Wow! What a mushroom this is! Area of the family of mushrooms now classified as medicinal mushrooms, the Maitake mushroom is in a type all its own. A champion of sorts in the event that you will. Unlike the normal button cap mushrooms we’re all knowledgeable about, Maitake mushrooms are full of nutrition. Providing a success of protein, B-Vitamins, Vitamin-C, Niacin, Potassium, One up bar Selenium, and a wealthy sources of fiber, you can’t make a mistake adding Miatake mushrooms to the dinner menu. Maitake mushrooms taste excellent, sporting a wealthy flavor and a meaty texture. A part dish of the spectacular mushroom sautéed to perfection is an ideal compliment to just about any menu.
The Maitake mushroom originates in the mountains of Japan. With a firm yet supple base, they are easily identified by their cluster of dark fronds which become slightly crumbly at the edges. It is these dark fronds, which resemble the tail feathers of a hen that provides 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. Nowadays there are many firms that specialize in the cultivation of Maitake mushrooms under strict and controlled environments. This obviously, in an effort to preserve the inherent and rich nutritional qualities of the revered mushroom species.
Maitake mushrooms are rapidly becoming well-known for their naturally occurring medicinal properties. Purported uses of the species in other countries include tumor inhibition, treatment of high blood sugar, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and defense mechanisms stimulation. The medicinally active the different parts of Maitake are within the fruit bodies and the mycelium. As a result of medicinal uses in other countries, there now exist US laboratories and specialty producers who specialize in cultivating the active agents within Maitake mushrooms for use in nutraceuticals. We are now able to find medicinal extracts of the remarkable mushroom species on the market in holistic medical care 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 ability of the defense mechanisms to operate at an optimal level. Research means that defense mechanisms cells such as macrophages, T-cells, and interleukin -1 cells appear to activate and function at a 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 called the Maitake remains young, there is enough early evidence to imply that further research pertaining to inherent health benefits is warranted. Fascination with Maitake mushrooms and other members of the medicinal mushroom family as a whole has risen. The fascination with the medicinal mushroom family as a whole has experienced a marked rise days gone by 2 full decades in the US. Based on Harriet Benfield, acupuncturist and author, “The movement began with healthy food in the late 1960’s. Now it’s health medicine.”
Though a fairly recent introduction to the US diet, it would be safe to express, the Maitake mushroom can prove a both an invaluable addition to the daily diet. The naturally occurring extracts of the Maitake may also serve a beneficial function within a product regime. Have you’d your serving of Maitake mushrooms today?