Maitake Mushrooms

Introduction to Maitake mushrooms Maitake mushrooms are good for you! They are believed to boost the immune system, regulate blood sugar levels, and promote weight loss. This fungus has been a popular folk remedy for …

Written by: Mr. Fungi

Published on: September 27, 2022

Last update: October 19, 2022

Table of Contents

Introduction to Maitake mushrooms

Maitake mushrooms are good for you! They are believed to boost the immune system, regulate blood sugar levels, and promote weight loss. This fungus has been a popular folk remedy for cancer, diabetes, and other conditions. Little wonder it is considered an elixir (a substance that cures every ailment) by traditionalists.

The name maitake literally means “dancing mushroom” in Japanese. Why is that? Legend has a myth about that and you’d find out soon in this article. The mushroom is also prized for its delicious and unique flavor. In Japan, it has a long history of use not only in folk medicine but also as an expensive delicacy.

There has been a lot of media coverage in the past few years about maitake mushrooms and today the mushroom has become a popular and sought-after mushroom in the world. If you’re looking for an herbal organic supplement to incorporate into your diet, maitake mushroom may be a good choice for you.

This article will enlighten you on what you need to know about maitake mushrooms and some of the ways maitake mushrooms can help you. Keep reading to know it all and decide if maitake is truly the herbal supplement for you!

What is maitake mushroom?

Scientific name and common names of maitake mushroom

The name “Maitake” is derived from the Japanese words, ‘mai’ meaning dance and ‘take’ meaning mushroom, which translate to “dancing mushroom.” It is termed “dancing mushroom” because people were said to have danced in celebration of its discovery.

The scientific or Latin name of the maitake mushroom is Grifola frondosa. It is known as Hen-of-the-woods (due to its bird-like feathery appearance) in Europe and North America. In China, it goes by the name Huishu-hua. Other common names used for this mushroom are Sheep’s Head, Ram’s Head, king of mushrooms, monkey’s bench, Huai Su Gu, and kumotake (cloud mushroom). Italian Americans often call it signorina mushroom.

Morphology: what does the maitake mushroom look like?

The maitake is a type of mushroom that is classified as a polypore. Polypores are a class of fungi characterized by the development of large fruiting bodies that contain tubes or pores on the bottom. Being a polypore, the maitake mushroom does not have gills but rather pores through which its spores are released to help the growth of new fungi.

The fruiting body of the maitake mushroom is made up of multiple greyish-brown caps, often curled or spoon-shaped with wavy margins. The name “hen of the woods” comes from the cluster of overlapping maitake caps resembling a bird’s plumage. The diameter of a maitake cluster can range from about 4 inches (10 cm) to more than 36 inches (100 cm). Each cap’s diameter can range from three-quarters of an inch (2 cm) to three inches (8 cm), while its thickness can average one-quarter of an inch. About one to three pores per millimetre can be found on the underside of each cap, and the tubes are usually no more than three millimetres in depth. The mushroom’s stipe (stalk) is milky white and develops a rigid, branched structure as it grows.

As they age, mature maitake mushrooms lighten to a tan brown or grey hue. They are not particularly noticeable due to their brownish hue, which makes them difficult to spot when the ground is covered with leaves in the autumn. These pretty mushrooms smell like the woods, are crunchy, and have a flavour that is equal parts earthy and spicy.

Maitake is not easily mistaken for a different variety, unlike some other mushrooms. Most of the species you might mistake them for are edible, too, so it’s not as much of a worry if mistaken for other species.

Where does the maitake mushroom grow in the wild?

Maitake typically can be found on and around decaying wood or at the foot of dead or decaying trees, especially oak trees. They can grow near maple and elm trees as well. The maitake mushroom is found naturally in the wild in Japan and China, as well as in some parts of the north-eastern United States and Canada. Because of maitake’s value, known places of its growth in Japan were referred to as “treasure islands.” They were often found where lightning had marred a tree. Maitake can also flourish in certain climate-conducive regions of Europe and, on occasion, in the south-eastern and north-western regions of the United States.

