If you don’t use mushrooms in your routine diet, you are missing one of the best foods for your overall health and inside out beauty.
If you ask a Japanese girl what is her secret beauty food, most likely, you’ll get the answer “mushrooms”. From time immemorial, this beauty food has been traditionally used by Japanese women for their overall health and natural glow. If you don’t use mushrooms in your routine diet, you are missing one of the best foods for your overall health and inside out beauty.
This magic food is neither meat nor vegetable. It’s fat free, gluten free, and very low in sodium and cholesterol. It is delicious raw, boiled, fried, grilled, sautéed, roasted or marinated. And it has a hat! Can you guess what we are talking about? You are right! Mushroom.
In each woman lives the image of a forest witch who collects secret wild mushrooms and prepares a special magical mix for irresistible beauty. Mushrooms are very mysterious creatures. They can heal, they can kill, and they can make you high. What makes them so magical is their content.
Why mushrooms are miraculous beauty foods?
These enigmatic creatures hide a lot of secret health and beauty ingredients for your overall health and natural glow.
100 Grams of mushrooms contain:
- 25% DV of B vitamins: The letter “B” in B vitamins stands for “Beauty”. B1 improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. B2 works on the metabolism of fats. B6 takes on hormonal acne, inflammation, and redness. B7 gives your skin a natural glow. B9 lends your skin a purified feeling. B12 encourages cells to reproduce, evens skin tone, and brightens dark spots.
- 37% DV of selenium: The selenium content in mushrooms depends on the selenium content in the soil the mushrooms are grown in. This trace element is a powerful antioxidant helping us to reduce cognitive decline as we age and our selenium concentrations decrease.
- 25% DV of copper: Together with iron, copper enables the body to form red blood cells. It helps maintain healthy bones, blood vessels, nerves, and immune function, and it contributes to iron absorption. Sufficient copper in the diet may help prevent cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis, too.
- 10-19% DV of phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, magnesium, sodium, calcium, chlorine, vitamins A, C, D, and PP.
All vitamins and macro and micro elements are wisely balanced providing all their beauty benefits.
Mushrooms are also very rich in:
- Polysaccharides β-glucans: Countless clinical trials show that beta-glucan has significant antimicrobial (stops the growth of microorganisms), anticancer, and anti-diabetic properties. It also controls cholesterol levels in our body.
- Enzymes that accelerate the breakdown of nutrients contributing to better absorption of food
- Ergothioneine and glutathione -two unique super powerful antioxidants
- Chitin, the main structural component of the fungal cell, is an excellent natural absorbent (meaning cleansing agent) – it absorbs toxins several times more actively than activated carbon.
- Unique acids to rejuvenate your hair and activate metabolic processes in your skin – agaric, oxalic, acetic, formic, vanillic, lilac, p-hydroxybenzoic, and triterpenic.
- Natural powerful analogues of hyaluronic acid with a strong anti-aging effect – xanthine, betaine, and choline.
- Kojic acid: Some mushrooms are rich in kojic acid – a compound that naturally brightens the skin and prevents melanin pigment forming.
Mushrooms are packed with two unique components – ergothioneine and glutathione
Ergothioneine
Ergothioneine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that acts as an antioxidant and has a unique role in the protection of cell’s mitochondria from oxidation. Ergothioneine is used as medicine for liver damage, cataracts, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and heart disease. Sometimes ergothioneine is applied directly to the skin to prevent wrinkles and signs of aging skin.
Our body cannot produce it so it can only be obtained from our diet with mushrooms being a top source of it. Depending on the variety, one serving of mushrooms can contain 2.4 to 4.9mg of ergothioneine. Mushrooms that contain the highest amounts of ergothioneine include Boletus edulis, oyster, and shiitake.
Mushrooms are mysterious creatures. They can heal, they can kill, they can make you high, and they can make you more beautiful.
Glutathione
Made from the amino acids glycine, cysteine, and glutamic acid, glutathione is a powerful antioxidant. It prevents damage to important cellular components caused by reactive oxygen species such as free radicals, peroxides, and heavy metals. Glutathione is produced by the liver and involved in many body processes such as tissue building and repairing, making chemicals and proteins needed in the body, strengthening the immune system. Often, direct supplementation of glutathione is not successful and has to be obtained from foods.
