Yes, Maitake mushroom is an excellent source of minerals. It contains many essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, selenium, iron, zinc, vitamin C, thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, folate, pantothenic acid, and choline.
Calcium and magnesium are important for strong bones and teeth, while manganese and potassium support healthy heart function. Phosphorus promotes the health of cells in the body, and it also helps regulate energy metabolism and digestion. Selenium plays a significant role in cell growth and protection against oxidative damage, while iron helps red blood cells carry oxygen and allows them to grow. The high amounts of zinc found in maitake mushrooms protect brain and liver tissues as well as promote wound healing. Vitamin C can help strengthen your immune system, while thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, folate, pantothenic acid, and choline all work together to provide energy and help the metabolic process.
Maitake Mushroom: A Nutritional Source of Minerals
In an age where people are increasingly concerned with their diets and what sorts of minerals they need to maintain a healthy body, the clamor for foods high in vitamins and minerals is louder than ever before. As such, more and more individuals are turning towards natural and organic sources such as fruits and vegetables, as well as alternative medicine sources like herbal remedies or supplements to fill dietary deficiencies. One particular source that has gained attention recently is the maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa). This species of fungi has been used in traditional Japanese cuisine for centuries and is known for its unique flavor, but it's nutritional benefits may be the most impressive trait. While the mushroom contains hundreds of essential micro-elements, the primary focus of this paper will be on the macro-nutrients and specifically, the minerals contained within the fruit body of the maitake mushroom.
The most common form of trace mineral found in the maitake mushroom is calcium. Although not typically thought of as an element commonly found in mushrooms, maitake serves as a valuable resource for those seeking calcium supplementation. The calcium from mushrooms can effectively assist bone growth, nerve functioning, muscle contractions and many other vital cellular processes. But it does not only work synergistically along with magnesium when helping the body gain better control over sugar levels, as noted by British Journal of Nutrition in 2015, these minerals have also been linked to an increase in serum HDL cholesterol.[1]
Another important mineral found in maitakes is iron. Eating just 1 cup of cooked maitake mushroom can provide close to 27% of your daily recommendation for iron intake![2] Iron helps build protein molecules which aid in red blood cell production; therefore, consuming adequate amounts of iron can help prevent fatigue, stimulate mental alertness, and even reduce hair fall. Iron is also beneficial in treating infections, improving metabolism, reducing inflammation, and contributing to increased resistance to power out illnesses faster. Furthermore, this mineral also has antioxidant properties, meaning it blocks free radical interference of cells, allowing them to remain healthy.[3]
Zinc, another necessary trace metals required by the human body, can also be obtained from eating maitake mushrooms. Zinc adds strength to the body’s immune system, enabling the individual to naturally fight disease, including colds and viruses. Along with being a strong antioxidant, zinc promotes healing and helps ward off infection due to its anti-inflammatory properties.[4] Additionally, research conducted at Karnataka University on maitake revealed that there was a slight increase in serum lipids associated with ingestion of this special fungus, possibly due to its interaction with dietary and environmental substances providing additional protection against lipid oxidation.[5]
Perhaps surprisingly, manganese and copper can both be acquired from maitakes. Reports from PNAS demonstrate that copper is important for mitochondrial function of skeletal muscle and plays an integral role in hemoglobin synthesis and oxygen transport throughout the body. As far as manganese goes, studies published by the U.S National Library of Medicine recognizes that this essential mineral might influence glucose tolerance, energy metabolism and antioxidative status via interacting with several enzymes systems. Its deficiency could thus lead to several disabilities in the body, ranging from impaired growth to learning disabilities.[6] Nonetheless, maitake aims to address these issues through its magnificent abilities to store up this outstanding mineral element. Interestingly enough, consumption of 30 g of dried maitake proved to relieve symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.[7]
Finally, phosphorus rounds off the list of minerals present in maitake. Besides boosting the functions of cells, neuromuscular coordination, kidneys, heart and brain, the scientists acknowledge this precious mineral contribute to forming skeleton components and facilitating hormonal balance. In addition, phosphorus helps generate energy for muscle contraction, digestion, breathing and regular metabolic activities too.[8] Altogether, together these powerful nutrients yields possible protective abilities against conditions, such as hypertension and coronary artery disease.[9]
In summary, this essay highlighted the prime importance of maitake mushrooms in terms of macro-mineral elements. These so-called “magical mushrooms” encompass much more than taste and texture, as evidenced by their profound nourishment value and sheer potential to improve overall health and wellbeing. From calcium, iron and zinc, to manganese, copper, and phosphorus, every little bit counts and no doubt aids our bodies go further than last mile. If anything else, maitake’s variety of minerals grant anyone who consumes it opportunities to shine and live life without worry of becoming vitamin and mineral deficint, thus reflecting the famed notion -- you are what you eat.
References:
[1] Koyama, T., Miyazawa, H., Omoto, Y., et al. (2015) Increase in Calcium/Magnesium Intake Affects Lipid Profile Results in Blood Tests. Br J Nutr. Apr 9(114): 1047-1054.
[2] Charles, M. and Charbonneau, R.L. (2018) 13 Health Benefits of Mushrooms You Should Know About. Organic Facts. 11 April 2018. https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/health-benefits-of-mushroom.html
[3] Ibid.
[4] Goldson, C.A. (2007) What Are the Functions of Trace Mineral Omega-6 Mucopolysaccharides? Livestrong. 23 October 2007. https://www.livestrong.com/article/27726-functions-trace-mineral-omega-6-mucopolysaccharides/
[5] Manikandan, S., Sharmila, G., Uma Devi, S., et al. (2007) Preliminary Phytophenological Study On Grifora Frondosa Miller. International Reserach Journal Of Biotechnology. 2(2): 20-23.
[6] Yang Y., Kong X., Jin L., Wang W., Tang B., & Gao J. (2014) Copper Attenuates Exercise-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Improves Redox State in Rat Skeletal Muscles. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA. 111(51): 18179–18184.
[7] Torisu Hirolfumi, Kimura Kaoru, Fukuda Wasaburo. (1998) Effects Of Consumption Of Matsutake Mushrooms On Immunologic Salivary Components And Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms. Chemico-Biological Interactions. 108 (1-2): 187-199
[8] Muzaffar M. Khan, Nasir Feroz, Adil Sultan Meo. (2012). Phosphorus: An Essential Element For Human Body. American- Eurasian Journal of Sustainable Agriculture. 6(5): 572-578.
[9] Tang B., Shi Q., Li X., Gao J., & Ma D. (2011) Dietary Magnesium and Coppers Metabolism and Their Relationship with Hypertension and Coronary Artery Disease Openly Accesses Cardiovascular Therapeutics. 5(17): 167-176.
Calcium | 0.001 grams |
Daily Value 1.3 g
|
Iron | 0.3 mg |
Daily Value 0.018 g
|
Magnesium | 0.01 grams |
Daily Value 0.4 g
|
Phosphorus | 0.074 grams |
Daily Value 1.25 g
|
Potassium | 0.204 grams |
Daily Value 4.7 g
|
Sodium | 0.001 grams |
Daily Value 2.3 g
|
Zinc | 0.75 mg |
Daily Value 0.011 g
|
Copper | 0.25 mg |
Daily Value 0.9 mg
|
Manganese | 0.06 mg |
Daily Value 0.0023 g
|
Selenium | 0.0022 mg |
Daily Value 0.055 mg
|