Shiitake Mushrooms: Nutrition, Benefits, & Side Effects

Shiitake is a variety of edible mushrooms native to East Asia. These mushrooms are rich in flavor, with a distinctive taste and many culinary uses. People in China first started cultivating shiitake mushrooms about 1,000 to 1,200 years ago. Shiitake mushrooms have many health benefits. They are rich in natural copper, a mineral that supports healthy blood vessels, bones, and immune health. They also have anti-inflammatory properties, and the protein they contain comprises all 18 amino acids. This article provides information about the nutritional facts, health benefits, and potential risks of shiitake mushrooms.

Know Your Ingredient: Shiitake Mushrooms

What Is It?
An edible mushroom with a distinct, earthy flavor native to East Asia.

What Are Its Benefits?
It has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant properties. It may help lower cholesterol and improve heart, skin, and bone health.

Who Can Consume It?
It can be safely consumed by everyone in moderation.

How Often?
It can be safely consumed every day. However, you should limit yourself to an average amount, such as 6 to 8 mushrooms.

Caution
Eating them without cooking or in high amounts can cause allergic reactions, stomach discomfort, and blood abnormalities.

What Are Shiitake Mushrooms?

Shiitake mushrooms are smaller than regular mushrooms. Their caps measure about 10 to 20 centimeters in diameter, and are attached to thin stems. The color of the cap is light to dark brown and has a wide, umbrella-like shape with a characteristic curled rim. When cooked, shiitake mushrooms release a garlic-pine aroma and have a savory, earthy, and smoky flavor.

Shiitake mushrooms, classified as Lentinula edodes, are the second most common type of edible mushrooms in the world after the button mushrooms. They are members of the Marasmiaceae family. They have been used in traditional medicine to reduce symptoms of the common cold, increase energy, and ward off hunger.

Shiitake mushrooms were grown on deadwood logs in the olden days, which was a time-taking process. Over the past few decades, alternative techniques for cultivating shiitake mushrooms have been developed – which involve the use of waste products like corn cobs and sunflower seed hulls as the growing media.

Trivia

The name ‘shiitake’ is actually a Japanese word that means ‘shii mushroom.’ Shii is the Japanese name for a type of evergreen tree on which mushrooms often grow.

Shiitake mushrooms are also rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are a good source of B complex vitamins and vitamin D. They also contain polysaccharides that help reduce cholesterol and boost immunity. In the following section, we will check out the nutrition profile of shiitake mushrooms.

Nutrition Facts Of Shiitake Mushrooms

100 grams of shiitake mushrooms contain the following nutrients (1):

Shiitake mushrooms are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Hence, they offer several health benefits. Let us discuss them in the next section.

Health Benefits Of Shiitake Mushrooms

1. May Improve Immune Function

The polysaccharides in the mushrooms, the β-glucans, are well known for their biological activity related to the immune system. Fungal β-glucans are especially beneficial to humans. They stimulate the human immune system and protect against pathogenic microbes, environmental toxins, and carcinogens. They also protect us from infectious diseases (2). β-glucan has been linked to altering the immune system. Lentinan, another compound in shiitake mushrooms, can interact with macrophagesⁱ  They are specialized cells in the body that help detect and fight bacteria and other harmful pathogens. , dendritic cells, and other immune cells. Shiitake mushrooms have also been found to enhance the production of IgA (immunoglobulin A), an antibody that boosts the immune function of cellular membranes (3).

As already discussed, the copper in shiitake mushrooms is essential for optimal innate immune function. Deficiency of copper may increase one’s susceptibility to bacterial infections (4).

Anthony Puopolo, a certified physician, says shiitake mushrooms do an excellent job of reducing inflammation and supporting immune health. They are known to be high in eritadenine as well, a compound that has been found to reduce cholesterol levels. All in all, shiitake mushrooms are an excellent health choice and are easy to introduce into your diet – whether raw, roasted, sautéed, or any other way that suits your fancy.

2. May Promote Heart Health

Shiitake mushrooms contain bioactive compounds that offer antioxidant defense. They also help prevent oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or the bad cholesterol) – and may help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. The mushrooms also contain α-tocopherol (vitamin E), oleic acid, linoleic acid, ergosterol, and butyric acid that may function as anti-atherosclerotic agents (5).