Although most maitake mushrooms weigh on average about 10 pounds, they can grow up to three feet wide and weigh up to 50 pounds. They may reach weights of more than 45 kilograms (100 pounds), earning the title of “king of the mushrooms.”

Very much like the sulfur mushroom (chicken-of-the-woods), Grifola frondosa is a perennial fungus — the type of fungus that can survive for more than two years — and grows in the same location year after year. The maitake mushroom appears in the late summer or early fall and will often grow in the same spot each year. The mushroom’s growth period spans from early autumn to late November, depending on the year and the year’s weather. Maitake mushrooms thrive in humid environments and are best harvested when they are young and tender rather than when they have matured and hardened into a woody, bitter consistency.

History and traditional use of maitake mushroom

Since ancient times, Japanese culture has been at the forefront of traditional mushroom knowledge, and the maitake Mushroom is no exception. Maitake mushrooms have been around for over two thousand years. The name “dancing mushroom” comes from a Japanese myth in which Buddhist nuns and woodcutters danced joyfully after discovering the mushroom in the wild for the first time. They danced at the sight of maitake due to its speculative profound health benefits.

Since its discovery, the delectable maitake mushroom has contributed greatly to local economies and traditions; it is a favourite of the Japanese royal family. As with other East Asian mushrooms, the maitake’s healing properties led to its widespread adoption in traditional Chinese and Japanese herbalism. Maitake was highly valued because of the belief that it could extend life and boost energy levels. It was believed that regularly ingesting this mushroom as a tonic would strengthen the immune system, reduce blood pressure, and impart a heightened sense of vitality.

Before its commercial cultivation, the maitake mushroom was highly prized and in such high demand that the Japanese would protect their mushroom hunting sites by marking trees to keep other hunters out. The skilled Japanese foragers would go on their mushroom hunts alone, never telling anybody where they found the mushrooms, and only ever leave the information to their eldest son in a will after they died.

Commercial maitake cultivation didn’t begin until the 1980s, when new indoor and outdoor maitake cultivation techniques were developed. Even though maitake has since been commercially available, the culture of Japanese mushroom foragers still exists because many people prefer maitake that has been harvested in the wild. The fruiting bodies of commercially grown maitake mushrooms are also typically much smaller than those of their wild counterparts.

The use of maitake mushrooms dates back thousands of years in Asia. However, their popularity in the United States and Europe has only exploded in the last few decades. In modern times, Maitake has become one of the most widely consumed mushrooms worldwide.

Summary

Maitake is derived from Japanese words, which translates to “dancing mushroom,” because people were said to have danced in celebration upon its discovery.
The scientific name or Latin name of the maitake mushroom is Grifola frondosa, and it is known as Hen-of-the-woods (due to its bird-like feathery appearance).
The maitake is classified as a polypore and does not have gills but rather pores through which its spores are released to help the growth of new fungi.
Maitake is not easily mistaken for a different variety, unlike some other mushrooms.
Maitake is found on and around decaying wood or at the foot of dead or decaying trees, especially oak trees, and grows naturally in the wild in Japan, China, and the north-eastern United States and Canada.
Although most maitake mushrooms weigh, on average, about 10 pounds, they can grow up to three feet wide and weigh up to 50 – 100 pounds.
Grifola frondosa is a perennial fungus —the type of fungus that can survive for more than two years— and grows in the same location year after year.
Maitake was highly valued historically because of the belief that it could extend life and boost energy levels.
The fruiting bodies of commercially grown maitake mushrooms are typically much smaller than those of their wild counterparts.

The nutrition information on maitake mushroom

The Grifola frondosa is a fascinating mushroom, and it is obvious that this mushroom will have some large compounds that are of nutritional value, but just how nutritious?

