Wow! Exactly what a mushroom that is! The main family 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 familiar with, Maitake mushrooms are full of nutrition. Providing a success of protein, B-Vitamins, Vitamin-C, Niacin, Potassium, One up bar Selenium, and a wealthy sourced elements of fiber, you can’t go wrong adding Miatake mushrooms to the dinner menu. Maitake mushrooms taste excellent, sporting a wealthy flavor and a meaty texture. A side dish with this spectacular mushroom sautéed to perfection is an ideal compliment to almost any 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 gives 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 needless to say, in an effort to preserve the inherent and rich nutritional qualities with this revered mushroom species.
Maitake mushrooms are rapidly becoming well-known for their naturally occurring medicinal properties. Purported uses with this species in other countries include tumor inhibition, treatment of high blood glucose, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and defense mechanisms 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 use within nutraceuticals. We are now able to find medicinal extracts with this remarkable mushroom species on the market in holistic healthcare offices and health food stores throughout 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 considered to enhance the ability of the defense mechanisms to operate at a maximum level. Research shows that defense mechanisms cells such as for instance macrophages, T-cells, and interleukin -1 cells seem 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 referred to as the Maitake continues to be young, there’s enough early evidence to imply that further research regarding inherent health advantages is warranted. Interest in 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 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 reasonably recent introduction to the US diet, it will be safe to state, 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 as part of a product regime. Have you’d your serving of Maitake mushrooms today?
