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Mushrooms Medicinal Benefits

 Mushrooms are the magic store of medicinal benefits. In ancient Egypt and Asia, mushrooms were a holy longevity tonic; in Europe, the mummified 5,000-year- old “Ice Man” was found with a medicine kit of dried mushrooms.

Cancer Fighting Properties

Many of the foods provided by nature contain cancer fighting ingredients, and mushrooms are no exception. According to recent studies, consuming just 31/2 ounces of the white button variety each day, can decrease the risk of developing prostate cancer and breast cancer. In Japan, Russia, China, and the U.S.A., several different antitumor agents have been developed from various medicinal mushrooms (Lentinus edodes, Ganoderma lucidum, Schizophyllum commune, Trametes versicolor, Inonotus obliquus, and Flammulina velutipes).

Protection against Alzheimer’s Disease and Age-related Cognitive Decline

Some research suggests that regular consumption of niacin-rich foods like crimini mushrooms also provides safety against Alzheimer’s disease and age-related cognitive decline. The “king of medicinal mushrooms”, now being researched extensively is the maitake, a large fan shaped tree fungus. It is said to give super immunity. “Maitake is one of nature’s richest sources of beta-glucans, which are among, or even may be, the most potent natural immune forces ever discovered”. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (USA) approved testing a compound called maitake D-fraction in treating complex breast and prostate cancers. A black, rubbery Chinese mushroom called moer, or tree ear, is a potent blood thinner. Tests at George Washington University identified the mushroom’s blood-thinning chemical as a adenosine, described as “similar to aspirin.” Adenosine also accounts for blood-thinning properties of onions and garlic.

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