If you love eating mushrooms, you’re not only getting its delicious taste but also its numerous medicinal benefits. You’re getting more from mushrooms than you think. The best part of all is that if you know how to forage for mushrooms, you can get them free. Here are some of the best medicinal mushrooms that you can try.
Shiitake Mushrooms
Many Japanese dishes use Shiitake mushrooms. It’s because this mushroom variety can provide a delicious and distinct flavor to the food. It’s savory and rich, and it’s a kind of flavor that you will only understand once you’ve tried eating Shiitake mushrooms.
This type of mushroom can be used for soups so that you can enhance the broth’s umami flavor. You can even stir fry it if you want to enjoy that crunchiness. It’s a versatile mushroom that you can add in so many types of dishes.
Moreover, Shiitake mushrooms are not only famous for its flavor but also for its medicinal qualities. If you’re trying to lose weight, you can eat as many Shiitake mushrooms as you want, and you won’t have to worry about extra calories because it’s healthy.
If you have hypertension, Shiitake mushrooms can also help in controlling your blood pressure. And if you’re looking for a way to have healthier and younger-looking skin, Shiitake mushrooms can help you achieve that as well.
Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
This mushroom is known for boosting brain power because of the benefits it gives to one’s cognitive health. It can also help those who have Alzheimer’s because the Lion’s Mane mushrooms have properties that can repair some of the damage. It can help in restoring the cognitive functions of those with brain diseases.
Cooking Lion’s Mane mushrooms is easy. You only have to saute the mushrooms using medium heat. You can also add butter when the moisture of the mushrooms has evaporated. What you’ll get are golden-brown Lion’s Mane mushrooms that are so delicious and healthy. Make sure that you don’t add too much butter to keep the mushrooms as healthy as possible.
Morel Mushrooms
Morel mushrooms are the favorite of mushroom foragers. It’s surely going to be a fun activity if you want to try foraging for Morel mushrooms. This mushroom is sought-after by many because of its flavor. It is meaty, but it’s not too thick. Its earthy flavor is just right and won’t overpower the flavor of the dish. You can saute it with cream, wine, butter, or oil. You can try all this and choose which one you prefer the most.
Of course, Morel mushrooms also have medicinal qualities. It’s known to be a source of calcium, so if you want stronger bones and prevent osteoporosis, you can try eating more Morel mushrooms. Moreover, this mushroom type is also rich in minerals and vitamins like copper and vitamin B12.
Cordyceps
While this type of mushroom is rare and challenging to find, it’s packed with many medicinal benefits. Cordyceps grows on the back of bugs, that’s why they’re difficult to cultivate. Expect Cordyceps to be more expensive than any of the mushrooms featured here. But the taste and the benefits you can get from this mushroom is worth its price.
Many use Cordyceps as an aphrodisiac or a libido-enhancing remedy. They’re also great for those who want to be physically healthier and stronger. And since this mushroom is rich in antioxidants, it can also be used as an additional treatment for cancer.
Portabella Mushrooms
Portabella mushrooms are another favorite among mushroom-lovers. They’re full of flavor and meaty. They’re great with steaks, barbeque sauces, soups, casserole dishes, and so many others. You can think of any dish, and adding Portabella mushrooms will make it so much tastier.
You can get medicinal benefits from Portabella mushrooms as well. Keep your mind and body healthy and strong by making this mushroom a regular part of your diet. Not only will you have a more delicious meal, but you’ll also enjoy a healthier one.
Final Thoughts
Try any of these medicinal mushrooms the next time you cook. You may be used to White Button mushrooms, but it’s time to give these other varieties a try. You’ll discover a new favorite for sure. Prepare the mushroom of your choice well to get the best flavors and the best medicinal benefits out of them.
