Anti-fatigue, anti-tumor, anti-aging… For twenty years, shiitake has earned a solid international reputation as studies appear showing its many benefits. And for a few years now, it has also been coming into our closets. Behind the button mushroom, shiitake is the second most consumed mushroom in the world (according to a ANSES vigilance bulletin of March 2017). Originally from Asia, it is part of Chinese and Japanese cuisines and pharmacopoeias, where it has been used for centuries for therapeutic purposes.
Consumed for millennia in Asia, it is appreciated for its soft texture, its woody taste and its nutritional properties. But he is considered above all as a longevity remedy. It was in the 1980s that Japanese scientists began to take an interest in it: they suspected it of having a anti-cancer action. Which was confirmed. “Today it is widely used around the world as an adjunct to chemotherapy“says Franck Dubus, doctor of pharmacy, trainer in medicinal plants. Its immunostimulating action, which it owes to its polysaccharides (complex sugars), also makes it an interesting antiviral. And it could prove useful in the treatment of immune diseases such as AIDS.
Shiitake prevents aging
Shiitake is a good antioxidant, a property that would be due to the presence of its phenolic compounds (or polyphenols). “These molecules protect cells by ‘trapping’ free radicals, explains Franck Dubus. Their regular consumption, with that of other antioxidants, makes the difference in the long term. It limits the development of cardiovascular diseases and helps prevent aging.”
Also nutritionally, shiitake brings a lot of interesting elements: it is quite rich in carbohydrates, including complex polysaccharides, contains many vitamins (especially group B vitamins and vitamin D which we lack in winter) and provides fiber. It is also a source of protein and trace elements (especially copper).
Shiitake fights viruses
One of the key properties of shiitake is to stimulate the immune system. Its polysaccharides increase the production of white blood cells, which help the body fight against viruses. “Thus, the latter are spotted more quickly and the cells capable of fighting them are more numerous”, underlines our expert. Shiitake is therefore often prescribed to prevent the flu, colds… It is also interesting in mouthwash in case of gingivitis or mouth ulcers.
Shiitake helps fight cancer
For fifteen years, shiitake has been associated with chemotherapy. Because one of its polysaccharides (lentinan) would reinforce the action of “killer” cells against tumors, several studies have shown. It is used by certain medical teams in intravenous injections and at high doses in pancreatic cancer, as well as liver and intestinal cancers. Trials for other types of cancer are underway.
Shiitake lowers cholesterol levels
“Shiitake is a good source of dietary fiber helping to lower blood lipid levels,” notes Franck Dubus. But that’s not all: it also contains a compound, called eritadenine, with hypocholesterolemic power (it lowers blood cholesterol levels). An action again confirmed by scientific studies.
Finally, this mushroom has a very targeted action on the immune system. Its use is therefore justified in diseases accompanied by a deficiency in immunity, such as AIDS. “Studies conducted by Dr Chevalier at the University Hospital of Rennes have shown that shiitake improved the general condition of patients, specifies our expert. It also prevents the occurrence of opportunistic diseases (infections occurring during an immune deficiency).”
In what form to buy it and how to store it?
In what forms do we find it?
- Costs : more and more greengrocers offer it fresh. As it is fragile, we buy it in small quantities, even if it means restocking more often.
- Dried : it is rehydrated for 20 min to 1 h (depending on its size), then it is gently dried.
- In capsules : Shiitake is also consumed in the form of a food supplement. An option for those who do not like its taste.
- In powder : it loses its taste, so we reserve this form for preparations such as savory cakes, salads, soups…
How to keep them?
Keep shiitakes cool in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator, in the open air, or in an open paper bag. They must be consumed quickly after purchase because their immunostimulating compounds (such as lentinan) are very fragile.
To be savored always well cooked
Be careful however, a significant consumption of shiitakes can sometimes cause, in the most sensitive, bloating and diarrhea. Some may also be allergic to it, especially those who already have food allergies.
We also always ensure consume it well cooked, and never raw. “Like all mushrooms (apart from porcini mushrooms, button mushrooms, coumelles and truffles), shiitake contains heat-sensitive toxins which are destroyed by cooking”, warns Alain Robert, .
Raw, it can cause a specific form of poisoning, toxic dermatitiswhich manifests itself as red patches in the hours or days following its consumption, as recalled by ANSES in a toxicovigilance report.
Our Experts:
- Alain Robert, doctor of pharmacy, specialist in phytotherapy, aromatherapy and nutritherapy
- Franck Dubus, doctor of pharmacy, trainer in medicinal plants