Nutritional facts of maitake mushroom

Incredibly diverse compounds can be found in maitake mushrooms. Some active ingredients include fractions D and MD, Grifon-D, complex immunostimulant polysaccharides, amino acids, and water.

While some of these compounds are present in the fruiting bodies and mycelium, others are found only in the fruiting bodies or in higher concentrations than in the mycelium. Then again, what is the difference between the fruiting body and the mycelium?

The term “fruiting body” refers to the mushroom’s visible, above-ground parts sold commercially. The mycelium is the mushroom’s underground roots that aid in growth but do not necessarily contain the same beneficial compounds as the mushroom’s fruiting bodies.

Compounds unique to the Grifola frondosa fruiting body that isn’t found in the mycelium:

Phosphatidylinositol – promotes important protein health.
Phosphatidic acid and phosphatidylserine – aid in cell signalling and maintenance.

Compounds found in both the fruiting body and the mycelium, but at significantly higher concentrations in the former:

1, 3 /1,6 beta glucans – increased by as much as a factor of nine and are beneficial to the immune system.
Trehalose – promotes a healthy brain, nervous system, and proper ageing.
Nucleotides – helps keep your body running smoothly and generate good energy.
MD Fraction – Aiding Immune Function.

The nutritional profile of maitake mushroom

Maitake mushrooms have a high nutritional value and are a wonderful addition to any meal. Maitake mushrooms contain many useful compounds, including:

Beta-glucans – Beta-glucans are polysaccharides found in the cellular walls of many medicinal mushrooms, including maitake. The immune system is helped by beta-glucans, which help stimulate and strengthen it.

Vitamins – Niacin, riboflavin, and vitamin D are some of the vitamins and nutrients found in maitake.

Niacin (Vitamin B3) is instrumental in maintaining normal cholesterol levels in the body.
Riboflavin (vitamin B2) helps the body produce energy by playing a key role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Vitamin D aids calcium absorption, which has far-reaching advantages for immune, cardiovascular, and bone health. The amount of vitamin D varies in Maitake based on where they are grown. Wild-harvested Maitakes will have more vitamin D than their commercially-grown counterparts due to adequate exposure to sunlight.

Minerals – Maitakes, like other types of mushrooms, are rich in minerals.

Potassium – Maitake is an excellent source of this vital mineral, which plays a role in maintaining normal nerve and kidney function, heart health, and blood sugar levels.
Phosphorus – is a mineral that can be found in both bone and tooth tissue and plays an important role in the formation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) — the molecule that carries energy in the body.
Calcium – is a mineral that helps keep the muscles and nerves working properly, aids in blood clotting, and is necessary for healthy bones and teeth.
Magnesium – is essential for proper nerve and muscle function, a robust immune system, a regular heartbeat, and robust bone health. Furthermore, it aids in creating energy and protein and helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Grifola frondosa also has trace amounts of zinc, manganese, selenium, pantothenic acid, and vitamin B6 in addition to those already mentioned.

Nutrients per serving of maitake

The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) provides the following nutritional data for one cup of raw, diced maitake mushrooms (70g).

Fats – One serving of maitake mushrooms has only 0.1 g of fat, and none of that fat is saturated or trans

Protein – A cup (70g) of maitake mushrooms has only 1.4 grams of protein. Proteins in maitake mushrooms are not of a complete source, so they can’t provide all of the body’s needs for amino acids.

Minerals and vitamins: Each 70g serving has 143 mg of potassium, 7 mg of magnesium, 0.5 mg of zinc, 52 grams of phosphorus, and 20 milligrams of vitamin D. They are a good source of B vitamins, including 14.7 mcg of folate. Maitakes contain 35.8 mg of choline per 70g, making them a great plant-based source of choline.

Calories – An individual serving of maitake mushrooms (70g) has 22 calories, with carbohydrates accounting for 74% of those calories, protein for 21%, and fat for 5%.

