• Nutrients
  Shiitake mushrooms are an excellent source of selenium. They are a very good source of iron. They are a good source of protein, dietary fiber, and vitamin C.

• Cholesterol
  A study in Sweden highlights the significant health benefits of shiitake mushrooms, in particular its ability to reduce blood cholesterol levels. The cholesterol-reducing compound in shiitake mushrooms, and shiitake mushroom extract has been identified as eritadenine.
  
  At the Department of Bioresource Science, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine in Japan, research has shown that shiitake mushrooms increase the level of cholesterol in feces. This in turn reduces the amount of cholesterol in the body

• Cancer
  A number of studies have highlighted the anti cancer benefits exhibited from the lentinan extracted from shiitake mushrooms. Studies in Kobe, Nagoya and Tokyo have all shown the various effects, from reducing and slowing growth, to regression and even increasing activity to combat the spread of a tumor. Each of the studies sited lentinan (a form of beta-glucan) as the key to this, since it can stimulate the immune system and therefore help activate certain cells and proteins that attack the cancer. Its use has particularly been linked to helping gastric cancers.

• Thrombosis
  Thrombosis, the formation of a blood clot that inhibits blood-flow, has been shown to be significantly reduced by individuals consuming shiitake mushroom oil. The Department of Agricultural and Biological Chemistry at Nihon University in Japan has demonstrated that the levels of lenthionine found in shiitake mushrooms inhibited platelet aggregation.

• Blood Pressure
  Often associated with hypertension, high blood pressure means your heart is having to do extra work and can lead to, if unchecked, a stroke or heart attack. Preliminary studies have suggested that dietary shiitake and other types of mushroom consumption may prevent blood pressure increase in hypertension.

Nutrient Values of Shiitake Mushrooms per 100g