Shiitake, a basidiomycete fungus of the Pleurotaceae family, also known as straw mushroom, fragrant mushroom, winter mushroom, or mushroom king, is the king of edible fungi. Shiitake contains 7 of the 8 essential amino acids required by the human body. Its cell fluid is rich in nutrients and easily absorbed by the body, giving it a very strong anti-cancer and cancer-preventing effect. In addition, shiitake contains choline, tyrosine, oxidase, and certain nucleic acids, which can help lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood lipids, and can also prevent diseases such as arteriosclerosis and cirrhosis.
I. What are the nutritional benefits of shiitake?
Research and analysis have shown that shiitake contains many nutrients. Every 100 grams of shiitake contains 12-14 grams of protein, 59.3 grams of carbohydrates, 124 milligrams of calcium, 415 milligrams of phosphorus, 25.3 milligrams of iron, and various vitamins. Its main active substances are lentinan, asparagine, adenine, trimethylamine, hemicellulose, mannitol, and more. The water extract of dried shiitake contains various amino acids such as histidine, glutamic acid, and alanine, as well as choline and ergosterol.
Fresh shiitake contains enzymes that decompose nucleic acids, hydrolyzing them to produce purines and other components. Shiitake also contains components that lower blood lipids—lentinan and ergosterol—which can be converted to vitamin D2 upon exposure to sunlight, preventing vitamin D deficiency. According to animal experiments, shiitake also contains anti-cancer substances.
Shiitake has a delicate fragrance and a delicious taste. When cooked into dishes, it can stimulate the appetite and is an excellent food for both healthy individuals and patients. Because shiitake can lower blood lipids, it is particularly suitable for patients with hyperlipidemia, and it is also a good food for children with rickets. Lentinan also has a certain anti-cancer effect.
II. Dietary contraindications for shiitake
1. Shiitake and quail meat are incompatible foods.
They should not be eaten together, as it may cause vascular spasms in the human body.
2. Shiitake is a "trigger" food; those with a cold, damp spleen and stomach or qi stagnation should consume it with caution.
III. Friendly Reminder: Best Pairings
1. Shiitake + Lettuce
Combining shiitake with lettuce has the effects of promoting urination and bowel movements, and lowering blood lipids and blood pressure. It is suitable for chronic nephritis, habitual constipation, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia.
2. Shiitake + Broccoli
The combination of the two can replenish vital energy, moisten the lungs, and resolve phlegm, improving poor appetite and easy fatigue.
3. Shiitake + Water Chestnut
Water chestnut is sweet and cold in nature, with effects of clearing heat, resolving phlegm, and eliminating stagnation. Shiitake can tonify qi, benefit the stomach, nourish and strengthen the body, and lower blood pressure and blood lipids. When eaten together, they can regulate the spleen and stomach, clear heat and promote fluid production. Regular consumption can strengthen the body, benefit the stomach and aid digestion, helping to treat a weak spleen and stomach, poor appetite, or long-term weakness and damp-heat in the spleen and stomach. It is especially suitable as an auxiliary therapeutic food for patients with essential hypertension, hyperlipidemia, coronary heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
4. Shiitake + Button Mushroom
Both shiitake and button mushroom are world-renowned edible fungi treasures. Their combination has the effects of nourishing and strengthening the body, aiding digestion and resolving phlegm, calming the mind and lowering blood pressure, moisturizing the skin, and preventing cancer.
5. Shiitake + Cauliflower
The combination of the two benefits the intestines, opens the chest, strengthens bones and muscles, and has a strong effect of lowering blood lipids.
6. Shiitake + Edamame
Shiitake is a high-protein, low-fat food that benefits qi, tonifies deficiency, and strengthens the spleen and stomach. Edamame are fresh soybeans, containing high-quality protein and various minerals, making them very nutritious. This combination is suitable for patients with hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and obesity.
7. Shiitake + Beef
Eating them together is suitable for symptoms caused by qi and blood deficiency, such as cold hands and feet, aversion to cold, limb weakness, limited joint movement, and soreness in the lower back and knees.
8. Shiitake + Squid
Eating them together is used as an auxiliary treatment for hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and cancer.