Carbs – In a single 70g serving, maitake mushrooms provide just 4.9 grams of carbohydrates. Maitake mushrooms have 1.9g of fibre and 1.4g of sugar per 100g serving.

Summary

Incredibly diverse compounds can be found in maitake mushrooms.
Phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidic acid and phosphatidylserine are some compounds unique to the maitake fruiting body that are not found in the mycelium.
1,3 /1,6 beta glucans, trehalose, nucleotides, and MD fraction are found in higher concentrations in the fruiting body than in the mycelium.
Niacin, riboflavin, and vitamin D are some of the vitamins and nutrients that can be found in maitake.
The amount of vitamin D varies in maitake based on where they are grown.

Maitake mushroom benefits

Maitake mushroom benefits for health are among the most remarkable of any mushrooms. The bioactive polysaccharides; D-fraction, MD-fraction, and SX-fraction of the maitake have been particularly studied for their antitumor and immune-enhancing effects.

Numerous scientific studies have been conducted on the maitake mushroom in contemporary medicine to ascertain the effectiveness of its purported health benefits.

Anti-cancer effect

There have been several promising studies done in recent years on the possible link between maitake mushrooms and cancer. Though research is still limited to animal and in vitro studies, Grifola frondosa may contain powerful cancer-fighting properties, making it a great addition to any diet.

There is preliminary evidence that maitake D-Fraction, an extract of the mushroom, may be effective in preventing and treating breast cancer, according to a study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food in 2013. The immune system’s macrophages, T-cells, and natural killer cells can be activated to attack cancer, and the Maitake (D-Fraction) mushroom is thought to play a role in this process.

Maitake MD-Fraction has also been shown to be an effective oral therapeutic agent in the management of cancer patients, according to a study conducted in 2013 by researchers from the Department of Microbial Chemistry at Kobe Pharmaceutical University in Japan. When D-fraction and MD-fraction are combined with vitamin C, they have greater efficacy in treating cancer, according to another study published in the International Journal of General Medicine.

Collectively, these findings point to maitake D-Fraction as a novel therapeutic target for cancer chemoprevention and treatment. More study is required, with randomized clinical trials being especially useful.

Heart health support

To keep your heart healthy, controlling your cholesterol levels is crucial. Cholesterol deposits within the arteries can cause them to harden and narrow, reducing blood flow and increasing the workload placed on the heart.

Maitake contains beta-glucan, which can help lower cholesterol levels, enhance artery function, and boost cardiovascular health generally, thereby decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Maitake’s polysaccharides have been shown to lower LDL — bad cholesterol — without influencing levels of HDL — good cholesterol.

More study is needed, but preliminary findings suggest maitake mushrooms help reduce cholesterol levels naturally, which would benefit heart health. Supplementation with maitake mushrooms, for instance, was effective in lowering cholesterol levels in mice, according to a 2013 study published in the Journal of Oleo Science. There was also an increase in energy-rich fatty acids. This led scientists to hypothesize that consuming maitake mushrooms could aid in the maintenance of healthy arteries.

Immune system regulation

The immune system is vital to one’s well-being. It’s your body’s natural defence system, protecting you from harm like infections and injuries.

Maitake mushrooms’ fruiting bodies are especially rich in polysaccharides, especially beta-glucans. These compounds stimulate the production of lymphokines (protein mediators) and interleukins (secreted proteins) that boost your immune response, triggering a host defence response. According to an in vitro study published in the Annals of Translational Medicine in 2014, short-term oral application of natural immunomodulating glucans from maitake and shiitake mushrooms strongly stimulated both the cellular and humoral branches of immune reactions.

Furthermore, some of the polysaccharides in maitake mushrooms have been shown to lessen the severity of side effects experienced by patients undergoing intensive treatment for potentially life-threatening illnesses. Additionally, maitake mushrooms can act as an antioxidant.

