Mushrooms are known as the "umbrella for gastrointestinal health".
Introduction: With a variety of species, sweet taste, and numerous cooking methods, mushrooms are loved by most people. Let's get to know the nutritional value and uses of some affordable, common mushrooms.
Hericium Erinaceus (Lion's Mane Mushroom).
Hericium Erinaceus has excellent nourishing and digestive-promoting effects. When simmered in a soup with chicken, it not only tastes delicious but also has anti-aging and life-extending properties. We all know that mushrooms are nutritious and delicious, but what are the specific benefits of each type and how is the best way to eat them?
"Natural Cancer Fighter": Shiitake Mushroom.
Shiitake mushrooms, known as the "king of mushrooms," have the best anti-cancer effects, and their vitamin D content is significantly higher than other varieties. Eating more of them can help children absorb calcium faster and promote bone development. Shiitake mushrooms have a strong flavor, making them suitable for braising, stewing, and soup-making. Since the nutrients in dried shiitake mushrooms are easily released, they should be washed and then soaked in a small amount of water. When cooking, you can also pour the soaking water into the pot.
"Pain Reliever": Oyster Mushroom.
Oyster mushrooms contain oyster mushroom polysaccharide, and the taurine in them is a component of bile acid, which can dissolve cholesterol and help digest and absorb fats. Therefore, they can relax muscles and stimulate collaterals, making them most suitable for the elderly with soreness in the waist and back. Stir-fried with meat, stewed with pork ribs, or scrambled with eggs, oyster mushrooms are suitable for all ages, as they can replenish qi, increase energy, and boost immunity.
"Brain Gold": Enoki Mushroom.
Enoki mushrooms can promote brain development, so children should eat more of them. They are an excellent choice for cold salads and hot pot, but they should be boiled for at least six to seven minutes to avoid poisoning. If you buy enoki mushrooms that are unnaturally white, they may have been bleached with sulfur, so it's best to blanch them in salted boiling water. People with a weak spleen and stomach should not eat too many.
"Detoxifier": Straw Mushroom.
Straw mushrooms have detoxifying properties. They can bind with lead, arsenic, and benzene that enter the human body and excrete them through urine. Most straw mushrooms on the market are canned, so they should be cooked for a longer time to remove any off-flavors.
In addition, Porcini mushrooms are generally used to stew with chicken or meat; Porcini and chicken soup has the effect of tonifying deficiency, refreshing the mind, and preventing colds. Tea tree mushrooms are suitable for stir-frying. King oyster mushrooms are best shredded and served cold, with a texture similar to abalone. Button mushrooms are relatively light and have a great taste in soups. Matsutake and bamboo fungus have preservative effects; if you're worried about not finishing a stewed meat dish, adding some bamboo fungus can extend its shelf life.