They are recognized by their brown hat with gray specks and aroma. Currently, the Shiitake is one of the main sources of protein in the diet of people in several Eastern countries, especially in Japan and China.

There is an incredible amount of antioxidant compounds in shiitake mushrooms that provide an excellent defense against free radicals and oxidative stress throughout the body. These help in protecting the skin from signs of aging such as wrinkles, while also reducing the appearance of scars and blemishes and promoting a healthy glow to the skin. With a good amount of selenium, these mushrooms have also been called a natural acne treatment, as deficiencies in this mineral are often linked to acne symptoms.

Consuming even small amounts of these mushrooms has been shown to cause a reduction in inflammatory molecules in the bloodstream that blocks the signal to muscles and tissues. This can be of great help for people with arthritis, gout, migraines, inflammatory bowel conditions, and other irritation issues.

Shiitake Mushrooms have been called the “miracle mushroom” due to their powerful immune boosting and cancer fighting properties. They contain all eight of the essential amino acids and vitamins such as B12, A, D, and C. Shiitake Mushrooms also contain interferons which are natural proteins that have strong antiviral effects on the body. 

Interferons have the ability to inhibit the replication of viruses, bacteria, parasites, and cancerous cells. Shiitake Mushroom extracts contain a significant amount of 1,3 beta-glucan and lentinan which has been shown to slow tumor growth, reduce tumor activity, and lessen the side effects of cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. 

Shiitake mushrooms have also been known to benefit heart disease, hepatitis, and auto-immune disorders such as AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, fibrocystic breast disease, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia. Shiitake Mushrooms also can help to regulate blood pressure, lower blood cholesterol, thin the blood, and aid in preventing strokes and heart attacks. 

Shiitake Mushrooms contain an excellent bioavailable form of iron which makes them a great addition to help keep your blood strong and to prevent anemia. Shiitake mushrooms are among the few natural sources of germanium, a mineral that has the ability to counteract the effects of pollutants and increase resistance to disease. 

Shiitake Mushrooms are also rich in zinc which is highly beneficial for treating viral and bacterial infections, regulating prostate gland functioning, and for healing skin problems. Shiitake Mushrooms are prized around the world for their medicinal and healing properties. They can be added to your soup, salad, grain, and vegetable dishes or taken in supplement form as a capsule, tincture, or powder.

Aside from vitamin C, one of the most crucial components of collagen is copper. Collagen is required for the creation of all tissues, muscles, bones, blood vessels, and skin in the body, and with shiitake mushrooms being the 4th most dense copper source available in our diet, we can certainly increase our growth and repair rates with a steady stream of this nutrient-rich fungi.