The charm of the unknown superfood "mushrooms" ~ Nutritionist's Column Vol.100
When you think of autumn flavors, mushrooms come to mind.
There are too many to list, including shiitake, matsutake, enoki, himetake, and kikurage.
It is said that there are between 4,000 and 5,000 species of mushrooms in Japan, but the exact number is unknown.
Of these, about 100 types of mushrooms are edible. They are mysterious plants, aren't they?
Mushrooms are a popular ingredient not only in Japan but also overseas.
While the types of mushrooms and cooking methods vary depending on the region and culture, they are enjoyed by many people as a taste of autumn.
What are mysterious creatures called "mushrooms"?
The word "mushroom" is used in many different senses, from the botanical definition to edible fungi.
Botanically, mushrooms are considered to be a part of the fungus family.
Fungi are neither plants nor animals and constitute a kingdom of their own.
Mushrooms are spore-bearing organisms that grow from underground mycelium and may obtain nutrients from the breakdown of decaying matter or through interactions with symbiotic plants.
In some cultures and folk medicine, certain mushrooms may be used for health or medicinal purposes.
For example, shiitake and mitsuke mushrooms are used in traditional Chinese medicine and are being studied for their effects on certain illnesses and improving immune function.
Mushrooms also play an ecological role in forests and natural environments.
They are involved in nutrient cycling in the soil and can have symbiotic relationships with plants, with some species even forming mycorrhizal symbioses where they exchange nutrients near the roots, influencing approaches to sustainable agriculture and forest management.
Research into the ecology of mushrooms is being actively conducted, and they are believed to play an important role in forests and ecosystems. Much has been learned about them, including their impact on the ecosystem, their adaptation to climate change, and their use in the production of food, medicines, and bioenergy.
The effects of eating mushrooms on the body
Here are some thoughts on what effect eating mushrooms has on the body:
Strengthening the immune system
It is rich in a compound called "beta-glucan," which is said to improve immune function.
This is a component that has many possibilities, including effects such as strengthening the immune system and suppressing cholesterol levels.
It has been reported to activate immune cells in the body and have anti-inflammatory properties, helping to fight infections and inflammation.
Beta-glucan is also a type of dietary fiber, so it helps eliminate unnecessary substances from the intestines and regulates the intestinal environment.
■Antioxidant effect
Mushrooms are rich in antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative stress in the body.
Antioxidants are expected to be effective in preventing aging, lifestyle-related diseases, and dementia.
■ Body Makeup
Mushrooms are low in calories and rich in dietary fiber, so consciously consuming them can be helpful for dieting and weight management.
Vitamins and Minerals
Mushrooms also contain vitamins (especially vitamin D) and minerals (especially selenium, copper, and zinc) that are known to contribute to bone health and immune function.
Recently, Japanese mushrooms such as Maitake and Enokitake have been attracting international attention and are popular in the food industry and among health-conscious people.
Maitake mushrooms have been studied for their immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, and it is hoped that they may be useful in supporting immune-related diseases.
Enoki mushrooms are low in calories and rich in dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals, making them a popular health food. They are widely accepted as part of Asian cuisine and vegan/vegetarian dishes.
In this way, mushrooms are perceived worldwide as a health food.
GRØN also has a product called "Golden Warrior" that contains white wood ear mushrooms, one of the most nutritious mushrooms.
White wood ear mushrooms are rich in vitamin D, which strengthens the immune system, promotes calcium absorption, and supports bone health.
Beta-glucan regulates the immune system, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
It also contains dietary fiber to support gut health, and B vitamins involved in energy production and skin health.
This caffeine-free vegan protein blend is great for your body.
By incorporating the autumn flavor of mushrooms into your life, you can boost your immunity and help your body resist infections during the cold season.
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Nutritionist, Food Education Instructor, Food 6th Industrialization Producer Level 4
Ayako Ishihara
A nutritional advisor in the healthcare field and an agribusiness professional.
She is involved in a variety of activities specializing in the fields of beauty and health, including giving lectures to Miss World Japan candidates.
With the philosophy of "enriching the mind and body through food and realizing a vibrant society where people and communities are connected," he founded i-Field Co., Ltd. in 2013 and serves as its representative.
He is a core member of the food team for "DINING OUT," which opens outdoor restaurants in various regions, and also participates in fashion brand projects.
She is also involved in the promotion of local ingredients, product development and production specializing in "health" and "beauty," branding, concept design, food hygiene, sales promotion, training planning and management, etc. She is in charge of nutritional supervision for GRØN's product development, proposing ways to incorporate them more effectively into consumer health.
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