Most popular mushrooms used by Japanese beauties
Japan is known for its rich mushroom culture, and there are several varieties highly valued for their taste, rarity, and medicinal properties. Here are some of the most precious mushrooms in Japan:
- Matsutake: Matsutake mushrooms are among the most highly sought-after and expensive mushrooms in Japan. They have a distinct spicy aroma and are often used in traditional Japanese cuisine, particularly in autumn.
- Hericium erinaceus: Commonly known as Lion’s Mane, this mushroom is valued for its unique appearance and purported health benefits. It is said to support cognitive function and is often used in traditional Chinese medicine.
- Tricholoma matsutake: This is a close relative of the matsutake mushroom and is highly prized for its delicate flavor and aroma. It is considered a luxury ingredient in Japanese cuisine.
- Shiitake: While shiitake mushrooms are more widely available than some of the others on this list, high-quality, wild-grown varieties can still command a premium price. They are widely used in Japanese cooking.
- Maitake: Also known as Hen of the Woods, this mushroom has a distinctive, frilly appearance. It’s valued for its texture and flavor, and it’s used in a variety of dishes.
- Reishi (Mannentake): Reishi mushrooms are highly regarded in traditional Chinese medicine and are also used in Japan for their purported health benefits. They are not typically consumed for their flavor but rather for their potential medicinal properties.
- Enokitake: These are small, slender mushrooms with long stems and tiny caps. They are commonly used in soups, salads, and hot pots.
- Nameko: These small, amber-colored mushrooms have a distinctive slimy texture when cooked. They are commonly used in soups and stews.
- Matsutake Buna: This is a rare variant of the matsutake mushroom that grows in association with Japanese beech trees. It is highly prized for its unique flavor.
- Kuritake: Also known as chestnut mushrooms, they have a nutty, chestnut-like flavor. They are valued for their taste and are used in a variety of dishes.
The availability and price of these mushrooms can vary depending on factors such as season, location, and market conditions. Additionally, while these mushrooms are highly valued in Japan, there are many other delicious and unique varieties found throughout the country.
Why Japanese women consider mushrooms as beauty food?
Japanese women, and many in East Asia, often consider mushrooms as beauty food due to their perceived health and skincare benefits. Here are some reasons why mushrooms are associated with beauty in Japanese culture:
- Rich in Antioxidants: Mushrooms, particularly varieties like shiitake and maitake, are rich in antioxidants like selenium and ergothioneine. These compounds help protect skin cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to premature aging.
- Aid in Collagen Production: Some mushrooms, such as tremella (also known as the snow mushroom), are believed to stimulate collagen production. Collagen is a protein that helps maintain skin elasticity and suppleness, contributing to a youthful appearance.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Many mushrooms contain anti-inflammatory compounds that can help calm irritated skin and reduce redness or puffiness. This can lead to a more even complexion and a healthier glow.
- Vitamin D: Mushrooms are one of the few plant-based sources of vitamin D. This vitamin plays a crucial role in skin health, as it helps regulate cell turnover and repair, which can lead to a smoother, more radiant complexion.
- Detoxification: Certain mushrooms, like reishi and chaga, are believed to support the body’s natural detoxification processes. This can help clear toxins from the body, which may indirectly contribute to healthier-looking skin.
- Moisturizing Properties: Tremella mushrooms are known for their high water-holding capacity, making them an excellent natural moisturizer. When applied topically or consumed, they can help hydrate the skin, reducing dryness and promoting a plump, youthful look.
- Supporting Overall Health: In traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine, mushrooms are often seen as tonics that support overall health, which can have a positive impact on the skin. When the body is healthy on the inside, it tends to reflect on the outside.
- Traditional Wisdom: Traditional Asian medicine, which includes the use of various mushrooms, has been practiced for centuries. These practices often have a strong influence on cultural perceptions of beauty and health.
- Low in Calories and Fat: Mushrooms are a low-calorie, low-fat food, making them a popular choice for those seeking to maintain a healthy weight, which can indirectly contribute to a youthful appearance.
Please remember that while mushrooms can be a valuable addition to a balanced diet and skincare routine, they are just one part of an overall healthy lifestyle. Factors like a balanced diet, regular exercise, staying hydrated, and proper skincare routines all play a role in maintaining a youthful and healthy appearance.