Maiitake Powder

Product Description

What is it?

Maitake (Grifola frondosa) is a polypore mushroom that grows in clusters at the base of trees, particularly oaks. In Japanese, it means “dancing mushroom”. Long time ago in Japan, the wild-crafted maitake mushroom was treated as precious thing, and could be exchanged for equal amount of silver. This is because Japanese people believe it is not only delicious, but also can be used to treat serious illness effectively. Mordern research found that it can enhance immune function by stimulating cell-mediated immunity. It can turn on the immune system’s T-cells, which travel the bloodstream seeking and destroying tumor cells. Some researches claim that it has antiviral properties and can be used as supplement for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and obesity.

How to use?

As a dietary supplement, take 1/2 tsp daily (can be mixed in with food or drinks).

Ingredients

Premium Maitake Powder

Origin: China

Health benefits

• Cancer Prevention
  Maitake mushrooms are highly sought after for their anti cancer properties. They are abundant in polysaccharides and polysaccharide-protein complexes that the body uses to fortify the immune system. The mushroom’s beta-glucan content works to promote important immune system functions, effectively activating white blood cells that fight off microorganisms that cause disease, including cancer. Maitake mushrooms enhance the activity of cells, inducing the production of interleukins and other lymphokines that have chemo protective effects, slow tumor growth, and help to inhibit the spread of cancer.

• Immune System Support
  Maitake mushrooms grow primarily in northeastern Japan and the United States, and are esteemed by traditional Chinese medicine for fighting disease and improving immunity. Regular consumption of maitake enhances the immune system as well as lowers blood pressure. The most effective ingredient in the mushroom is its beta-glucan, a polysaccharide compound that boosts the immune system through the activation of macrophage cells, natural killer cells and T-cells. These cells play an important role in building general immunity and preventing free radicals from harming the body’s systems.

• Blood Sugar Control
  The consumption of maitake mushrooms may regulate blood sugar levels and blood lipid levels. The polysaccharide compounds that promote the strength of the immune system are also effective in helping to regulate blood pressure, glucose, insulin and lipids. This effect is especially beneficial for people with diabetes or hypoglycemia. People with Type 2 Diabetes may also benefit from maitake mushrooms. Scientists have studied a specific, high-molecular polysaccharide in maitake called the X-fraction. Research results suggest that maitake mushrooms can reduce insulin resistance and increase insulin sensitivity.

• Lower Blood Pressure
  Research on animals suggests that maitake may help lower blood pressure in people. One study gave hypertensive rats a 5% maitake mushroom powder and observed a reduction in blood pressure. Similar results were seen from another study on rats, in which maitake lowered blood pressure from 200 to 115 mm Hg in just 4 hours. In an unpublished trial on humans, eleven patients with hypertension took 500 mg of maitake mushroom pills twice a day. A mean decrease in diastolic blood pressure of approximately 8 mm Hg and a mean decrease in systolic blood pressure of about 14 mm Hg were reported.

• Lower Cholesterol
  In one study on hyperlipidemic rats, maitake changed lipid metabolism through inhibiting the aggregation of liver lipids and the raising of serum lipids. Similar results were seen in rats fed a high-cholesterol diet. In another study, rats given powdered mushroom preparations saw a drop in both total cholesterol and very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol.

• Weight Loss
  Maitake mushrooms can promote weight loss and decrease obesity when combined with light exercise. Studies on overweight rats fed maitake powder found that after 18 weeks, they had lost weight compared with controls. They contain no cholesterol, no fats and are very low carbohydrates. Additionally, the high lean protein content of mushrooms helps burn cholesterol in digestion.