Mushroom – a health tonic

Protein content of mushroom is very close to milk, soyabean and animal food. They contain all essential amino acids. Some of the mushrooms are rich in lysine and tryhptophan. They are rich in vitamins and minerals.
Mushrooms are rich in folic acid, vitamin B12 and iron. One third of iron found in mushrooms is present in available form. Thus they are good for anaemic patients.
They are low in sugar content and thus are good for diabetics.
Being low in carbohydrate and fat and high in protein and vitamins, mushrooms form ideal item for those who want to loose weight.
Mushroom proteins are digested easily and thus are good for children and elderly.
They also contain Vitamin C and D and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, potassium, copper and iron. These are good for bone formation.
Some mushroom extracts have shown cholesterol lowering effects.

Mushroom or Manchurian tea is considered a very healthy drink. This is made from a type of mushroom which originated in the Russian region of Kargasok, where most of the people lived well over hundred years. It is also claimed that this tea lowers high blood pressure, prevents premature wrinkling of skin.
Mushroom extracts induce interferom formation which plays a crucial role in the defense mechanism against viral infection. Mushroom extract also has high amount of retene that has an antagonistic effect on some tumors.

Mushrooms have been used in traditional herbal medicines in China and Japan for thousands of years, and Asian mushrooms are commonly used for pain relief and in treating diseases like arthritis.

Tea and its benefits