From today's higher health consciousness, shiitake has become a popular health food with low calories. Shiitake is an edible mushroom that grows in the bark of such trees as the chestnut, oak, and chinquapin. In Japanese history, gathering shiitake appears in the literature from the 3rd century; thus, Japanese people have collected shiitake for a long time.

At the end of the 17th century, artificial cultivation of shiitake became popular and shiitake became an everyday, common food. Since there is a flood of high-calorie foods that cause many illnesses, shiitake is a valuable low-calorie food with an abundance of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. It is used for many dishes in many different countries; its demand continues to increase every year.

1. Effectiveness of Shitake

Prevention of Cold
Shiitake contains a rich amount of minerals, vitamins B1, B2, B6, etc., plus abundant ergosterol that is not included in many foods. The ergosterol becomes vitamin D2 to support the growth of bones and teeth after being exposed to ultraviolet rays.

Prevention of Low Blood Pressure and Anemia
Shiitake includes more nutrients necessary for producing blood than many other foods. Some of these nutrients are iron, copper, phosphorus, etc. Therefore, shiitake is called an effective food for low blood pressure and anemia. Its rich flavor comes from the guanylic acid.

For Diet and Beauty
Shiitake is said to be an effective non-calorie food for diet and beauty. Shiitake contains rich amounts of B vitamins and dietary fiber; they are necessary nutrients for beautiful skin and diet respectively. Taking a bath with 3-4 dried shiitake soaked is effective for sleeplessness and skin eruption.