Studies also support the beneficial impact β-glucans can have on human health (6). Edible mushroom consumption may have beneficial effects on lipid profiles too. Mushrooms may help change some metabolic markers like low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides, and may promote cardiovascular health. Moreover, consumption of edible mushrooms is mainly associated with reducing mean blood pressure (7).

3. May Reduce Risk Of Cancer

Mushrooms possess antioxidant, hypocholesterolemicⁱ  A substance or the ability of a substance to lower cholesterol levels in the blood with potentially adverse effects. , anti-tumor, anti-cancer, immunomodulatoryⁱ  The ability to modulate immune response and exert a protective effect on the body by decreasing or increasing levels of antibodies. , anti-allergic, nephroprotectiveⁱ  The ability to protect the kidneys by reducing inflammation and helping clear metabolic wastes. , and antimicrobial properties. The active components in mushrooms responsible for their anti-cancer properties are lentinan, kristin, and hispolon. Shiitake mushrooms are rich in lentinan, which is known to suppress leukemia cell proliferation. The ethanol extract of this mushroom significantly decreased the cell proliferation cancer cells (8).

Mushrooms have shown anti-cancer properties against breast, bladder, colon, lung, and prostate cancers (9). Shiitake mushrooms are regarded as medicinal foods and are used in traditional Chinese medicine for their anti-cancer and other medicinal properties.

Further research also supports the cancer prevention effects of lentinan in shiitake mushrooms (10).

4. May Promote Skin Health

Ethanolic extracts of shiitake mushrooms possess anti-inflammatory, anti-tyrosinase, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties.

These extracts are also often introduced to base cosmetic creams.

The antioxidant capacity of shiitake mushrooms can help fight oxidative stress and offer anti-aging benefits (11). For many years, people all over the world have been using wild mushrooms in their cosmetics. Today, several types of mushrooms are introduced in topical creams, lotions, ointments, serums, and facial preparations. These mushrooms include Shiitake (Lentinula edodes), Maitake (Grifola frondosa), Reishi or Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum), and Fu Ling (Wolfiporia extensa). They are known for their antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects (12).

Mushroom extracts, including that of shiitake mushrooms, also possess anti-irritant properties. Shiitake mushrooms contain polysaccharides, triterpenes, proteins, lipids, phenols, and cerebrosides. These serve as anti-irritants and antioxidants and stimulate the skin’s natural renewal process. They also offer protection against photoaging and help improve skin elasticity. The natural shiitake complex inhibits elastase activity and eventually slows down wrinkle formation (13).

5. May Improve Bone Health

Shiitake mushrooms contain a decent amount of vitamin D, which is known to improve bone mineral density as it has significant bioavailability (14). Vitamin D is responsible for stimulating the synthesis of calcium, helping transport proteins in the small intestine, enhancing the absorption of dietary calcium, and reducing the risk of osteomalaciaⁱ  A condition in which the bones of the body become soft due to an issue with vitamin D availability or function. in adults and rickets in children (15).

A combination of extracts from L. edodes (shiitake mushrooms) and G. frondosa may reduce bone loss in the lumbar spine. L. edodes may also promote osteoblasts (cells that support new bone formation) and decrease lumbar spine bone loss. Hence, mushroom extracts can be considered a preventive treatment and/or a supplement with regard to bone health (16).

6. May Have Antiviral And Antibacterial Activity

Shiitake mushroom extract exhibited antimicrobial activity against 85% of the organisms, 50% of which were yeast and mold species (17). Mushrooms require antibacterial and antifungal compounds to survive in their natural environment. These antimicrobial compounds are isolated from many mushrooms and could be of benefit to humans (18).

Mushrooms can be used as an alternative to natural sources of new antimicrobials. Mushroom extracts have phenolic compounds that exhibit antioxidant and antimicrobial activity (19).

Mushrooms can be termed as nutritional foods with many proven benefits. But despite their health benefits, their intake may also have some potential downsides. Learn more in the next section.

Potential Side Effects Of Shiitake Mushrooms

1. May Cause Gastrointestinal Problems

Excess intake of shiitake mushroom powder may lead to eosinophiliaⁱ  A condition in which a high number of white blood cells are created in the body due to an allergen or drug. and increased gastrointestinal symptoms. Many people refrain from eating shiitake mushrooms due to rashes or abdominal discomfort, and also may develop eosinophilia (20). The mushrooms may also cause bowel obstruction in a few (21).

