Local inspiration! This Shoreditch mural promoted me to share a few tips about the health benefits of mushrooms – which have been used as medicine for thousands of years and modern science is only now starting to discover their value.
It turns out mushrooms have loads of health giving properties as they are rich in B vitamins, copper, selenium and anti oxidants all of which support the immune system. And what’s really interesting is that they contain anti cancer substances plus polysaccharides that are antibiotic and anti-inflammatory.
For a superfood all-rounder I recommend Reishi which has anti aging benefits, supports sleep and supports liver and heart health. It is so powerful that it has 7 times the vitamin C of an orange and 3 times as much iron as spinach and more protein than beans.
For brain power the mushroom Lion’s Mane is traditionally used by Buddhist monks to sharpen their mental faculties. Science now shows that it reduces the plaques in the brain that are seen in Alzheimer’s and other neuro-degenerative disorders, and may be nature’s food for the neurons as it actually regenerates brain and nerve cells.
One of the main anti cancer fighting mushrooms is Turkey Tail, which like Reishi has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years to stall the growth of some cancers. It has proved useful as a complementary medicine to improve immunity for those undergoing chemo or radiation therapies.
Or one of the simplest ways to benefit from fungi power is to pick up some fresh shitake mushrooms in the supermarket. These are potent in strengthening immune response and with beta-glucans that inhibit cancer growth – just eat them as you usually would.
