Shiitake mushrooms are a popular food that can be consumed in various ways. They can be eaten alone or paired with pork fat, chicken, and other meats. Shiitake mushrooms are known for their excellent nutritional benefits and are even believed to have the ability to prevent cold viruses when used in chicken mushroom soup. So, can you eat shiitake mushrooms when you have a cold?
Nutritional Composition of Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms have a cooling nature and a slightly bitter taste. They are beneficial for the liver and stomach. Shiitake mushrooms are rich in protein, amino acids, mannitol, vitamins, linoleic acid, enzymes, as well as abundant minerals such as calcium, iron, and copper. They particularly contain essential amino acids needed by the human body. Regular consumption of shiitake mushrooms not only provides the body with essential nutrients but also boosts the body's ability to fight diseases, making them highly nutritious.
Nutritional Value of Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are characterized by high protein and low fat content, making them an ideal food for patients with high blood lipid levels and obesity. Among the 16 amino acids that make up the protein in shiitake mushrooms, 7 are essential for the human body and beneficial for the growth and development of children. Calcium and phosphorus in shiitake mushrooms are important components of bones and teeth, while iron is a crucial component of hemoglobin. Additionally, shiitake mushrooms have high levels of thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin, three trace elements closely related to human energy metabolism.
Therapeutic Effects of Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms contain a tumor-inhibiting component called shiitake polysaccharides, which have a molecular weight of 1 million. They also contain compounds such as eritadenine, adenine, and derivatives of adenine, which can reduce blood lipids. Furthermore, shiitake mushrooms contain interferon-inducing agents, double-stranded ribonucleic acid, which possesses antiviral properties. Additionally, shiitake mushrooms are rich in unsaturated fatty acids and contain a large amount of ergosterol and ergosterol derivatives, which can be converted into vitamin D. These components contribute to enhancing immunity, preventing colds, and aiding in the treatment of various diseases.
Can You Eat Shiitake Mushrooms When You Have a Cold?
Consuming shiitake mushrooms can help prevent colds. This is because shiitake mushrooms contain a compound called mushroom ribonucleic acid, which can stimulate the production and release of interferon in the body. Interferon can eliminate viruses in the body and strengthen the body's resistance to influenza viruses. Additionally, shiitake mushrooms contain shiitake adenine, which exhibits strong antiviral capabilities.
Other Benefits of Eating Shiitake Mushrooms
Weight Loss and Slimming
Shiitake mushrooms are rich in dietary fiber, which can promote intestinal peristalsis, help remove waste from the body, and prevent constipation, effectively reducing belly size. Furthermore, shiitake mushrooms can inhibit the absorption of fat, making them an excellent choice for weight loss. Moreover, shiitake mushrooms have a relatively low calorie content, making them a great option for those looking to slim down.
Liver Protection
Shiitake mushrooms contain high-purity, high-molecular-weight polysaccharides called shiitake polysaccharides. These substances have antiviral, interferon-inducing, and liver-protective effects. Regular consumption of shiitake mushrooms not only improves the body's immune function and reduces alanine transaminase (SGPT) levels in patients with hepatitis B but also helps prevent the progression of the disease.
Prevention of Rickets
Shiitake mushrooms contain ergosterol, an active ingredient that can be converted into vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D is essential for regulating calcium and phosphorus metabolism in the body and promoting bone growth and calcification. Therefore, shiitake mushrooms are an important food for preventing rickets in children and adult osteomalacia.
How to Eat Shiitake Mushrooms to Prevent Colds
Shiitake mushrooms can be cooked in various ways, such as frying or stir-frying to create delicious dishes. They can also be used to make soups through boiling or stewing methods. For individuals who experience frequent colds and excessive sweating due to qi deficiency, soaking 12 to 15 shiitake mushrooms with half a chicken and cooking them with water and seasonings can result in a soup that provides stronger prevention against influenza.
