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Sep 19, 2023

Mushrooms May Be The Best Food for Your Health

Published on The impact of our dietary choices on health is widely recognized,

Published on

The impact of our dietary choices on health is widely recognized, with certain foods being acknowledged for their potential benefits or detriments. In the realm of promoting a healthier lifestyle, mushrooms have garnered attention for their abundant nutritional profile, rich in essential components like vitamin B, antioxidants, and potassium.

Interestingly, emerging evidence indicates that mushrooms might possess unique properties that could contribute to cancer prevention or positively influence outcomes for individuals affected by cancer.

In Japan and China, mushrooms have long been employed as a therapeutic remedy for lung diseases. In certain cases, they are even administered alongside conventional cancer treatments.

Ongoing research endeavors are dedicated to investigating the potential of mushrooms in enhancing the immune system. Scientists speculate that certain chemical compounds present in mushrooms possess the ability to bolster immune function.

Should these compounds prove effective, researchers are intrigued by the possibility that mushrooms could be utilized in the battle against cancer cells, harnessing their immune-boosting properties to potentially augment cancer treatments.

According to Cancer Research UK, there is insufficient evidence to assert that mushrooms can definitively prevent or cure cancer, but it highlights the specific types of mushrooms that scientific research suggests may offer potential health benefits.

The shiitake mushroom has gained popularity in the UK as a plant-based alternative to meat, owing to its unique properties. Native to East Asia, shiitake mushrooms are now cultivated worldwide and highly regarded for their potential health benefits.

Cancer Research UK explains that shiitake mushrooms have been traditionally valued in certain cultures as an anti-cancer agent. These mushrooms, available in fresh and dried forms, are commonly used in East Asian cuisine.

The focus on shiitake mushrooms as a potential anti-cancer remedy centers around their extracts. One notable extract is lentinan, a beta-glucan—a type of complex sugar compound.

According to Cancer Research UK, beta-glucan has the capacity to stimulate the immune system. It achieves this by activating specific cells and proteins within the body to target cancer cells. Laboratory studies have demonstrated that beta-glucan might impede the growth of certain cancer cells.

In a comprehensive literature review of 12 studies conducted in China, researchers examined the potential benefits of lentinan, a compound found in shiitake mushrooms, when used alongside chemotherapy for lung cancer treatment.

The findings revealed that lentinan exhibited positive effects on the immune system, contributing to its potential therapeutic value. Additionally, lung cancer patients reported an improvement in their quality of life upon supplementation with lentinan.

However, it is important to note that further research on a larger scale is required to fully comprehend the extent of shiitake extract's impact on individuals battling cancer."

The aforementioned study, cited by Cancer Research UK, was published in the Indian Journal of Cancer in 2015, shedding light on the preliminary evidence regarding the potential benefits of lentinan in lung cancer treatment.

The study revealed that individuals diagnosed with lung cancer experienced notable improvements in their response to chemotherapy treatment and a reduction in chemotherapy-related side effects after receiving lentinan injections.

According to a comprehensive review published in the Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science journal in 2019, an extensive analysis of 135 existing studies was conducted over a span of 12 years to examine the relationship between lentinan and cancer.

This comprehensive review encompassed a wide range of cancer types, including 3,469 cases of lung cancer, 3,039 cases of gastric cancer, 1,646 cases of bowel cancer, 183 cases of ovarian cancer, 130 cases of cervical cancer, 70 cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and 15 cases of pancreatic cancer, among others.

The findings of the review concluded that lentinan demonstrated a substantial positive impact on both the quality of life and the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation therapy in the treatment of cancer. The clinical data collectively support the notion that lentinan can play a pivotal role in enhancing cancer treatment outcomes.

According to a comprehensive review published in the Anti-cancer Research journal in 2009, the combined findings of multiple studies indicate a noteworthy benefit when lentinan, derived from mushrooms, is added to standard chemotherapy. The analysis highlighted a significant advantage in terms of survival for individuals with advanced gastric cancer compared to chemotherapy alone.

Additionally, Cancer Research UK acknowledges the extensive research conducted on various mushroom species for their potential anti-cancer properties. Among these species are reishi mushrooms, maitake mushrooms, agaricus sylvaticus mushrooms, and phellinus linteus. Their unique characteristics and bioactive compounds have been the focus of scientific exploration, revealing promising prospects in the fight against cancer.

While more research is needed to fully understand their therapeutic potential, these findings highlight the promising role mushrooms may play in supporting overall health and well-being, particularly in the context of cancer prevention and management.

Image Credit: Getty