Long a symbol of longevity in Asia because of their health-promoting properties, shiitake mushrooms have been used medicinally by the Chinese for more than 6,000 years. More recently, their rich, smoky flavor has endeared them to American taste buds and these exotic hearty mushrooms can now be found in supermarket shelves across the U.S. throughout the year.
Like other mushrooms, these specialty mushrooms are as mysteriously unique as they are delicious. While often thought of as a vegetable and prepared like one, mushrooms are actually a fungus, a special type of living organism that has no roots, leaves, flowers or seeds.
Ancient healers prescribed them for a number of ailments such as fatigue, liver ailments, vision problems, sinus conditions, colds, gastrointestinal ailments. Shiitake were also prescribed as a general prophyllactic to promote longevity, vitality, and well-being.
What the ancients knew, modern medicine is just beginning to discover. Compounds in shiitake mushrooms--especially a phytochemical called lentinan--have been subjected to various clinical studies, and are thought to have possible benefit for a number of disorders, including cancer, heart disease, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, hepatitis, AIDS, and herpes (and other viral conditions).
In addition to the phytochemicals that seem to bring health benefits, these delightful fungi are also host to a significant number of macro- and micronutrients. They have high levels of amino acids (including glutamic acid, a nonessential amino acid considered to be "brain food" due to its ability to stimulate neurotransmitter activity as well as its ability to transport potassium to the brain), protein, enzymes (dietary enzymes are vital for proper absorption of nutrients and digestion of food), dietary fiber, and various vitamins and minerals, including ergosterol, which can be converted by sunlight into vitamin D.
Last, but not least, shiitake are delicious. Luckily for both the medical and culinary worlds, shiitake are now among the most-cultivated edible mushrooms in the world.
