Our immune system is the shield of our body as it protects us from foreign particles like viruses, bacteria and infections. Our immune system is the most necessary mechanism of our body in preventing us from diseases and infections.
Protecting it with necessary nutrition and prevention is important for our own safety. Whether it’s from diet, exercise or a healthy lifestyle, there are many things that help us strengthen our immunity. Here, you are going to learn about mushrooms and their effects on our immunity.
How Does Our Immune System Work?
The human body works to provide energy to overall body parts and gets vulnerable to foreign particles. Here comes the role of the immune system, which blocks off all the danger from those particles by destroying them and excreting them in the form of cellular waste.
There are two types of blood cells in our body: red blood cells (RBCs) and white blood cells (WBCs). The white blood cells are our defence system or, say, immune system. Every white blood cell works to destroy bacteria or viruses that enter our body to prevent us from diseases.
Mushrooms Effective For Immunity
There are tons of foods that are beneficial for our immunity, but when it comes to mushrooms, these are the food items that work wonders for our defence system. Mushrooms have been eaten by people all over the world for thousands of years, but no one knew the benefits of them. Here are some of the most effective ones for our immune system:
1] Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are the most potent and effective ones for our immunity. These mushrooms are rich in polysaccharides like lentinans and other beta-glucans. The contents in these mushrooms prevent our cells from getting damaged by our rough lifestyle. Polysaccharides present in them promote the production of more white blood cells in our blood to fight off microbial particles.
2] Maitake Mushrooms
Maitake mushrooms are filled with D-fraction, which works to boost the production of protein mediators like lymphokines and secreted proteins like interleukins. Both of these improve our immune system. There are other benefits of eating maitake mushrooms, like treating diabetes, preventing cancer and reducing blood pressure.
3] Chaga Mushrooms
When you get inflammations and IBDs, which prevent your bodily functions from working properly, your immune systems start to malfunction and overreact. Eating Chaga mushrooms prevents those complications as they contain bet-d-glucans, which balances the function of our immune system.
4] Cordyceps
Cordyceps are those types of mushrooms that are dangerous for an insect’s life as they degrade their body to grow inside them, but it is beneficial for humans. Cordyceps has the properties that stimulate our white blood cells and other certain chemicals, all of which improve our immunity. Research has shown a great depletion of cancer and tumour cells in patients eating these mushrooms.
5] Reishi Mushrooms
Reishi mushrooms have been used for medicinal purposes for a long time. These mushrooms boost the function of our dendritic cells, which work to identify foreign particles and help our white blood cells destroy them. Reishi is also effective in helping our body to develop more B and T lymphocytes. It helps our immune cells produce more antibodies.
6] Lion’s Mane Mushroom
When it comes to a lion’s mane mushroom, as it’s named, its physical structure is odd as well. This mushroom is very effective for our immunity as it works for our intestinal immune system. There are tons of pathogens and bacteria that we intake from our nose and mouth; our immunity prevents us from getting those infections. This mushroom helps in boosting the function of those white blood cells.
7] Oyster Mushrooms
The white blood cells have a specific name as well, which is killer cells. When a virus or pathogen enters our bloodstream, these killer cells activate and neutralise those pathogens. Oyster mushroom promotes the production of those cells in our blood and enhances their function as well.
How Are These Mushrooms Effective For Immunity?
All of the mentioned types of mushrooms have been used for their medicinal properties for a long time. These mushrooms are very effective in boosting and enhancing the function of our immune system. Taking these regularly will be beneficial in the prevention of many diseases like cancer and tumours, especially skin and lung type.
Conclusion
Boosting immunity is crucial for health, and certain mushrooms can help. Reishi, shiitake, maitake, and oyster mushrooms are packed with polysaccharides that stimulate the immune system. Cordyceps increase immune cell activity. Focus on cooking with these mushrooms often to get anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidant benefits. A diet rich in immune-strengthening mushrooms can help ward off illness and keep your body strong.
