Mushrooms have an immune-boosting action that prevents and fights cancers. Medicinal mushrooms have been studied to boost heart conditions, ward off viruses and bacteria, combat allergies, reduce inflammation and even support the detoxification mechanisms of our body.

It is estimated that with the 20,000 species of mushrooms, only 2,000 are edible and nutritious. These nutritional mushrooms heal body illnesses easily. It is low in calories, high in vegetable protein, vitamins and minerals.

Studies show that mushrooms are probiotic. They help to assist our body to strengthen itself and maintain physiological Mycoinfoostais (balance a natural resistance to diseases). Mushrooms have a material called chitin, similar to those found in lobster shells. It contains the potent immune stimulating compound called polysaccharides. Other compounds found are hemicellulose (AHCC), nucleosides, complex starches, triterpeniods and metabolites. These compounds aid in neuron transmission and in transporting nutrients and oxygen throughout our body.

Three of the different kinds have extraordinary healing potentials: the maitake, shiitake and reishi. These three have overlapping properties with regard to immune function.

Maitake is popularly known as hen-of-the-woods. It is found at the northern hemisphere of Japan, Europe, China and North America. A fresh maitake contains 91% moisture, proteins, fiber, carbohydrates, Vitamin B1, B2, A and C.

It is good for maintaining blood sugar levels, also stomach and intestinal problems. Researchers also indicate that it has the ability to regulate glucose, blood pressure, liver lipids, insulin, cholesterol and for weight loss.

Administer precaution because of its allergic effect to some individuals. Maitake can be taken 3 to 7 grams a day in tea or soups as a general health supplement.

Shiitake treats liver ailments and nutritional deficiencies. The Japanese FDA has certified one extract called lentinan derived from the shiitake to be an anti-cancer drug. The production of T-lymphocytes and other natural killing cells stimulates this extract. It has been said to be effective for liver, stomach, ovarian, bowel and lung cancers. Shiitake mushrooms can also increase libido and lowers serum cholesterol levels. One or two doses of fresh shiitake mushrooms can be taken for preventive care.

Reishi is for respiratory health issues and spirituality. It can increase the production of interleukin 1 and 2 that inhibits the growth of tumor. Positive effects have been reported as analgesic, protects against ionized radiation, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tussive, expectorant, antihistamine, antibacterial, anti-HIV activity and antiviral.

Historically, there were 2,000 Chinese patients with chronic bronchitis during the 1970s that improved when given the reishi syrup. Sixty to ninety percent of them had an increased appetite in two weeks.

Reishi can also treat cardiovascular diseases. It helps prevent many risk factors because of its high heart-saving content such as sterols, coumarin, mannitol, ganoderic acids and polysaccharides.

Vitamin expert Earl Mindel advised an average dose of 100 milligram per day to boost immune system, ease joint pain as well as reduce inflammation. Reishi comes with some side effects like dizziness, abdominal upset, nose bleeds and dry throat and mouth.

Some of Reishi's wide range of medicinal applications is for the leaky gut syndrome, as an aid to sleep, Epstein-Barr, as a laxative and as diuretic.

Reishi may be taken in soups, tablets, syrups, teas and by injection. Dosage should be administered with a health provider.

The medicinal qualities of mushroom are becoming widespread because of its current commercial cultivation. Many people are enjoying its benefits due to its effectiveness, especially in achieving a healthy condition for the coming years.