Including one or two servings of Grifola frondosa in your daily diet can aid your immune system in its fight against illness, increase resistance to disease, aid in the elimination of cellular waste, and hasten the repair of damaged tissues.

Blood pressure control

Indeed, hypertension is one of the most prevalent health issues in the Western world today. High blood pressure results when the heart works harder than it needs to pump blood through the body’s arteries.

Consuming maitake regularly has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of high blood pressure’s adverse effects. Using rats as a model, researchers at the International Journal of Medical Sciences found that treating hypertension associated with ageing with an extract of Grifola frondosa reduced blood pressure.

Similar results were seen in another animal study conducted by the Department of Food Chemistry at Tohoku University in Japan; the rats were fed maitake mushroom for eight weeks, at which point their blood pressure, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels were all significantly reduced.

Adaptogenic properties

Adaptogens are natural supplements that can aid your body in dealing with the stress that various environmental factors may occasionally bring. Like other functional mushrooms, maitake can help your body adapt to occasional stress and keep your system running smoothly.

Blood sugar management

Insulin resistance occurs when the body no longer reacts normally to the hormone insulin, which normally regulates blood sugar levels. Increased vulnerability to cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes is associated with insulin resistance. Diabetes has many unpleasant side effects, including headaches, increased thirst, blurred vision, and weight loss. Nerve damage and kidney issues are long-term complications that can arise from untreated diabetes. When included in a balanced diet, Maitake mushrooms may aid in stabilizing blood sugar levels, thereby reducing or eliminating these negative effects.

In a 2001 study conducted by the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at Japan’s Nishikyushu University’s Faculty of Home Economics, Grifola frondosa improved glucose tolerance and blood glucose levels in diabetic rats. Based on these findings, the researchers hypothesized that maitake mushrooms could be useful in the treatment and management of Type 2 diabetes by lowering insulin resistance.

SX-fraction, another beta-glucan, has been shown in clinical trials to reduce glucose in the blood. Researchers from the Department of Biochemistry at Georgetown University Medical Centre in Washington examined the effects of maitake mushroom-derived fraction SX on a laboratory model of type-1 diabetes, finding that it reduced circulating glucose levels and blood pressure (BP). The study’s findings suggested that maitake SX could be helpful in the management of type-1 diabetes-related glucose-insulin metabolism disturbances and hypertension.

Weight loss

A high-fibre diet aids in weight loss and general health maintenance. Because fibre feeds beneficial bacteria in the gut, it promotes a balanced microbiome that can keep you slim. These fantastic fungi, maitake mushrooms, are high in fibre and low in calories, helping you feel full on fewer bites.

Reduces all-cause mortality

Maitake mushrooms, like many others, contain several healthful bioactive compounds such as antioxidants and glutathione. According to a study published in 2021 in a nutrition journal on mushroom consumption, regular mushroom eaters have a lower risk of death from any cause. A lower risk of death from any cause was also associated with substituting one serving of mushrooms (defined as 70g) per day for one serving of processed or red meats (defined as 3.5 oz).

Digestive health

Maitake mushrooms’ dietary fibre content makes them a useful digestive aid. One type of polysaccharide found in maitake mushrooms is the soluble fibre beta-glucan. It has been suggested that the digestive benefits of soluble fibre may also contribute to optimal immune system function.

Promotes fertility

Overproduction of male hormones by the ovaries causes a condition known as a polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a condition characterized by small cysts on the ovaries and symptoms like acne, weight gain, and infertility.

Maitake mushrooms have shown promise as a treatment for PCOS, and they may also be useful in addressing other common health problems, such as infertility. For instance, a 2010 study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine conducted at the J.T. Chen Clinic’s Department of Gynecology in Tokyo found that maitake extract induced ovulation in 77% of PCOS participants, making it nearly as effective as some of the conventional medications used to treat the condition.

