In Asia, mushrooms have been a symbol of longevity, and the Chinese have used them medicinally for many, many years. The most nutritious types of mushrooms are considered to be shiitakes and maitakes. Asian mushrooms have strong immunity-building powers. Shiitakes contain a compound called lentinan that gets the immune system up and running, strengthening the body against infection and disease. Studies have shown that lentinan is even more effective than powerful prescription drugs in fighting the flu and other viruses. Lentinan may offer protection against cancer as well. 

Eating shiitakes is good for your heart. Shiitakes contain a compound called eritadenine that has been shown to help reduce cholesterol levels. There was a  study done where a group of women that ate  three ounces of shiitakes a day for a week was able to reduce their cholesterol levels by 12 percent, which is pretty amazing. Shiitakes and other Asian mushrooms can be used to thin the blood and help prevent dangerous clots.

More and more markets now carry Asian mushrooms, particularly the well-known shiitakes, but if you aren’t able to find the fresh ones, dried mushrooms are a convenient and very nutritious alternative. Another Asian mushroom, maitake, contains beta-glucan, a compound that has been shown to reduce tumors; researchers believe it may be even more effective at fighting disease than lentinan.