What are the Benefits of Maitake Mushrooms?
For most mushroom enthusiasts, their primary reason for enjoying the plentiful varieties of fungi has everything to do with their distinctly savory "umami" flavor. But did you know that mushrooms are more than just a tasty addition to your favorite pizza or salad?
In fact, mushrooms have been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, with cultures around the globe lauding mushrooms as a source of healing benefits. But the health benefits of mushrooms aren't only the subject of ancient lore; there are countless scientific studies exploring how mushrooms can contribute to human health.
There are more than 10,000 known varieties of mushrooms, but the one that has nutrition enthusiasts talking is the maitake mushroom.
What are Maitake Mushrooms?
Maitake mushrooms (Grifola frondose) are a type of edible mushroom most commonly found in the forests of Asia, Europe, and eastern regions of North America. It grows in large clumps on the dying roots and stumps of trees, and its medicinal use has been traced back to Asian traditional medicine. During the feudal era of Japan, it was also used as a form of currency.
Historical accounts say that maitake mushrooms were named for the happiness they brought to the people that were lucky enough to find them growing in the forest; its name translates to "dancing mushroom" in Japanese. It was nicknamed the "Phantom mushroom" due to its rarity, but now, maitake mushrooms can be grown in carefully-controlled environments worldwide.
Are Maitake Mushrooms Good for You?
Mushrooms have received considerable attention for their potential benefits, which are linked to the phytonutrients they contain, including:
- Carotenoids
- Polyphenols
- Polysaccharides
- Indoles
Various studies explore the connections between phytonutrients and antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory benefits.
In general, mushrooms are considered to be a good source of:
- B vitamins (including B2, B3, B5, and folate)
- Phosphorus
- Vitamin D
- Selenium
- Copper
- Potassium
Even speaking on a solely nutritional level, it's safe to say that mushrooms - maitake mushrooms included - can make for a positive addition to a well-rounded diet.
Understanding Research on the Benefits of Maitake Mushrooms
There is still so much to learn about the benefits of mushrooms, including maitake. But even so, the research so far is promising.
Here are some of the suggested health benefits of maitake mushrooms, as studied by researchers:
- Balanced blood sugar: As part of a healthy diet, maitake mushrooms may be able to help stabilize glucose levels. One study showed that maitake mushrooms improved glucose tolerance related to diabetes.
- Increased immunity: Maitake mushrooms contain beta-glucan saccharides, which are known as the biological response modifiers in nature. This may be why maitake mushrooms appear to be associated with immune support benefits, boosting overall health.
- Lower cholesterol: It may be possible for maitake mushrooms to be part of a heart-healthy diet, specifically because research has shown they may contribute to reduced cholesterol levels.
It is fascinating to see how scientific research can support the use of maitake mushrooms for health, especially when you consider that these mushrooms have been a highly treasured source of medicine for generations. It will be interesting to see how various studies align with the reports from people that describe the benefits of maitake mushrooms as a fantastic addition to their overall well-being.
Elevate Your Approach to Wellness with Core Culture
Are you interested in seeing how maitake mushrooms can support you in the pursuit of your best self? If you're considering maitake mushroom supplements, it's important to understand that quality is key. Not all wellness supplements are created equally, and choosing wisely can make all the difference.
Core Culture is dedicated to crafting products with integrity, formulating supplements that address the wants and needs of our customers. Our Shroom Boom capsules are made with 100% organic mushroom ingredients, including maitake and several other types. You can be confident that you're investing in the best because all Core Culture products are American-made and produced in an NSF-certified and GMP-registered facility - and we never outsource anything.
Discover the ways you can make your health a priority when you check out Shroom Boom and our other supplements today!
Article Sources:
https://www.science.gov/topicpages/m/maitake+mushroom+extracts
https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/21/7/938
https://health.mo.gov/living/families/wic/pdf/phytonutrients.pdf
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11207456/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11349892/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4202470/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24292357/