Summary

The immune system’s macrophages, T-cells, and natural killer cells can be activated to attack cancer, and the maitake (D-Fraction) mushroom is thought to play a role in this process.
Maitake’s polysaccharides have been shown to lower LDL — bad cholesterol — without influencing levels of HDL — good cholesterol.
Maitake mushrooms’ fruiting body polysaccharides have been shown to lessen the severity of side effects experienced by patients undergoing intensive treatment for potentially life-threatening illnesses.
Maitake mushrooms can act as an antioxidant.
Including one or two servings of Grifola frondosa in your daily diet can aid your immune system in its fight against illness, increase resistance to disease, aid in the elimination of cellular waste, and hasten the repair of damaged tissues.
Consuming maitake regularly has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of high blood pressure’s adverse effects.
Maitake can help your body adapt to occasional stress and keep your system running smoothly.
Maitake mushrooms could be useful in the treatment and management of Type 2 diabetes by lowering insulin resistance.
Maitake mushrooms are high in fibre and low in calories, helping you feel full on fewer bites.
Maitake extract may be nearly as effective as some of the conventional medications used to treat PCOS conditions.
The maitake mushroom benefits for health seems promising but more study is needed, with randomized clinical trials being especially useful.

How to add maitake mushroom to your diet

Now that you’re aware of the health benefits of this functional mushroom, how can you include it in your diet?

How you can take the maitake mushroom

Maitake mushroom is revered in Japan for both its medicinal and culinary uses. Maitake flavour, which has been described as “woody,” “smoky,” “deep,” and “rich,” is said to stimulate umami, also known as “the fifth taste,” and to enhance the natural flavours of other foods when cooked. Maitake mushrooms are highly desirable by consumers and chefs due to their earthy flavour, distinctive texture, and versatility.

Roasting, sautéing, marinating, pickling, or even eating maitake mushrooms raw are all viable options for consuming this functional food. Any dish that would benefit from adding mushrooms can be prepared with maitake. You can also incorporate them into savoury and sweet dishes, such as soups, stews, salads, casseroles, kabobs, omelettes, stir-fry, pasta, pizza and even desserts!

Thanks to their meaty consistency, they can be substituted for meat in veggie burgers and other meatless dishes. To learn how to cook with this superfood, you can also look at some Maitake mushrooms recipe.

The most health benefits come from eating maitake mushrooms right after they’ve been cooked. However, maitake can also be taken as a supplement if you don’t like the idea of preparing it in a dish.

Maitake in supplement forms

Maitake can be taken in the form of liquid extract (tincture) or powdered and capsule forms.

Tinctures

Extraction of the useful compounds from a substance results in a concentrated liquid supplement known as a tincture. The most bioavailable form of maitake supplements are tinctures made from mushrooms. The term “bioavailability” describes how quickly a supplement enters the bloodstream.

Take note that you must use ‘dual-extracted’ maitake tinctures for better effect. In Dual extract, alcohol and water are used in a two-step process to extract the beneficial components of the tincture. Certain compounds in maitake are alcohol-soluble, and others are water-soluble; a dual extracted formula guarantees you are getting all beneficial compounds by combining the two extraction methods.

Capsule or powder

Maitake powder and capsules are also excellent ways to consume this medicinal mushroom. Powders are wonderful for enhancing the flavour of soups and broths. All you have to do is add the suggested amount to your liquid and stir or blend it until it’s incorporated.

Make sure the maitake powder or capsules you purchase are made from pure maitake fruiting bodies. Always check the label to see if the supplement uses fruiting bodies; if it doesn’t, or if it reads “mycelium on the grain” or “mycelia,” you may want to look for another supplement made with only fruiting bodies. In addition, you may want to consider taking a supplement that contains maitake D-Fraction.

How to keep maitake mushrooms for later use

These days, you can get your hands on some maitake mushrooms whenever you like, thanks to advances in mushroom farming. Nonetheless, the nutritional value of wild maitake is typically higher than that of commercially cultivated maitake. However, since you can only find wild maitake mushrooms in the fall, you might want to find a way to store any extras until next autumn.

