shiitake mushroom

Shiitake mushrooms are edible mushrooms that originated in East Asia.

Their caps range in size from 2 to 4 inches and are tan to dark brown (5 and 10 cm).

Shiitake mushrooms are fungus that grow naturally on dying hardwood trees and are commonly consumed as vegetables.

Around 83 percent of shiitake mushrooms are farmed in Japan, while they are also grown in the United States, Canada, Singapore, and China (1).

They’re available fresh, dried, and in a variety of dietary supplements.

Shiitake mushrooms are brown-capped mushrooms that are utilized as food and supplements all over the world.

Health Advantages

Shiitake mushrooms are abundant in natural copper, a mineral that supports healthy blood vessels, bones, and immune function. In fact, 1/2 cup of shiitake mushrooms contains 72 percent of your daily recommended intake (DRI). The mushrooms are especially high in selenium, giving 33% of your daily recommended intake.

Shiitake mushrooms also have the following health benefits:

Shiitake mushrooms have a low calorie content. They also include a variety of vitamins, minerals, and other health-promoting substances.

Shiitake mushrooms have a long history of use in both food and supplement form.

Shiitake mushrooms include a number of chemicals that can help lower cholesterol and lower your risk of heart disease.

Regularly eating shiitake mushrooms may assist to strengthen your immune system.

Lentinan, a polysaccharide found in shiitake mushrooms, may aid in cancer prevention.

Although antimicrobial compounds found in shiitake mushrooms have antibacterial qualities, ingesting the mushrooms will not provide you with any benefits. Higher vitamin D levels in shiitake mushrooms may help to increase bone density.

Shiitake Mushrooms: How to Use Them

After oyster and white button mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms are the world’s third most popular mushroom. You can find them in supermarkets on occasion, but you may need to hunt for them in farmers markets or specialized grocers. Shiitake mushrooms are also available in dried form.