Maitake extract

Maitake (grifola frondosa)

Actions:

• Boosts immunity
• Anti-neoplastic
• Anti-bacterial
• Antioxidant
• Regulates blood sugar levels
• Regulates blood cholesterol levels
• Reduces high blood pressure

Best for: individuals with cancer (especially of reproductive and digestive organs) or as a prevention from cancer, individuals with Type 2 diabetes, hypertension or high blood cholesterol.

Good for: prevention from heart disease, from colds and flu or promoting general well-being.

In Europe and the United States, this mushroom (Grifola frondosa) is commonly called "hen of the woods," since its frond-like growths resemble the feathers of a fluffed chicken. Maitake mushrooms are known in Japan as "the dancing mushroom." According to a Japanese legend, a group of Buddhist nuns and woodcutters met on a mountain trail, where they discovered a fruiting of maitake mushrooms emerging from the forest floor. Rejoicing at their discovery of this delicious mushroom, they danced to celebrate. It is one of the major mushrooms in Japanese cooking. Maitake mushrooms have also been used as medicine in Japan for centuries – they are traditionally believed to promote longevity. Research on the mushroom's health benefits began in Japan in the 1980s and is now being pursued in the United States. Maitakes contain a polysaccharide (many sugar molecules joined together to form one large molecule) called beta-glucan. This molecule is known to activate significant immune responses, enhancing the ability of immune cells (neutrophils and natural killer cells) to kill and consume cancer cells. Moreover, several researchers corroborate that beta-glucan found in maitake causes apoptosis ("programmed suicide") of cancer cells and shows anti-angiogenesis properties. That means it can restrict the proliferation of blood cells that feed tumors. A study published in the Summer 2004 issue of the Journal of Medicinal Food found that maitake's immune-boosting properties can be helpful in fighting different types of infection. Another research shows that people with Type 2 diabetes may benefit from maitake mushrooms, which may help manage blood glucose levels and reduce insulin resistance. Since maitake may lower blood sugar levels, you should be careful about eating maitake mushrooms if you are taking diabetes medications. Many doctors in Japan use maitake mushrooms to lower blood pressure and blood lipids, two key risk factors in cardiovascular disease. Maitake also protects cells with its antioxidant properties. Maitake's complex sugars, very low fat and cholesterol levels, high levels of B vitamins, potassium and fiber all make it a very healthy food.

INSTRUCTION

Dry powder: One full measuring spoon of each extract daily dissolved in hot water. You can add honey or syrup for better taste.

One 60-gram bottle per month.

Additional recommendations:

Dissolve 500-1000 mg of vitamin C in a big glass of water and take it together with mushrooms. In case of stomach problem with vitamin C (hyperacidity) - exclude vitamin and take mushrooms 30 minutes before a meal.

Try to eliminate legumes and dairy products for an hour before and after taking the mushrooms. These products bind with polysaccharides in mushrooms and prevent their absorption of the body.

To enhance the effect, add to daily ration one-two tablespoon of melted fresh ginger root.