Raw or cooked maitake mushrooms freeze well. Separately freeze the pieces on a cookie sheet, then store them in a freezer bag. They can also be dehydrated by slicing thinly and dried in a food dehydrator until they are brittle and break easily in half. At some supermarkets, you might be able to find it in dried form. Note that dried maitake mushrooms’ nutritional value and flavour are mostly reduced.

Proper dosage of maitake mushroom supplements

Dosage must be adjusted according to individual factors such as age, body mass index, and health status. The supplement’s efficacy also relies on the specific brand you choose. When first using it, please read the included instructions thoroughly.

Before taking a large dose, talk to your doctor about it, and be sure to keep an eye on how you react. You should stop using it and see a doctor if you experience any adverse reactions. Because of their cumulative effect, the benefits of maitake can only be fully realized after weeks or months of regular consumption. Supplementing with vitamin C is said to maximize its efficacy.

Maitake and other mushrooms

Reishi mushrooms and shiitake mushrooms, like maitake, are highly regarded for their beneficial effects on health. In particular, the reishi mushroom is therapeutic against cancer and to reduce cardiovascular risk factors like high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels. However, shiitake mushrooms have been associated with weight loss, improved immunity, and decreased inflammation.

Shiitake and maitake mushrooms are used more frequently in cooking than reishi mushrooms. Whether it’s a burger, a stir-fry, a soup, or a pasta dish, maitake and shiitake mushrooms are always welcome additions.

There is little difference between the two when comparing the nutritional value of shiitake and maitake. Maitakes have more protein, fibre, niacin, and riboflavin per gram than shiitakes while having fewer calories. In contrast, shiitake mushrooms have a higher concentration of nutrients like copper, selenium, and pantothenic acid. Each has unique nutritional benefits and can be added to a healthy, varied diet.

Summary

Maitake flavour, which has been described as “woody,” “smoky,” “deep,” and “rich,” is said to stimulate umami, also known as “the fifth taste,” and to enhance the natural flavours of other foods when cooked.
Thanks to their meaty consistency, they can be substituted for meat in veggie burgers and other meatless dishes.
Maitake can be taken in the form of liquid extract (tincture) or powdered and capsule forms.
The nutritional value of wild Maitake is typically higher than that of commercially cultivated Maitake.
Raw or cooked Maitake mushrooms freeze well.
Maitake dosage must be adjusted according to individual factors such as age, body mass index, and health status.
The benefits of maitake can only be fully realized after weeks or months of regular consumption.
Maitake and shiitake mushrooms are mostly similar.

Risks and side effects of maitake mushroom

The vast majority of people have a positive reaction to maitake mushrooms. There are, however, potential risks associated with consuming maitake or any kind of mushroom.

Mushroom Allergy – Allergic reactions and stomach distress are not common, but they do occur. If you develop an allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling, or redness, after eating maitake, stop using it and talk to your doctor.

Drug Interactions – There is some evidence that maitake mushroom extracts might react with certain medications.

Those with low blood pressure and who are already taking medications for it should avoid taking maitake because it can further reduce it.

Individuals taking diabetes medication to lower blood sugar should avoid taking maitake due to the risk of hypoglycemia.

If you are taking a blood thinner such as warfarin, you should exercise caution when taking maitake. Based on a single case report, using maitake in conjunction with warfarin can increase the international normalized ratio (INR), causing blood clotting to be slower than is ideal.

Surgery – Taking maitake mushrooms within two weeks of surgery or if you have a bleeding disorder is not recommended.

Pregnancy – The effects of maitake mushrooms (particularly maitake D fraction drops) have not yet been studied in pregnant or breastfeeding women, so it’s best to be on the side of caution and limit your intake to avoid any unwanted side effects.

As with any herbal supplement, never begin taking any kind of herbal supplement without first consulting your doctor.

