As people have become more health-conscious, there has been a growing interest in medicinal mushrooms in Scotland. The use of mushrooms for their therapeutic properties has a long history, dating back centuries. Recently, modern science has begun to validate many of the traditional uses of mushrooms, and researchers have discovered new ways that they can benefit our health.
Shiitake mushroom
One of the most well-known medicinal mushrooms is the shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes). Originating from East Asia, shiitake mushrooms have been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including infections, inflammation, and cancer. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that shiitake mushrooms contain a compound called lentinan, which has been shown to boost the immune system and fight against cancer cells.
Lion's mane mushroom
Another mushroom that has gained attention in recent years is the lion's mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus). This unique-looking mushroom has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues, cognitive impairment, and anxiety. Research has shown that lion's mane mushrooms contain compounds called erinacines and hericenones, which have been found to stimulate the growth of brain cells and improve cognitive function.
Chaga mushrooms
Chaga mushrooms (Inonotus obliquus) are another type of medicinal mushroom that are becoming more popular in Scotland. Chaga mushrooms have been used in Russian and Scandinavian folk medicine for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. A study published in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms found that chaga mushrooms contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may make them useful in treating a variety of health conditions.
Reishi mushrooms
Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) are another type of medicinal mushroom that have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Reishi mushrooms are believed to have a variety of health benefits, including reducing inflammation, boosting the immune system, and fighting cancer. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that reishi mushrooms contain compounds called triterpenes, which have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Turkey tail mushrooms
Turkey tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor) are another type of medicinal mushroom that are native to Scotland. Turkey tail mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory infections, digestive issues, and cancer. A study published in the journal PLOS ONE found that turkey tail mushrooms contain a polysaccharide called PSP, which has been shown to boost the immune system and fight against cancer cells.
Maitake mushrooms
Finally, maitake mushrooms (Grifola frondosa) are a type of mushroom that are also becoming more popular in Scotland. Maitake mushrooms have been used in traditional Japanese medicine for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer. A study published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that maitake mushrooms contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties, which may make them useful in treating a variety of health conditions.
In addition to their therapeutic properties, medicinal mushrooms are also rich in nutrients. They are a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and they are low in calories. This makes them a healthy addition to any diet, especially for vegetarians and vegans who may be looking for plant-based sources of protein.
There are several ways to incorporate medicinal mushrooms into your diet. One option is to take them in supplement form, which is convenient and allows you to get a concentrated dose of the active compounds. However, it's important to note that supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so it's important to be cautious when purchasing them and to only buy from reputable sources.
Another option is to cook with medicinal mushrooms. They can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, and stir-fries. Shiitake mushrooms, for example, have a rich umami flavor and are commonly used in Asian cuisine. Lion's mane mushrooms have a meaty texture and can be used as a meat substitute in vegetarian dishes. Chaga mushrooms can be brewed into a tea, which is a common way to consume them in Russia and Scandinavia.
If you're interested in trying medicinal mushrooms, it's important to do your research and talk to a healthcare professional before taking any supplements or making significant changes to your diet. While medicinal mushrooms have been used for centuries and have a long history of traditional use, more research is needed to fully understand their effects on the body and to determine the appropriate dosages for different conditions.
Medicinal mushrooms are a fascinating and promising area of study in the field of natural medicine. With their long history of traditional use and their potential health benefits, it's no wonder that more people in Scotland are becoming interested in incorporating them into their diets. While more research is needed to fully understand their effects on the body, there is no denying that mushrooms are a healthy and nutritious addition to any diet.
References:
Bisen, P. S., Baghel, R. K., Sanodiya, B. S., & Thakur, G. S. (2010). Lentinus edodes: a macrofungus with pharmacological activities. Current medicinal chemistry, 17(22), 2419-2430.
Mori, K., Inatomi, S., Ouchi, K., & Azumi, Y. (2009). Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytotherapy Research, 23(3), 367-372.
Kim, Y. O., & Park, H. W. (2011). Anti-inflammatory effect of Inonotus obliquus, Polyozellus multiplex, and Lentinus edodes extracts and their immunomodulating properties in RAW264. 7 cells. Nutrition research and practice, 5(3), 200-207.
Wu, G. S., Guo, J. J., Bao, J. L., Li, X. W., Chen, X. P., Lu, J. J., & Wang, Y. T. (2014). Anti-cancer properties of triterpenoids isolated from Ganoderma lucidum–a review. Expert opinion on investigational drugs, 23(4), 517-532.
Lai, C. Y., Hung, J. T., Lin, H. H., Yu, A. L., Chen, S. H., Tsai, Y. C., ... & Kao, M. C. (2011). Immunomodulatory and adjuvant activities of a polysaccharide extract of Ganoderma lucidum in vivo and in vitro. Vaccine, 29(7), 1257-1266.
Vetvicka, V., Vetvickova, J., & Yvin, J. C. (2019). Antitumor properties of edible mushrooms in a murine model of colorectal adenocarcinoma. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2019.
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