2. May Cause Allergic Reactions

Consumption of undercooked shiitake mushrooms can cause shiitake mushroom dermatitis or flagellate dermatitis. This rash develops slowly and spreads rapidly over 24 hours. Shiitake dermatitis is a skin eruption that shows whiplash marks and occurs after consumption of raw shiitake mushrooms. It occurs due to the toxic reaction to lentinan (22).

Other allergic symptoms include linear erythematous eruptionsⁱ  A kind of skin rash that occurs if blood capillaries become inflamed or injured. It is usually mild and gets better in a few weeks. with papules. Dermatitis may occur through ingestion of mushrooms or from handling, which can result in contact dermatitis (23).

Jane, a blogger, recounts an unsettling experience after consuming a Shiitake mushroom, garlic, and sweet chili pizza. Subsequent consumption led to extreme exhaustion, followed by an itchy rash on her upper arms and scalp. She said, “On Sunday morning I woke up feeling itchy on my upper arms and scalp. Then last night when I bathed I noticed a blistery rash all over my stomach, back and lower arms etc. It is extremely itchy! And quite alarming. I am covered in this blistery rash which itches like mad!” She added, “But I have done some research and I am now pretty convinced it is Shiitake Dermatitis Syndrome (i).”

Quick Tip

You may store shiitake mushrooms in a wooden box in a dark, cold, and dry place. They last up to 14 days when stored in a refrigerator.

Can I Eat Shiitake Mushrooms Every Day?

Yes, but in limited quantities. One can take ½ a cup of shiitake mushrooms every day to reap their benefits. Ensure the mushrooms are cooked properly. Do not microwave them (as it may increase the risk of allergic reactions).

Here is a quick and delicious recipe you can follow to discover the delights of having Shiitake mushrooms in your diet.

Shiitake Mushroom Recipe

Garlic Butter Shiitake Mushrooms

Ingredients

• 10 ounces of fresh shiitake mushrooms
• 2-3 cloves of garlic
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• Fresh parsley
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

How To Prepare

1. Clean and slice the shiitake mushrooms.
2. Melt butter over medium heat in a skillet.
3. Mince the garlic cloves and add it. Cook until they turn fragrant.
4. Toss in the mushrooms and sauté until they are tender and browned.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Shiitake Mushroom good for weight loss?

Yes, studies show that shiitake mushrooms may help proper weight management, prevent fat deposition, and lower fat levels in your body (24).

Can you eat the entire shiitake mushroom?

Yes, you can eat the entire shiitake mushroom. Since the stem has a fibrous texture, you can cut it out or use them to create a mushroom broth.

Can shiitake be eaten raw?

Yes, fresh shiitake mushrooms can be eaten raw. However, practice caution because they may cause an allergic reaction (22).

Is shiitake good for diabetics?

Yes, shiitake mushrooms may reduce high blood sugar levels and boost insulin secretion (25). People with diabetes mellitus may add this to their diet.

Should I use shiitake stems?

Yes, you can use the stems from shiitake mushrooms to make a delicious soup, or stock.

Illustration: Shiitake Mushrooms: Nutritional Value Benefits And Side Effects

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Learn more about the surprising benefits of shiitake mushrooms in this enlightening video. Learn how incorporating these mushrooms in your diet can contribute to your overall well-being.

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Nilofar PendhariCertified Clinical Nutritionist

     

Nilofar Pendhari is a physiotherapist, dietitian, and certified clinical nutritionist having over 9 years of professional experience in the field of dietetics. She specializes in providing effective diet plans for her client’s fitness and weight loss goals.

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Aparna MallampalliHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Aparna is a professor-turned-content writer with over 5 years of experience in life sciences. Her passion for writing and interest in the healthcare and wellness industry pushed her toward a career in content writing. She has a master’s degree in microbiology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a diploma in nutrition from Fab Academy.

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Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

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Sindhu Koganti is a Certified Health and Nutrition Life Coach and has over 6 years of experience in writing on health and wellness topics. She has a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, and a diploma in nutrition from Fab Academy.

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