Wow! Just what a mushroom this is! The main group of mushrooms now classified as medicinal mushrooms, the Maitake mushroom is in a type all its own. A champion of sorts if you will. Unlike the regular button cap mushrooms we are all knowledgeable about, Maitake mushrooms are filled with nutrition. Providing a success of protein, B-Vitamins, Vitamin-C, Niacin, Potassium, One up bar Selenium, and an abundant resources 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 the spectacular mushroom sautéed to perfection is the right compliment to just about any menu.
The Maitake mushroom originates in the mountains of Japan. With a firm yet supple base, they’re 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 can now find Maitake mushrooms growing on deciduous hardwoods in northern US temperate forests. Nowadays there are many companies that specialize in the cultivation of Maitake mushrooms under strict and controlled environments. This obviously, in an attempt 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 glucose, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and immunity system stimulation. The medicinally active aspects of Maitake are found in 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 found in Maitake mushrooms for use within nutraceuticals. We can now find medicinal extracts of the remarkable mushroom species for sale in holistic medical care offices and health food stores over 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 power of the immunity system to work at an optimum level. Research means that immunity system cells such as for instance 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 in addition has 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 known as the Maitake is still young, there’s enough early evidence to imply that further research pertaining to inherent health advantages is warranted. Fascination with Maitake mushrooms and other members of the medicinal mushroom family in general has risen. The curiosity about the medicinal mushroom family in general has experienced a marked rise yesteryear 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 will 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 may also serve a beneficial function as part of a complement regime. Have you had your serving of Maitake mushrooms today?