Shiitake Mushrooms for Health and Longevity

“There is a pharmacy in food,” says Julie Danituk, a registered holistic nutritionist and author of the book Meals That Heal Inflammation.  Here are her tips regarding the shiitake mushroom.

Slows Aging- Shiitake mushrooms slow the aging process by keeping your immune system in top-notch shape.

Helps Cancer Patients- Shiitakes contain polysacharides which help ease nausea, pain and hair loss associated with therapy and radiation.

Fights the Flu- Shiitake mushrooms contain a compound called AHCC that boosts your immune response after you have been exposed to the flu virus.

Tasty Mushroom Recipe

Beef-Stroganoff

1-1/2 pounds round steak

3 tablespoons flour

3 tablespoons corn oil

1 onion, sliced thin

1 cup shiitake mushrooms, chopped

1 cup bouillon

1/2 teaspoon basil

1/2 teaspoon tamari

1/4 cup sherry

1/4 teaspoon oregano

Cut the round steak into 3 inch strips that are about 1/2 inch wide by 1/2 inch thick.  Dredge in flour and brown with onions in hot oil for 5 minutes.  Add mushrooms, bouillon, basil, tamari, and sherry and simmer for 20-30 minutes.  Remove mixture from heat and add yogurt.  Serve over noodles or rice.

Resources:

Nutritional Intervention in the Aging Process, Springer-Verlag, New York, Inc., 1984.

Weaver, Stephanie. “Don’t be in the dark about mushrooms.” Chicago Tribune 27 May 20012, USA Weekend.

Photo Credit:  food.rlove.org