The Health Quotient of Mushrooms

July 4, 2006

According to Chinese medicine, mushrooms contribute to increased

immunity and promote conversion of cancer cells to normal cells

because mushrooms contain a compound called betaglucan, which is a

proven immune stimulant. Anyone with impaired immunity can take whole

mushrooms.

Button mushrooms: ... help in reducing cholesterol levels and in

eliminating excess mucus from the body which makes them particularly

beneficial for people prone to cough, cold and general respiratory

problems... also help boost immunity levels by increasing the white

blood cells and help the body fight against disease producing

microorganisms.

Shiitake mushrooms: ... are rich in phytochemicals and

immunity-boosting properties... contain the protein interferon known to

induce an immune response against viral diseases and cancer... helps

curtail the spread of lung, stomach and cervical cancer... help reduce

cholesterol, enhance blood circulation and eliminate the toxins that

accumulate due to excess consumption of non-vegetarian food... helps

protect the liver and the presence of the mineral germanium, enhances

immunity.

Maitake mushrooms: ... The presence of the phytochemical 'D-fraction,'

known to curtail the growth of tumors... bolster the immune system and

reduce blood pressure and blood sugar, which makes them particularly

beneficial to diabetics...

Black mushrooms: ... favorable effects on the blood which include

reducing clumping of the blood-platelets thereby thinning the blood. In

turn, this greatly reduces the risk of coronary artery disease... The

anticoagulant properties of this variety, acts like aspirin by impeding

the growth of cancerous tumors...

Mushrooms are neither fruit nor vegetable, and are highly valued by

the Chinese for their medicinal properties. Moreover, they're healthy, low in

calories and high in antioxidants, which help defy aging and disease.

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