Maitake Mushroom is also known as “Dancing Mushroom” and is often used in traditional Chinese medicine. In this article, we will look at the occurrences of the mushroom, its health benefits, studies on its effectiveness, how hard it is to cultivate the mushroom yourself and the best way to prepare it, and a conclusion about the maitake mushroom.
Occurrence of the Maitake Mushroom
The maitake mushroom is an edible mushroom native to North America and Asia. It often grows on the roots of oak, chestnut and beech trees. The mushroom has a wavy body and can grow up to 50 centimeters wide. The maitake mushroom is also available in Europe and Australia, although it often has to be imported there.
Health Benefits of Maitake Mushroom
Maitake is considered a medicinal mushroom due to its numerous health benefits. Here are some of the most important:
- Immune System Support: Maitake contains beta-glucans, which boost the immune system and help prevent illnesses like colds and flu.
- Cancer Prevention: According to some studies, maitake can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and slow down the spread of cancer cells. Maitake also contains ergothionein, which has antioxidant effects and protects cells from oxidative stress.
- Blood Sugar Lowering: Maitake may help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. This is especially useful for people with diabetes or prediabetes.
- Cholesterol Lowering: Maitake may help lower blood cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.
- Anti-inflammatory: Maitake contains compounds that can reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation is linked to many chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
Scientific Studies on the Maitake Mushroom
There are a number of studies that have examined the health benefits of maitake mushrooms. A 2009 study* found that maitake mushroom extract may inhibit breast cancer cell growth and boost the immune system. Another 2014 study* looked at the effects of maitake mushroom extract on people with type 2 diabetes and found that the extract can lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin levels.
A review of the health benefits of mushrooms published in 2020* shows that maitake mushrooms have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and antitumor properties. The study also highlights that maitake mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat high blood pressure, diabetes, liver disease and cancer.
Another 2021* study looked at the effect of maitake mushroom extract on colon cancer cell growth. The results showed that the extract was able to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
It is important to note that many of the studies have been conducted in animals or in vitro and more research is needed in humans to confirm the results.
How difficult is the maitake mushroom to cultivate by yourself?
Compared to other types of mushrooms, the maitake mushroom is relatively difficult to cultivate. It is a saprobiotic fungus, meaning it feeds on dead organic materials such as wood. Therefore, it is best to cultivate the fungus in a substrate made of wood chips, sawdust or straw.
To grow the maitake mushroom, you need special mushroom growing kits or you can also make your own mushroom growing box. The box should be made of clean wood or plastic and filled with a substrate. The fungus needs high humidity to grow, so it’s important to spray the box regularly or work with a humidifier.
Cultivating the maitake mushroom requires patience and experience as the mushroom is very sensitive to environmental conditions. It is important to regularly monitor the fungus and look out for signs of fungal diseases.
What is the best way to prepare the mushroom?
The maitake mushroom is very versatile in the kitchen and can be prepared in a variety of ways. Whether fried, grilled or steamed – the maitake mushroom gives many dishes a special touch.
For example, a simple recipe is to slice the maitake mushroom and fry it with a little olive oil, garlic and salt. The mushroom can also be used raw in salads or as a topping for pizza and tarte flambée.
Another way to enjoy maitake mushroom is as a tea. You can do this by pouring hot water over dried maitake mushrooms and letting them steep for a few minutes. The tea is said to strengthen the immune system and have an anti-inflammatory effect.
Conclusion
Overall, the maitake mushroom is a remarkable superfood that is growing in popularity for its health benefits and culinary versatility. There are many studies indicating that the maitake mushroom may have beneficial effects on the immune system, blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Although it is difficult to cultivate the mushroom yourself, there are many companies that grow maitake mushrooms and sell them on the market.
In the kitchen, the maitake mushroom can be prepared in a number of ways and is suitable for both savory and sweet dishes. From soups and stir-fries to desserts and beverages, there are many ways to incorporate the fungus into your diet.
So if you’re looking for a nutritious superfood that also tastes delicious, maitake mushroom is an excellent choice. Try it in different dishes and enjoy the many health benefits it offers.
If you would like to find out more about other medicinal mushrooms, read the following article.
*Studies:
- Konno S, Tortorelis DG, Fullerton SA, Samadi AA, Hettiarachchi J, Tazaki H. A possible hypoglycaemic effect of maitake mushroom on Type 2 diabetic patients. Diabetes Med. 2001;18(12):1010. doi:10.1046/j.1464-5491.2001.00532-5.x
- Kodama N, Komuta K, Nanba H. Can maitake MD-fraction aid cancer patients? Altern Med Rev. 2002;7(3):236-239. PMID: 12065108.
- Dai X, Stanilka JM, Rowe CA, et al. Consuming Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) Mushrooms Daily Improves Human Immunity: A Randomized Dietary Intervention in Healthy Young Adults. J Am Coll Nutr. 2015;34(6):478-487. doi:10.1080/07315724.2014.950391
- Mizuno T. The extraction and development of antitumor-active polysaccharides from medicinal mushrooms in Japan (review). Int J Med Mushrooms. 1999;1(1):9-29. doi:10.1615/IntJMedMushrooms.v1.i1.20
- Maruyama M, Iguchi A, Inuzuka K, et al. Immunomodulatory Effect of Maitake (Grifola frondosa) Extract on Healthy Volunteers: Analysis of Peripheral Blood T Cell Subsets, Granulocytes, and Natural Killer Cells. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2013;15(4):375-386. doi:10.1615/intjmedmushr.v15.i4.60
