Shiitake (powder)

Description

Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) is native to the mountainous regions of China, Japan, and Korea. Our supplier sources this product from certified organic growers in China where 90% of the world’s supply of Shiitake mushrooms are grown.

Shiitake mushrooms have a long history of use throughout all of East Asia, with people collecting wild shiitake for both food and traditional medicine. Shiitake mushrooms have been cultivated in China for over 1,000 years.  In Japan, where cultivation was under the control of the Samurai, shiitake gained the name that remains widely accepted today — shii for which was the name of the hardwood tree species on which the mushrooms commonly grow (Castanopsis cuspidata), and take, which means mushroom in Japanese.

Shiitake mushrooms are popular around the world both for their taste as well as their handy ability to grow on natural fallen logs or artificial substrate. You can find them grown commercially in China, Japan, the United States, Korea, and Brazil.

Shiitake mushrooms have one of the highest amounts of natural copper, a mineral which promotes healthy blood vessels, bones, and supports the immune system. Shiitake are also a rich source of selenium. Shiitake mushrooms contain eritadenine, which is known to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. They also contain beta-glucans which help reduce inflammation and prevent the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines.  Shiitake are a rich source of polysaccharides like lentinans and other beta-glucans. In addition to their anti-inflammatory properties polysaccharides are known to help protect against cell damage, strengthen the body’s immune system, and boost white blood cell production for fighting off microbes.

Shiitake mushrooms are a good source of key vitamins and minerals:

• Copper
• Folate
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Manganese
• Niacin
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
• Riboflavin
• Selenium
• Thiamin
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin D

Preparation Instructions:

Take ½ teaspoon daily with food or drinks.