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Fun fact: My coffee bar has a basket full of mushroom coffee and drinks. One of the powerful mushrooms found there is the maitake.
This sober mushroom is also called “forest hen”. It got its name because the overlapping leaves resemble the feathers of a nesting hen. Over the centuries, maitake’s many benefits have sparked interest in researchers and health enthusiasts alike. Not only is it a medicinal mushroom, but it is prized as an ingredient in dishes with excellent umami.
What are maitake mushrooms?
also called maitake grifola frondozais an edible mushroom native to China. It also grows in mountains in northeastern Japan, Europe, North America, and other parts of Asia. Besides forest chicken, another common name for this mushroom is ‘sheep’s head’.
“Maitake” means dancing mushroom in Japanese. It is said that the origin of the name comes from the fact that people danced crazy when they found it. For centuries, people have known how beneficial this kind of mushroom is. It is a kind of mushroom called “medicinal mushroom”. Maitake has a long history of use in both cooking and medicine. “Let’s make food medicine.”
Maitake mushroom nutrients
Maitake is an excellent source of amino acids, B vitamins, vitamin D, phosphorus and potassium. It also provides dietary fiber that feeds beneficial intestinal bacteria. Their cell walls are rich in anti-inflammatory beta-glucans that help support the immune system.
Vitamin D
Maitake is a natural source of vitamin D, but its amount varies depending on growing conditions, sun exposure, and maturity. Maitake mushrooms synthesize vitamin D when exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet (UV) light during growth. This is similar to how human skin reacts to sunlight. The type of vitamin D found in fungi is D2, not D3.
Rin
Maitake mushrooms also contain phosphorus. Our bodies use this essential mineral for various physiological processes. Some examples include bone health, energy metabolism, cell membrane structure, DNA/RNA synthesis, etc.
potassium
Potassium is present in most plants and fungi and is essential to the human diet. This essential mineral plays an important role in maintaining good health, including fluid balance.
Potassium, like sodium and magnesium, is an electrolyte. These elements carry electrical charges and are involved in thousands of important processes. Beyond its role in fluid balance, it supports nerve function, muscle function and heart health.
Healing effect of maitake
Maitake mushrooms are attracting attention for their health benefits.
It contains many bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, beta-glucans, antioxidants and other phytonutrients. These compounds likely contribute to its medicinal properties, making it a popular mushroom.
immune support
Medicinal mushrooms are known to support the immune system. Maitake mushrooms are no exception. Like other medicinal mushrooms, maitake contains beta-glucan. These mushroom-based polysaccharides help support a healthy immune response. Polysaccharides are generally complex carbohydrates made up of smaller sugar molecules. These sugars may support a variety of processes that increase the body’s resilience.
A 2014 animal study investigated the immune-enhancing effects of both maitake and shiitake mushrooms. Researchers have found that maitake stimulates a vigorous immune response. However, synergy with shiitake mushrooms provides a stronger effect. Mushroom blend was the most potent, but maitake alone ranked him second.
Providing cancer support
Maitake mushrooms are great at regulating the immune system, which may help the body fight cancer. Studies have shown that the beta-glucans in maitake have an anti-tumor immune response. Several scientific studies reported that maitake stopped tumor growth in mice.
Beta-glucan may increase the activity of certain immune cells such as natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages. These cells play an important role in identifying and destroying cancer cells. By supporting immune function, maitake may help our ability to fight cancer.
Another way maitake can help cancer is by promoting apoptosis. Apoptosis is programmed cell death that eliminates damaged or abnormal cells (such as cancer cells). Some studies suggest that maitake mushroom extract may induce apoptosis in bladder and breast cancer cells.
A promising extract is maitake D-fraction, available in supplement form. Vitamin C enhances the action of both D-fraction and MD-fraction maitake extract.
Maitake should not necessarily replace other cancer treatments. However, it can complement other treatments. Always follow the medical advice of a trusted healthcare professional.
May balance cholesterol levels
Another way maitake can help prevent chronic disease is by balancing cholesterol levels. LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, but it’s not quite that simple. Lipoprotein expert Dr. Cromwell explains more in this episode of his podcast. Other health factors (particularly insulin resistance) also have a large impact on cholesterol levels.
