compounds may indeed possess tumor fighting effects as well.
While research to the magical mushroom referred to as the Maitake continues to be young, there’s enough early evidence to imply that further research with regard to inherent health benefits is warranted. Interest in Maitake mushrooms and other members of the medicinal mushroom family all together has risen. The interest in the medicinal mushroom family all together has experienced a marked rise days gone by 2 full decades in the US. In accordance with Harriet Benfield, acupuncturist and author, “The movement began with healthy food in the late 1960’s. Now it’s health medicine.”
Though a reasonably recent introduction to the US diet, it could be safe to say, the Maitake mushroom can prove a both a valuable addition to the daily diet. The naturally occurring extracts of the Maitake might also serve a beneficial function as part of a supplement regime. Have you’d your serving of Maitake mushrooms today?
