Health benefits of Mushrooms
Mushrooms – There are a number of mushrooms that appear to help the body fight cancer and build the immune system. These include: Shiitake, maitake, reishi, Agaricus blazei Murill, & Coriolus Versicolor. These mushrooms contain polysaccharides, especially Lentinan, powerful compounds that help in building immunity. They are also a good source of Beta Glucan.
Mushrooms also contain a protein called lectin, which attacks cancerous cells and prevents them from multiplying. Thioproline is another protein found in mushrooms. These mushrooms can stimulate the production of interferon in the body.
Extracts from mushrooms have been successfully tested in recent years in Japan as an alternative to chemotherapy. PSK is made from the Coriolus Versicolor. Maitake mushroom extract is PCM4.