The antioxidants in maitake may also reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. When inflammation is reduced, less cholesterol builds up in arteries. As a result, it provides protection against heart disease.
may lower blood pressure
Finding ways to consume maitake mushrooms regularly may reduce high blood pressure. In one animal study, researchers gave rats maitake extract to reduce age-related high blood pressure. The researchers were surprised to find that the D-fraction extract also improved insulin sensitivity. This may help explain why maitake is also useful for cholesterol balance.
In an older animal study (1989), researchers fed rats maitake mushrooms for eight weeks. Blood pressure, triglycerides and cholesterol levels all decreased at the end of the study. The ability of maitake to lower these markers suggests that maitake may help reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.
Helps blood sugar balance and diabetes
A Japanese study tested maitake fruiting body powder in diabetic mice. Maitake powder had a strong anti-diabetic effect. The improvement occurred over the four months he studied.
Another study examined effects on diabetic rats. Feeding rats with this mushroom improved their glucose tolerance and blood sugar levels by the end of the study. Researchers concluded that the bioactive compounds found in mushrooms may reduce symptoms of diabetes.
promote fertility
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disease in which cysts develop on the outer rim of the ovaries. These fluid-filled cysts contain follicles but do not regularly release eggs. The result is irregular periods, lack of ovulation, and excessive hair growth. Women with PCOS may have other hormone-related symptoms, but the most worrying symptom is infertility.
Maitake mushrooms may help. A 2010 Japanese study followed women with PCOS who took maitake extract or the drug clomiphene citrate. The results showed that maitake extract induced ovulation in 77% of her PCOS patients. The mushroom was nearly as effective as the prescription drug.
Maitake risks and precautions
Maitake mushrooms are generally considered safe to eat. Asian countries have a long history of culinary and medicinal use. However, it is important to be aware of potential risks and side effects and take necessary precautions. Here are some considerations for maitake mushrooms.
Maitake mushrooms can lower blood sugar levels, so be careful if you are taking blood sugar-lowering medications. In some cases, maitake can lower blood sugar levels too much, causing hypoglycemia.
How to use maitake
You may find fresh maitake mushrooms in the produce section of your local grocery store. If not, you can still find dried maitake mushrooms at natural food stores or online. If you want to store them, store them in a paper bag in the refrigerator so that the maitake mushrooms can “breathe” and absorb excess moisture.
Maitake mushrooms are delicious in soups, stir-fries, omelets, and casseroles. You can also sauté it with butter or olive oil. This forest chicken is also excellent with real chicken, such as roasted chicken. Here are some other ways to enjoy maitake mushrooms.
- Sauté or stir-fry: Cook in butter or olive oil over medium heat until softened and slightly browned. Serve as a side dish or add to salads, rice (risotto), or your favorite type of pasta.
- roast: Roasting the maitake mushrooms enhances the flavor and allows you to enjoy the texture. Toss the mushrooms with olive oil, garlic and herbs, spread on a baking sheet and bake in the oven until golden brown and crisp on the edges.
- grill: Maitake mushrooms are great for grilling. Simply grease and season with salt and pepper. Then grill until tender and slightly charred. Grilled maitake mushrooms are a delicious and flavorful addition to any barbecue or cookout.
- Tea and soup: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) sometimes uses maitake in herbal teas and soups. These are easy ways to reap the health benefits of maitake mushrooms.
- Mushroom coffee: Mushroom coffee often contains mushroom powder or maitake extract. For more information on mushroom coffee, check out this blog post.
Tips for eating maitake mushrooms
When cooking with maitake mushrooms, wash them properly before using them. Wipe gently with a damp cloth or use a soft brush to remove dirt and debris. Avoid washing as it easily absorbs moisture. Too much moisture can affect texture and flavor.
Maitake is available fresh, dried, and in supplement form. If using dried maitake mushrooms, soak them in warm water before cooking to restore texture and flavor. If you want to enjoy the benefits of maitake mushrooms without eating them every day, you can find maitake mushrooms in supplement form. Ideally, normalize to a D fraction of 30%.
Maitake and other medicinal mushrooms are a great addition to your wellness regimen.
what i do
I regularly drink medicinal mushrooms in a delicious mushroom “coffee” or tea.the kids love me too Four Sigmatic Golden chai latte with hot chocolate and medicinal mushrooms!
Learn more about other types of medicinal mushrooms and their benefits below.
Have you ever eaten or consumed any form of maitake mushrooms? how was the result? Share it below!