Mushroom magic: discover the health and beauty...

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Mushroom magic: discover the health and beauty advantages of medicinal mushrooms

and you just might fall under their powerful spell

 

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FKA/is_2_69/ai_n27125054

 

Better Nutrition ,    by Laurel Vukovic

 

Far more than just a topping for pizza, mushrooms have been revered for

centuries in Asia as powerful healing tonics. In the past several decades,

hundreds of studies have supported the traditional uses of mushrooms for

medicinal purposes.

Finding out about Fungus

Science has confirmed that mushrooms contain a variety of active compounds,

including polysaccharides, glycoproteins, triterpenes and antibiotics. The most

intensively researched compounds have been the polysaccharides, large, complex

sugar molecules that enhance immune function by increasing the activity of

macrophages--big white blood cells that engulf harmful microorganisms and

damaged cells.

 

While immune-enhancing compounds have held center stage, other compounds in

mushrooms have been identified, too, as having health-protective properties.

Reishi contains triterpenes that decrease blood pressure, maitake contains a

glycoprotein that helps regulate blood sugar levels, and lion's mane contains

hericenones that may help stimulate the growth of nerve cells in the brain.

The following mushrooms are among the most promising when it comes to health and

beauty:

 

Agaricus

Also known as " mushroom of the sun, " agaricus grows in a mountainous area near

Sao o, Brazil. A delicious edible mushroom with a rich almond flavor,

agaricus is packed with immune-enhancing compounds called beta-glucans. In

Japan, agaricus is commonly used as a cancer therapy. In a 2004 study, 100

patients with gynecological cancers treated with an extract of agaricus had

increased activity of natural killer cells (a type of white blood cell that

kills infectious microorganisms and tumor cells) and improved quality of life.

 

Cordyceps

One of the more unusual members of the mushroom family, cordyceps is a parasitic

fungus that grows on a Tibetan caterpillar (cordyceps produced commercially in

Western countries is grown on rice, soybeans or other plant media). Regarded in

China as a strength and energy tonic, cordyceps made headlines in 1994 when

Chinese Olympic runners attributed their record-breaking success to the fungus.

It's more than an energy tonic, though--in laboratory studies, cordyceps has

shown anti-tumor properties.

 

Lion's Mane

The shaggy, beautiful lion's mane mushroom holds hope for restoring healthy

brain function in patients with Alzheimer's. Laboratory studies have found that

compounds in lion's mane called hericenones and erinacines stimulate the

regrowth of neurons (cells in the brain that carry out neurological functions),

in a study of Japanese patients suffering from dementia, those given 5g of

lion's mane daily for six months showed improvement in symptoms.

 

Maitake

Commonly called " hen of the woods " because it resembles the ruffled tail

feathers of a hen, this mushroom has been prized for centuries in Asia as a

longevity tonic. Compelling research indicates that maitake mushrooms strengthen

immune function, have antiviral properties, fight cancer, lower blood pressure

and improve blood sugar metabolism.

 

Reishi

Called the " mushroom of immortality " in China, reishi is a hard, woody, inedible

fungus. In laboratory studies, reishi has been shown to enhance immune function

and inhibit tumor growth as well as to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure.

Recent research has demonstrated that taking reishi can result in an increase in

blood levels of antioxidants, offering protection against degenerative diseases.

Holistic physician Weil, MD, has formulated skin care products using

mushrooms (including reishi and cordyceps) and other natural ingredients.

The line (Plantidote by Origins) is designed to tame inflammation, which,

according to Weil, can cause puffiness, wrinkles and fine lines as well as dry,

red skin.

 

Tremella

A jelly-like flowery fungus popular in Chinese cuisine, tremella has been used

in China for centuries as a medicine, a delicacy and to beautify the skin and

promote weight loss. Tremella contains polysaccharides that when applied

topically can help the skin retain moisture and improve skin texture.

 

Turkey Tail/Coriolus

A common tree fungus, turkey tail looks--not surprisingly--like a turkey's tail,

with a stiff, rounded shape and bands of varying colors. In traditional Chinese

medicine, turkey tail is used to strengthen vitality and improve liver function.

Scientists have identified polysaccharides in turkey tail that enhance immunity

and stimulate the body's natural cancer-fighting ability.

from left to right:

* MAITAKE PRODUCTS INC. offers two ways get the beautifying benefits of

tremella--SUPER TREMELLA CAPLETS and AQUAMELLA, an antiaging face cream that

contains tremella extract, pearl powder, CoQ10, alpha-lipoic acid and other

skin-softening ingredients.

* HEALTH KING REISHI LIVER GUARD HERB TEA has a great natural flavor (with added

green tea and jasmine flower) and can be used to enhance detoxification and

overall vitality. Let steep for 3-5 minutes for best results.

* Although best known for its Coriolus-PSP, MUSHROOM SCIENCE also sells a full

range of mushroom supplements, including CORDYCEPS Cs-4 for energy and endurance

(above). All products are made using a clinically researched " hot water

extraction " process, said to preserve mushrooms,' active compounds.

 

 

Love, Gabby. :0)

http://stemcellforautism.blogspot.com/

 

" I know of nobody who is purely Autistic or purely neurotypical. Even God had

some Autistic moments, which is why the planets all spin. " ~ Jerry Newport