The Magic Mushrooms- What a Long Healthy Trip It’s Been
Image by Charles Haynes
Maitake Mushrooms/ Grifola frondosa – This exotic looking brown mushroom grows in clusters at the base of oaks and other trees. Like the other mushrooms in this series, maitakes have a long history of use for culinary and health purposes. Also like the others in this series, maitakes have captured the attention of many researchers in the pharmaceutical, naturopathic, allopathic, and traditional medical communities in recent years. Maitaike mushrooms are very rich in the following compounds: glycoproteins, ergosterols, Beta- glucans, arabinoxylanes, vitamin D2, and amino acids.
The benefits are many and include the ability to significantly increase immune functioning by boosting macrophage activity, T- cells, natural killer cells (NK’s), and interleukin 1 and 2. They can help regulate blood pressure, insulin, and blood sugar levels, reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, lower LDL and VLDL cholesterol and triglycerides. They also have antioxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and hepato-protective effects.
Maitakes are generally taken in doses of three to seven grams daily in a form processed by high temperature water extraction. The best brands are Eclectic Institute and NAMMEX (1 800 952 7921). New Chapter is also quite good and is available in natural food stores. While maitakes are recognized to be free of side effects, if you have any questions about usage with medications or specific health conditions, contact a naturopathic physician, an experienced Western or Traditional Chinese herbalist, or a holistic MD trained in botanical medicine. Stick around for the next chapter in the series on Superfoods and Phytonutrients.
Good Health,
Joe
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Joe,
This is fascinating, especially for people with heart trouble.
Need to check with my pharmacist and healthstore.
Hello Mr Alexander, Glad you found this and previous post informative. The great thing about these mushrooms is the lack of side effects and contraindications for those taking medications, while enhancing levels of cardiovascular and overall health. Good luck in tennis season and Good Health,
Joe