Why supplement with shiitake? Unlocking the secrets of the Shiitake Mushroom

Native to the forests of East Asia, shiitake grows naturally on decaying hardwood trees, mainly shii trees inspiring the fungi’s name. Widely used in Asian cuisine, they are often accompanied by other vegetables but may also act as a meat substitute due to their meatier texture.

With a delicious umami flavour, they’re particularly excellent with greens and nuts but it’s not just their taste that makes them so popular, they’re also highly nutritious. Hence why they’ve been traditionally used in Chinese and Japanese herbal medicine.

When we look to natural solutions to support wellness we tend to look to the east. Cultures across East Asia have long regarded food as medicine and key to unlocking longevity and promoting vitality. The shiitake mushroom is heralded as a superfood and its powers have been harnessed in many regions for centuries now. In the world of natural health, we’re beginning to wonder if the shiitake might just be one of the most effective natural wellness solutions we have to hand. And, could it even be key to tackling the growing issue of vitamin D deficiency?

Take a journey with us as we uncover the secrets of this fabulous fungi –

Nutritional benefits of Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms contain a wide variety of nutrients, including vitamin D, copper, selenium, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, potassium, manganese, magnesium, iron and phosphorus.

Notably, the shiitake features a particularly high amount of copper – a mineral that supports the immune system blood vessels and bones as well as promoting white blood cell growth.

Although some properties of shiitake mushrooms have been rumoured to reduce the risk of certain diseases, most studies have proved inconclusive or unsubstantial. Still, there is little doubt that shiitakes have a high nutritional value and, depending on how they have been cultivated, they may also provide us with vitamin D which many of us are lacking.

Why is shiitake taken as a supplement?

There are many ways to incorporate shiitake mushrooms into our diets. They’re available fresh, dried, as powder, and also as dietary supplements. So rich is the shiitake in vitamins and minerals, that cooking doesn’t appear to greatly affect its properties. In fact, in both traditional and modern Asian cooking, the water the shiitake is rehydrated or cooked in is usually used as broth not only because it’s super tasty but also for its nutritional value. Whether or not you’re supplementing shiitake, don’t miss out on this delicious mushroom and its palate-pleasing potential. If you’re trying to incorporate more plant-based food into your diet then this meaty mushroom is an excellent substitute for meat (but remember the protein content is lower).

The taste of shiitake is not for everyone though and many have a strong aversion to anything mushroom. Even if you are a shiitake lover, chances are you’re not getting high quantities of it in a Western diet. Being that it’s such a superfood, most of us would benefit from an increased presence of shiitake in the body and therefore might consider taking it as a supplement.

Shiitake supplements have been available in health stores since the 1980s. Yet, interest in them seems once again to be on the increase, for several reasons –

 Vitamin D in Shiitake Mushroom supplements

Vitamin D deficiency has unfortunately become quite prevalent and problematic in the past decade. According to The Cleveland Clinic, 50% of the global population has vitamin D insufficiency. Vitamin D is essential for bone health and a lack of this can lead to, or contribute to, osteoporosis. In children, it can cause rickets. Because vitamin D helps the body to absorb calcium, vitamin D deficiency can weaken bones and cause muscle fatigue, threatening our health and also leaving us low on energy.

While sunlight is our primary source of vitamin D, balancing sun exposure with the need to protect our skin from harmful UV rays—and the fact that many of us don’t spend enough time outdoors—can make it challenging to get adequate amounts. Vitamin D is also not widely found in foods, making it even harder to obtain. However, mushrooms may be an exception. When exposed to sunlight, they can absorb and retain Vitamin D, which is then transferred to us when we consume them. This, however, depends on how the mushrooms are grown, prepared, and cooked.

When taking high-quality shiitake supplements they should be produced in a way that fully exploits their vitamin D potential. Therefore, it may be the vitamin D in shiitake mushroom supplements that has renewed its popularity in health stores. 

Managing blood sugar

The war on sugar has raged for some time now but it seems our diet has only become more highly processed. The hidden sugars in much of our convenience food are largely being held accountable for the rise of type 2 diabetes. According to Diabetes UK, an estimated 5.6 million people in the UK live with the condition and that’s an all-time high.

The highly popular Glucose Goddess, Jessie Inchauspé, advocates managing sugar absorption in the body by consuming other nutrients that may slow the process down, such as some types of mushroom which have been linked with lowering glucose levels and boosting insulin production. As a natural solution to the unnaturally high sugar diet of the modern world, this approach is not only gaining favour but is thought to be highly effective and backed by science. 

Shiitake as a multi-purpose supplement 

Shiitake mushrooms contain so many health benefits and these are more highly concentrated and can be better absorbed into the body when consumed as a supplement.

Unlike many other supplements, shiitake is not generally recommended to treat or tame one specific deficiency or condition. Instead, it is considered a super all-round supplement capable of boosting well-being in most people, with just one key ingredient. It’s also suitable for vegans and a great option for those seeking a non-chemical all-natural solution to feeling better.

Shiitake Mushroom Supplements

Our new Shiitake Mushroom Supplements contain 5000mg extract making them super high in concentrated shiitake with 500mg from extract and 97mg vegetable cellulose capsule. They contain no gluten, wheat, dairy, added sugars, salt, preservatives, colourings or yeast. Designed to be taken once per day, they provide a rich source of vitamin D and a wide range of vitamins and minerals. Order your first bottle here.