This week, we will talk about dried shiitake mushrooms and kikurage mushrooms, which are on sale at Maido right now! Mushrooms are rich in fiber and high in nutritional value, making them ideal for health maintenance and diet.
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Nutritional Value of Dried Shiitake
Fresh shiitake contain a variety of nutrients, but the drying process makes it possible to obtain nutrients more efficiently. The nutrients in dried shiitake by comparing them with those of fresh shiitake are more than you would expect. Protein...6 times higher Calcium...3 times higher Vitamin B1...5 times higher Vitamin B2...7 times higher Dietary fiber ... 11 times higher Vitamin D...9 times higher Potassium ... 7 times higher Isn't it impressive? The following are the major nutrients of dried shiitake. Dietary fiber Shiitake contains soluble dietary fiber, which moves slowly through the gastrointestinal tract to slow the rise in blood glucose levels, and insoluble dietary fiber, which stimulates the natural movement of the intestines and aids in defecation. Insoluble dietary fiber called beta-glucan is abundant, and is expected to improve immunity, prevent allergies, and have anti-cancer effects. Vitamin D One of the nutrients that is significantly increased by drying shiitake mushrooms is vitamin D. It promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphorus and helps strengthen bones. In recent years, it is also expected to enhance the immune system, and we recommend exposing shiitake to sunlight before eating to make them more efficient. Potassium It is a type of mineral that helps maintain normal cell function and regulates blood pressure by eliminating sodium. Dried shiitake contains as much potassium as possible to help prevent high blood pressure. Guanylic Acid It is the ingredient that gives shiitake umami flavor. It is believed to suppress the aggregation of platelets, which helps to thin the blood, and is expected to prevent thrombosis such as myocardial infarction and cerebral infarction. It is rarely found in fresh shiitake, and is produced during the process of preparing dried shiitake. Lentionine It is an aromatic component of shiitake. It is not present in fresh shiitake and is produced during the process of rehydrating and heating dried shiitake. The reason why it is better to rehydrate shiitake in cold water is because lentionine is heat-sensitive. When heating, use as little time as possible. Lentionine is effective in preventing thrombosis by inhibiting platelet aggregation. Eritadenine It is a unique nutrient to shiitake mushrooms that is easily soluble in water. It has been shown to regulate cholesterol levels in the blood and is effective in reducing cholesterol levels and preventing arteriosclerosis and hypertension.
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Nutritional Value of Dried Kikurage
Like shiitake, kikurage, when dried, is more nutritious and good for you. Although they are part of the same mushroom family, kikurage has different nutrients from shiitake mushrooms. There are some overlap, but the main nutrients and benefits of kikurage are as follows.
Dietary Fiber
Although kikurage contains both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber, it is particularly rich in insoluble dietary fiber, which is said to be three times as much as burdock root, a well-known source of dietary fiber. It is a common sense that dietary fiber is effective in relieving constipation and regulating the intestinal environment. Since kikurage does not contain strong fiber like burdock root, it is relatively easy for children and the elderly to eat and enjoy its crunchy texture while chewing it well. Chewing well gives a sense of fullness, prevents overeating, and stimulates the brain. Chewing also exercises facial muscles, preventing sagging of facial muscles and helping to maintain a youthful expression.
β-glucan
β-glucan, a member of the dietary fiber family, is present in the cell walls of kikurage mushrooms and is thought to enhance immunity by activating the workings of macrophages, NK cells, T cells, B cells, and other factors involved in immune functions in the human body. It is expected to be effective in preventing infectious diseases such as colds and influenza, relieving allergy symptoms, and suppressing cancer cells. Since β-glucan works on immune cells in the inner wall of the intestines, it is said to be effective when taken on an empty stomach. It makes sense that kikurage is often used as an appetizer in Chinese cuisine, such as in vinegared or dressed dishes.
Vitamin D
Kikurage contains abundant ergosterin, which is converted to vitamin D in the body. Vitamin D is activated in the body and promotes calcium absorption in the intestinal tract. This increases the calcium concentration in the blood, which is thought to have the effect of strengthening bones. Vitamin D is also known to regulate immune function, and is said to be effective in preventing or aggravating infectious diseases such as cold and flu.
Iron
Kikurage also contains a large amount of iron. A lack of iron in the body can cause iron deficiency anemia. Red blood cells, one of the components of blood, are mainly composed of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body, and iron is necessary for the synthesis of hemoglobin. If the body lacks iron, red blood cells with low hemoglobin are unable to carry enough oxygen throughout the body, resulting in symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Iron absorption is enhanced when taken with vitamin C and animal protein. You can take iron efficiently by cooking kikurage with vegetables in a vinegared or dressed dish or frying it with eggs.
Potassium
Kikurage contains high amounts of potassium. Potassium exists in large quantities in the intracellular fluid of the body and maintains a certain balance with sodium in the extracellular fluid. When the balance is disrupted due to excessive sodium intake or lack of potassium, the body draws in water to lower the sodium concentration. This can cause swelling, so potassium intake helps to excrete water and reduce swelling. Potassium also promotes sodium excretion, so adequate potassium intake excretes sodium and is effective in preventing not only swelling but also high blood pressure.
Effects of medicinal herbs
Since kikurage is high in minerals and can be expected to improve blood flow, it is said to be good for preventing lifestyle-related diseases. It is also effective for dry cough, thirst, and dry skin.
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We will introduce how to rehydrate dried mushrooms in the next blog post.
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There is a lot of food items, housewares, stationery, and gifts available at the store and our online store, Maido! Kairashi Shop, where you can place your order for shipping or store pickup! Happy shopping. :)