The shiitake mushroom originates from Asia but can be found in the wild all over the world – even in Florida. This mushroom is renowned for its supposed medicinal properties. In Asia, shiitake has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, often combined with herbs and other natural remedies. But what does science say?
Several scientifically proven health benefits of shiitake exist. The Latin name for this mushroom is Lentinus edodes, and researchers have discovered that it contains a polysaccharide called Lentinan. This compound strengthens the immune system by activating T-helper cells, making the body more resistant to viruses and bacteria. In Japan and the U.S., Lentinan is even used as a supportive treatment for cancer, in combination with chemotherapy.
Another interesting compound in shiitake is Eritadenine, which has been shown to have cholesterol-lowering properties. This makes the mushroom not only delicious but also a healthy addition to your diet.
But how does shiitake actually taste? While science is important, the culinary experience matters too. From personal experience, I can say that shiitake is delicious in many dishes. A friend and I once ate almost a kilo of shiitake in one sitting – and briefly thought our lips were going numb (probably due to the pepper in the dish). This sparked a humorous idea: selling shiitake-based snack cubes to tourists in Amsterdam under the name “Shiitashit” – but that idea never made it past the brainstorming stage.
What we did notice, however, was that shiitake seems to have a positive effect on digestion. After eating it, you experience a smooth and natural bowel movement. With a few doctors in my family, I asked how many people struggle with constipation. Surprisingly, the number is around 50%! This led to a business idea: a shiitake-based digestive supplement called Havelax. Our slogan? “Can’t go? Take Havelax!”
For now, it’s just an idea, but one thing is certain: shiitake is not only tasty but also a healthy addition to your meals!
