Mushrooms have been used medicinally for thousands of years. According to Dr Borchers and Dr Zaidman, the incidence of cancer deaths could be reduced by 2/3 if we changed our diets to include muschrooms, which have powerful antioxidant properties - antioxidants protect against free radicals that damage cells.
Various parts of the fungi are also used to produce the mycelium (growing fungus) the spore and the fruiting body. Mushrooms contain a wide variety of active substances, including terpenoids, sterols, glycoproteins and fibres. Which have anti-inflammatory, blood sugar regulating and immune boosting effects. They can prevent many diseases and, due to their glycoprotein content, they can also have joint-protective effects. They are superfoods!
The Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), Shiitake, and Cordyceps mushrooms are the most popular, and are increasingly widely used in powdered form, as extracts or in tea.
The beneficial effects of the fungus Ganoderma lucidum were described 200 years before Christ in the world's first book on medicinal plants (Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing). Native to China, Japan and other Asian countries. Its a dark but shiny-looking mushroom, the Latin name lucidus, referring to its brightness. Its Chinese name lingzhi, which refers to its spiritual influence, is most symbolic of success, prosperity and longevity. Ganoderma is a unique fungus because its medical value is greater than its nutritional value.
In one study, 58 different mushrooms were tested, og which G. lucidum was found to be the most potent in protecting against cancer. The active ingredients in Ganoderma stop cancer cells from dividing at different stages, depending on the type of cancer.
The active substances of G. lucidum also have immune-boosting effects, thanks to their ability to stimulate the number and growth of cells involved in fighting infections. Ganoderma's triterpenoid and polysaccharide content has strong antioxidant properties, which may protect against a number of diseases. It can reduce the risk of infections and reduce the chances of developing cardiocascular, nervous, arthritic and digestive diseases. In addition, the active substances (gandoderans) in G. lucidum also have blood sugar stabilising effects.
Cordyceps is a genus of mushrooms, with many different types of fungi. They are part of traditional medicine in Asia. The mushroom Cordyceps militaris is used medicinally. It is an insecticidal mushroom that often grows parasitically on larvae and cocoons. The main active substance in Cordyceps is cordyceps. It is a derivative of a compound (adenosine) that makes up DNA.
Cordycepsin has a wide range of uses in our body, including inhibiting the production of DNA (hereditary material) and the RNA (messenger material) that describes, the production of the purines that make up DNA, and the mTOR pathway responsible for stimulating the building process. It thus exerts anticancer effects. As the aforementioned pathways are over-processed during the unrestricted division of cancer cells, they need to be inhibited, and cordyceps helps to do this.
In addition, it contains a number of other active substances that have protective effects on the liver and kidneys, heart and blood vessels, respiratory, nervous, immune and reproductive systems. It also has anti-inflammatory, anti-free radical and anti-infective properties.
The third most common mushroom is Shiitake (Lentinula edodes), whose cultivation dates back to 1100 BC, during the reign of the Sung Dynasty.
Shiitake is known for its many active ingredients such as erythritol, adenosine, copalic acid, carvacrol and others. Carvacrol has a similar structure to thymol, the main active ingredient in oregano, and thus has strong antibacterial and antiviral properties, as does copalic acid. Adenosine has the same anticancer porperties as adenosine. Erythritol, a famous sugar alcohol used as a sweetener, can help maintain oral hygiene. The active ingredients in Shiitake also play a role in the structure of hydroxyapatite, which forms the bones and teeth, helping to maintain healthy bones and teeth. The only side effect of shiitake is a skin condition (dermatitis) tha occurs after eating raw or undercooked mushrooms - always make sure they are welll heated before they are served.