Nutritional benefits of delicious shiitake mushrooms that Mom may not know

Shiitake mushrooms, also known as dried shiitake or winter mushrooms, are a type of mushroom with a rich, aromatic flavor and an affordable price that suits everyday family meals. They are one of the most beloved mushrooms among households. Today, let’s join Món Ngon Mỗi Ngày to learn more about this wonderful mushroom!

Characteristics of shiitake mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms, also known as Lentinula edodes, originated in East Asia and are now widely available around the world. Shiitake mushrooms are relatively small mushrooms that naturally grow parasitically on oak and maple trees.

Shiitake mushrooms have an umbrella-like shape with a wide, light-brown cap measuring about 4–10 cm in diameter, often featuring small white spots in the center. The underside of the cap has many thin gills. The stem is attached to the center of the underside of the cap, about 1–3 cm long, and white in color. Shiitake mushrooms have a pleasantly chewy texture and a naturally sweet, savory taste, making them highly popular. Because fresh mushrooms have a short shelf life, they are often dried for longer storage and use.

Nutritional composition and benefits of shiitake mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms contain a significant amount of protein and essential amino acids required by the body. They also contain water, Vitamin C, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B6, provitamin D, calcium, niacin, and various minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, aluminum, iron, and more.

In addition, shiitake mushrooms contain beneficial compounds such as polysaccharides, terpenoids, sterols, lipids, and several essential amino acids that are important for health. Overall, the nutritional value of shiitake mushrooms is considered very high.

One of the most commonly mentioned benefits of shiitake mushrooms is their ability to strengthen the immune system, thanks to the polysaccharide compounds found in these mushrooms. Along with three notable compounds—eritadenine, sterols, and beta-glucan fiber—many studies have shown that consuming shiitake mushrooms can help reduce cholesterol levels, thereby better protecting cardiovascular health. In addition, eritadenine, an important compound found in shiitake mushrooms, has been proven effective in lowering blood cholesterol by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol concentration.

Whether consumed fresh or dried, shiitake mushrooms provide numerous health benefits such as boosting the immune system, reducing blood cholesterol, strengthening bones, helping prevent cancer, enhancing the body’s antibacterial defense, and supplying additional energy.