The strength of our immune system is vital in the fight against viruses and infections. Not only is flu season upon us, we are living through a pandemic.
Mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and have become increasingly popularity as of lately. Most specifically three types of mushrooms which include Reishi, Maitake, and Shiitake mushrooms have been extensively researched and have shown scientific evidence for having immune boosting properties.
Reishi Mushrooms
Reishi mushrooms have anti-inflammatory properties. They are used to fight cancer, boost the immune system and prevent or treat infections. Evidence has shown that the fungus improves lymphocyte function, which helps fight infections and cancer.
Maitake Mushrooms
Maitake mushrooms have a compound that is called D-fraction that has been shown to support the immune system and fight cancer cells. Not only do these mushrooms have an impact on the immune system they are also known to benefit those that suffer from HIV/AIDS, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, hepatitis, hay fever, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, weight loss control and infertility due to polysystic ovary syndrome.
Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms also help strengthen the immune system due to a specific polysaccharide that it contains. In one particular study, people were given two dried shiitake daily. After one month, their immune markers improved and their inflammation levels dropped.
It is no wonder mushrooms have gained more popularity in Western society. The benefits these fungi have to the immune system as well as fighting off disease make them a supernatural source of health and wellbeing.