Summary

Mushroom allergy will cause a reaction when you consume maitake mushrooms.
Those with low blood pressure or diabetes and already taking medications for it should avoid taking maitake because it can further reduce it.
Taking maitake mushrooms within two weeks of surgery or if you have a bleeding disorder is not recommended.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding it’s best to be on the side of caution and limit your intake to avoid any unwanted side effects.

FAQ

What is maitake mushroom good for?

Maitake mushroom has potent medicinal value because of its high concentration of beta-glucan. It can enhance artery function and general cardiovascular health, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Maitake’s polysaccharides can also lower “bad” LDL cholesterol without influencing “good” HDL or triglyceride levels.

What does maitake mushroom taste like?

The maitake has a rich, earthy flavour and provides the careful taster with additional nuance. It’s lighter in texture than a shiitake and has a stronger savoury side than a porcini. The maitake has some spice, but it’s not particularly spicy.

Who should not take maitake?

To avoid problems with blood sugar and clotting, people taking diabetes medication or blood thinners should exercise caution while taking Grifola frondosa. People with mushroom allergy should also avoid taking this sheepshead mushroom. The use of Maitake should be stopped about two weeks prior for people preparing for surgery.

Is maitake mushroom a blood thinner?

Although maitake mushroom is not a traditional blood thinner, it may increase the risk of bleeding when combined with warfarin.

Which mushroom is best for inflammation?

Even though maitake mushrooms have anti-inflammatory properties, chaga mushrooms, on the other hand, are an antioxidant powerhouse, making them excellent competitors in the fight against free radicals and inflammation.

How much maitake mushroom should I take?

It is advised to take two thousand milligrams (2g), which is roughly one teaspoonful of whole food mushroom powder, of Maitake. A maitake supplement with a 20% beta-glucans content would deliver 400mg of immune-supporting polysaccharides at that dose.

Is maitake mushroom good for the liver?

Maitake is a mushroom that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and cuisine in China and Japan because of the belief that it improves both immunity and liver health.

Does maitake lower blood sugar?

By reducing glucose levels, Grifola frondosa might be effective in diabetes treatment, and its use in conjunction with standard diabetes medications may further improve glucose control.

Does maitake mushroom interact with medications?

Anti-diabetic drugs, anti-hypertensives and blood-thinning medications may interact with maitake mushrooms.

Is there another name for maitake mushroom?

Grifola frondosa, hen-of-the-woods, dancing mushroom, ram’s head and sheep’s head are all names for the maitake mushroom.

Where does maitake grow?

Maitake thrives mostly around the base of oak tree stumps or at the base of dead or dying trees. They are frequently found in China, Japan, north-eastern Canada, and the United States.

Conclusion

Getting your hands on some maitake mushrooms doesn’t necessitate a day spent in the woods anymore. Buying maitake mushrooms today is not difficult; you can find them at most gourmet food stores, Asian markets, and health food shops. If you can’t find them locally, you can always order them online or try growing your own at home; just remember that they won’t thrive like it would in the wild. In the event that you go mushroom hunting, you should remember the exact location of any maitake mushrooms you collect, as they will grow again in that same spot the following year.

Maitake mushrooms are a great way to add nutrition and flavour to your diet. They have a savoury flavour that pairs well with just about anything, and they’re packed with vitamins and nutrients and can help you maintain good health. Just be sure to check with your doctor before adding them to your diet if you have any medical conditions or mushroom allergy.

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About Mr. Fungi

Mr. Fungi is a fungi fanatic! He loves anything and everything to do with mushrooms, and he especially enjoys foraging in the woods in search for special mushrooms. He's so passionate about fungi that he founded his very own magazine all about mushrooms: fungimagazine.com! Mr. Fungi is always on the lookout for new and exciting news & information about mushrooms, so make sure to keep an eye out for new articles - you never know what wild fungus might be lurking inside!

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