Shiitake mushrooms, known as the “queen of mushrooms,” have a distinct aroma and are widely used in cooking. This food also offers numerous health benefits.
Shiitake mushrooms are familiar to the Vietnamese people and are extensively used in cooking. They serve not only as a seasoning but also as a medicinal ingredient with various health-promoting properties.
Master – Doctor Nguyen Trong Tin (University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital Ho Chi Minh City – Facility 3) notes that shiitake mushrooms, also known as Lentinula edodes, are a popular type of mushroom widely used in cuisines across many countries. They are particularly prevalent in Asian countries such as Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
In Asia, shiitake mushrooms are commonly used in cooking and are highly regarded for their health benefits.
Shiitake mushrooms. (Illustrative image: Internet)
In culinary practices, especially in Asian cuisine, shiitake mushrooms are often cooked with dishes such as noodles, porridge, and stews. They are also commonly sautéed or grilled with ingredients like meat.
In traditional medicine, shiitake mushrooms are considered neutral in nature, sweet in taste, non-toxic, and beneficial for the spleen and lungs. They are known to strengthen the spleen, boost energy, improve blood circulation, lower blood pressure, and combat cancer. Shiitake mushrooms are a source of vitamin D, help prevent diseases, and treat conditions like fatigue, cardiovascular diseases, liver cirrhosis, and skin inflammation.
Master – Doctor Nguyen Trong Tin adds that in traditional medicine, shiitake mushrooms are often used in soups combined with tonic herbs to nourish the body, making them suitable for individuals with weak constitutions, poor nutrition, and for the elderly and pregnant women.
According to modern medicine, shiitake mushrooms possess medicinal properties that can aid in the treatment of certain diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular issues, diabetes, and kidney diseases.
“Shiitake mushrooms contain a type of polysaccharide called beta-glucan, which can enhance the immune system and fight against cancer. Additionally, shiitake mushrooms contain essential oils consisting of terpenes and sesquiterpenes, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The protein found in shiitake mushrooms helps provide energy and enhance health. They are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamins B and D, as well as minerals like iron, zinc, and copper. Certain amino acids in shiitake mushrooms, such as Adenosine, Guanosine, Uridine, and Thymidine, contribute to improved brain function and stress reduction,” said Dr. Trong Tin.
Dr. Tin also mentions that shiitake mushrooms are used in various herbal remedies for supporting the treatment of conditions such as:
- Remedy for insomnia and cardiovascular diseases: dried shiitake mushrooms with black beans and dried lotus leaves, boiled with water, strained, and consumed.
- Remedy for body nourishment: dried shiitake mushrooms with codonopsis, boiled with water, strained, and consumed.
- Remedy for headaches due to Qi and blood deficiency: dried shiitake mushrooms, rosemary, and licorice, boiled with water, strained, and consumed.
- Remedy for insomnia due to Qi and blood deficiency: dried shiitake mushrooms with astragalus and angelica, boiled with water, strained, and consumed.
Shiitake mushrooms are both a nutritious food and a valuable medicinal herb. To gain the benefits of shiitake mushrooms, it is essential to use them correctly and combine them with other ingredients for delicious meals that also promote health.
