The Marvellous Mushroom!

This week, we’ve been turning up the heat on health and I’m already feeling full of energy with the vibrancy of the salads, fruits and grains that have been brightening up the week.

Part of feeling healthy and good about yourself, is also taking time to wind down and take time out. Everyone needs a bit of quiet time and some space to do their own thing. That’s taking care of your MIND health and trust me, if that’s in check, you will be a warrior come the madness of the week. So, I confess, apart from hill walking or deep sea fishing, my favourite time to just potter about and reflect and wind down always happens when I get some time alone in the kitchen.

Cooking of course…but to really turn the volume down, I like to cook a slow meltingly beautiful, creamy risotto. I love the calmness this dish seems to bring with the ladlefuls of stock intensifying the flavour as you stir it all up. Breathe and just chill. Now, when I started thinking up recipes for this week , I wanted to really bring in a powerhouse of super healthy ingredients and I must admit, there wasn’t much screaming out about super foods when I looked at this recipe. How wrong was I? When I did research my main ingredient, a handful of potent mushrooms, I was truly blown away. Read on and discover what exceptional health qualities mushrooms have. So, next time don’t knock the old humble button mushroom, this is one ninja of a vegetable!

Shiitake Can Fight Tumors– These flavorful, meaty mushrooms contain lentinan which is a natural anti-tumor compound. It has been developed by the Japanese into a beneficial anti-cancer treatment. In turn, it is an excellent source of vitamin D and fighting infection. Four to five ounces per day is recommended.

Reishi: The Super Anti-‘Shroom– This mushroom that looks like a large brown and white flower made of wood, has the following properties: anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal. In addition, reishi mushrooms contain gandodermic acid which helps reduce cholesterol which in turn can lower high blood pressure. A few ounces per day is a good addition to a meal.

Maitake Mushrooms for Breast Cancer– A half of a cup per day of maitake mushrooms is said to be able to sweep the system, find abnormal cells and cause them to self-destruct. At the same time, these trumpeting bushels can trigger the body to release killer immune system cells.

Oysters for HIV – Oyster mushrooms are being studied as a possible defense against HIV. Due to its high anti-oxidant compounds, these mushrooms can be a life saving ingredient.

Chanterelle: The Other Anti ‘Shroom – Looking like a single mini-trumpet this mushroom has been associated with anti-microbial, bacterial and fungal properties. They are also high in vitamin C, D and potassium.

Porcini for Anti-Inflammation– A meaty mushroom similar to the Portabello has been used as a successful anti-inflammatory. It contains the compound ergosterol which is capable of cytotoxicity which is the process of attacking enemy cells.

Shimeji Fights Tumors Asthma and More– These are the tiny capped, long stemmed species that can be found in many Asian soups or as a garnish. Be sure and pay close attention to this one as it contains beta-glucans. According to the National Cancer Institute of Japan this compound is a successful remedy for retarding and destroying growing tumors. Shimeji mushrooms can also help diabetes, asthma and certain allergies by enhancing the immune system and boosting its healing capabilities.