Superfood: Shiitake

Health and beauty go hand in hand and a good diet is an important part of maintaining a good appearance or enhancing your own beauty.  

One special food that fits with this nutritional concept is the shiitake mushroom. Only a few years ago it was a little known delicacy, but now you can find it in almost every supermarket. However, not many people know why this mushroom is a superfood. This mushroom is rich in outstanding substances that make your body healthy:  it is an excellent source of protein and also contains lots of copper which is vital for the formation of connective tissue and blood, as well as for nervous system function. As well as vitamins B2, B3 and B6, the mushrooms also contain lots of vitamin B5, otherwise known as pantothemic acid. This vitamin is essential for a good metabolism and it is important for improving physical well-being. 65 g of mushrooms contain the recommended daily dose of this important vitamin.

It’s true that alongside the nicer looking button mushroom the shiitake, with its thin stalk and wavy brown cap is less attractive, but it is much richer in nutrients. They’ve long known it in Asia where it is the most widely grown mushroom. That’s probably because the health benefits of shiitake have long been known in Asia. In China and Japan, the mushroom has been used in food for headaches, dizziness, stomach problems or inflammation. In Asia they know that shiitake supports healthy digestion. Shittake is also associated with a cholesterol lowering effect, which makes it a real superfood. What other vegetable has such health benefits? 

The best thing: shiitake mushrooms are also really tasty. Whether fried on a salad or in an Asian dish with rice, it’s easy to make tasty food with shiitake that’s a real pleasure. And how practical- a tasty meal that’s also good for your health. So will little expense you can achieve a healthy diet that also benefits your own beauty.