What Are the Health Benefits of Maitake Mushrooms?

Time-tested and clinically proven, maitake mushrooms have been revered for years in traditional Chinese and Japanese herbology and cooking for their healing properties. With recent advancements in cultivation techniques, their benefits are now widely available.

Function

• The main substance behind the maitake's health benefits is called beta-1.6-glucan. It is a polysaccharide, which is a chain of sugar molecules. It occurs in maitake in high levels and is known to be very potent.

Features

• Beta-1.6-glucan has proven in studies to be effective in warding off carcinogenesis, inhibiting the growth of cancerous tumors, eradicating HIV and spurring the activity of crucial immune cells known as T-helper cells.

Benefits

• With a demonstrated ability to regulate glucose levels and stimulate insulin sensitivity, a substance found in maitake called x-fraction may have potential in helping people with type 2 diabetes.

Effects

• Doctors in Japan have been prescribing maitake for years to reduce blood pressure and blood lipids, important factors in lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Considerations

• Maitake helps regulate the stomach and intestines by stimulating proper digestion and minimizing food stagnation.