Make some room for mushrooms
Mushrooms, neither a fruit nor a vegetable, is valued by the Chinese for its medicinal properties. It contains a set of antioxidants and works in its own subtle way providing the body with an armour against disease and ageing. The most common varieties of mushroom are:
Button: It helps the body get rid of excess mucus, and is beneficial to those who are prone to respiratory problems. It also helps boost immunity by increasing the white blood cell count. It has antibiotic properties. It helps the body to reduce heat conditions such as nose bleeds and boils on the back arising out of excessive intake of nonvegetarian food. Button mushrooms also help in reducing cholesterol.
Shiitake: This is a more exotic variety, brown or tan in colour. It is a source of interferon, a protein, which induces an immune response against viral diseases. It contains phytochemical lentinan, an immunity booster. It reduces cholesterol and improves blood circulation and detoxifies the body. These mushrooms are a good source of selenium, which helps to protect the
liver, and germanium, a mineral that enhances immunity.
Maitake: It is the costlier variety. It is highly valued because of the phytochemical D-fraction, which is known to exhibit anti-tumour growth properties. It bolsters the immune system and reduces blood pressure and blood sugar. It is greatly used in Japanese herbal medicine for its anti-tumour properties.
Black: It is also known as the black tree fungus. The Chinese use it for its beneficial effects on the blood. It reduces clumping of the blood-platelets, thereby thinning the blood. This greatly reduces the risk of coronary artery disease. It works like acetylsalicylic acid in its anticoagulant properties and also helps to retard the growth of cancerous tumours. It contains adenosine, which is a blood-thinning compound. The Chinese usually cook it with garlic, onions and ginger, all of which have potent blood-thinning properties. This probably accounts for the low rate of heart disease among the Chinese.