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Mushrooms - Health Benefits and a Little
History
Most importantly mushrooms are healthy. They are low in calories, have no cholesterol,
are virtually free of fat and sodium, contain essential minerals and B-complex vitamins
and some have substances that may help withthe treatment and prevention of serious diseases.
There are thousands of varieties of mushrooms
with a great variety of size, shape, texture and color. They have
a fifth taste, umami, that goes beyond the basic tastes of sweet, sour, bitter and
salty. The word and concept are ancient Japanese, and roughly
translate means savory or meaty. They serve as flavor enhancer. Remember, they
absorb water - to clean, just trim the stem and brush them with a paper towel.
For thousands of years, Eastern cultures have revered mushrooms as both food and medicine. Tradition has it that there are more than 50 species with healing properties. When used as medicine, mushrooms are made into soup or tea, or taken as a tonic or elixir.
Asian scientific studies in last 30 years have shown that mushrooms or substances extracted from
them may aid in the treatment of certain types of cancer, boost the immune system and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
In China and Japan, they have been used to treat conditions such as colds and flu, poor circulation, upset stomachs and even exhaustion.
Two substances extracted from shiitake that
seem to activate immune system cells, help slow the spread of cancer cells,
help fight infection, may reduce heart disease risk by reducing blood lipids and cholesterol levels.
Maitake may inhibit tumor growth by stimulating the immune system, lower blood pressure
and cholesterol levels and may have anti diabetic properties. The common white mushroom may have a role in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer.
Ancient Egyptians believed that mushrooms pave a path to immortality, according to the hieroglyphics they left behind 4,600 years ago.
They were considered food for royalty only. In other civilizations throughout the world, including Russia, China, Greece, Mexico and Latin America, mushroom rituals were
practiced on the belief they could produce unusual strength, and lead the soul to
another realm.
France was the leader in the formal cultivation of mushrooms when,
during Louis XIV reign, they were grown in caves near Paris. Soon
after, mushroom cultivation gained popularity in England. In the late 19th century, mushroom
came to the United States. |
