Can Mushrooms and Cheese Help You Live Longer?
I did some research into the benefits of mushrooms a while ago and found that there were many health benefits to mushrooms. There are some extracts of mushrooms that have been used in Chinese medicine alongside traditional medicine for many years in some Asian countries. In some cases, to help patients suffering from various types of cancer.
However, lack of funding and scepticism surrounding the use of mushrooms still exists and I think it will be a long time until the UK and other western countries take it seriously.
Of course, when I talk about mushrooms and cheese, I am not talking about all types of cheese or all types of mushrooms, all are different, some more beneficial than others.
I first came across ‘Pecorino Cheese’ when I read the ‘Blue Zones’ book, which investigated the lives of Centenarians (people living to over 100) in different parts of the world.
The Sardinians ate a lot of sheep’s and goats milk and in particular ‘Pecorino Cheese’.
A six-year study found that pecorino cheese contains high amounts of omega 3 fatty acids and Conjugated Linoleic acid (CLA), which are the natural unsaturated fatty acids found in certain foods groups. You can find an excellent science- based guide on CLA here www.leanhigh.com/cla
Omega 3’s have been shown to be beneficial for a number of reasons, some of which include; improving the immune system, its antioxidant and cancer-fighting properties, prevention of arteriosclerosis, improving bone formation and improving vision, learning and slowing down mental deterioration.
Pecorino cheese contains 3-5 times as much CLA compared to cow’s milk. It is also a good source of protein, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
However, it does contain a high percentage of fat, and due to the fact that all cheeses contain salt, it should not be eaten in large amounts.
It’s a good grating cheese on top of pasta and is not too dissimilar to Parmesan in texture or taste and has a salty nutty flavour.
Shiitake mushrooms are the second most popular food in the world and the third most cultivated edible mushroom in the world.
But why are they so popular?
Another food favoured by the Okinawan centenarians. The Shiitake mushroom has a multitude of health benefits. It also contains all the essential amino acids, with linoleic acids which have been purported to help with weight loss and building muscle. shiitake health benefits are wide-reaching including helping to improve digestion, reduce food allergies, and sensitivities, and helps boost energy and brain function.
The b vitamins in the mushrooms help support adrenal function to turn nutrients into food, so a great energy food, and a great food for PMS as they help balance your hormones naturally.
They also provide a decent amount of vitamin D, which helps absorb calcium to give us strong bones, reducing heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune disease and some types of cancer….why wouldn’t you eat these!
I am definitely going to start cooking more with these meaty mushrooms. You can buy Shiitake mushrooms fresh from some supermarkets, or you can buy them in their dried form.
So can these particular mushrooms and cheese help you live longer?
I think the Centenarians have the right answer who have eaten these for decades.
References
http://www.nutraceuticalsworld.com/contents/view_breaking-news/2010-03-25/researchers-discover-a-cheese-naturally-high-in-om