(Sobie) ... Many disregard medicinal food but medical researchers have proven how prescriptive diets have been used to lower health risks. One medicinal superfood is the mushroom. To date there are approximately 38,000 discovered and classified species of mushrooms that have medicinal benefits. A recent study on medicinal mushrooms, diseases related to immune dysfunction such as cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, AIDS/HIV, hepatitis and autoimmune conditions are gaining wide attention from medical researchers and clinicians. Because of this practitioners are looking to mushrooms for their medicinal effects on the immune system (i). Here are 5 medicinal mushrooms… 1. Coriolus Versicolor (Trametes versicolor) More commonly known as “Turkey Tail”, this mushroom has been used traditionally in Asian herbal remedies. The American Cancer Society have found 2 extracts from the mushroom—polysaccharide K (PSK) and polysaccharide-peptide (PSP) that are now under evaluation for cancer treatments (ii). In fact, “clinical trials suggest that PSK may help people with certain types of cancer by increasing survival rates and lengthening periods of time without disease, without causing major side effects.” Turkey Tail mushroom is also great at boosting the immune system and is used in the naturopathic treatment of various HPV infections. A study called Phase 1 Clinical Trial of Trametes versicolor in Women with Breast Cancer, Coriolus Versicolor mushroom therapy, which was administered orally, in the postradiotherapy environment it may enhance lymphocyte numbers and natural killer cell activity (NK). By increasing NK cell counts, remaining cancerous cells are attacked, improving the health of breast cancer patients after radiation treatment (iii). 2. Morel (Morchella esculenta) - High in Vitamin D, morels are polymorphic, varying in shape, color and size. They have an earthy flavor and are high in iron and B vitamins. It is very important to be able to tell the difference between “true morels” and “false morels” (poisonous mushrooms) as they look very similar. There have also been some documented cases of allergic reactions to the “true morels” which are the edible mushrooms, always take precautionary steps when eating morels. 3. Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) - Shiitake mushrooms have powerful immune-enhancing and antiviral properties, they help to lower cholesterol while showing virus-inhibiting effects. Shiitake mushrooms contain lentinan which not only strengthens the immune system, but is believed to slow tumor growth, according to the American Cancer Society. The fungus, native to Asia, is also a good source of iron and antioxidants, which help reduce the damage from free radicals. 4. Lactarius salmonicolor (Russulaceae) - This edible mushroom has strong medicinal benefits. One study identified antioxidant constituents in the rare mushroom. The researchers observed the antioxidant agents by detecting ten fatty acids and fatty acid esters from an extract, then evaluated the antioxidant activity (iv). Because of its antioxidant constituents, Russulaceae contributes to the general health of the immune system. The fungus could act as an anti-cancer and anti-viral advocate. There are more than 400 species across the world and they commonly grow in coniferous woods. 5. Reishi Mushroom (Lingzhi) - Reishi is a well known Chinese mushroom and is called the “herb of spiritual potency.” Reishi has shown to help with the healing of tumors, while lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels. According to a report, Reishi helps with the modulation of the immune system and provides hepatoprotection and bacteriostasis (the inhibition of bacteria growth) in the body (v). It has been used for over 2,000 years and is unique in that its pharmaceutical value is more significant than its nutritional value, setting it apart from other medicinal mushrooms. Reishi can be taken in many forms including powder, dietary supplements and tea. While research foundations such as Cancer Research UK confirm that there is no evidence that mushrooms or mushroom extracts can prevent or cure cancer, specific fungi can prolong and improve the lives of cancer patients, as well as help with their recovery process. Be sure to take the necessary precautions when identifying edible mushrooms, prior to using them as part of a medical treatment or nutritional diet. By learning about the medicinal benefits of fungi, we can develop a more holistic approach to our overall immune health. Always consult with your physician before making any medical decisions. naturalcuresnotmedicine/2014/07/5-types-medicinal-mushrooms-can-boost-health.html
Posted on: Sat, 26 Jul 2014 09:45:23 +0000
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