MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS ARE SUPERFOOD FOR YOUR PET’S IMMUNE SYSTEM
MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS ARE SUPERFOOD FOR YOUR PET’S IMMUNE SYSTEM
While medicinal mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, what’s less well known is that they hold important potential value for cats' and dogs' health in the areas of immune and digestive health, normal cell growth, promoting the normal detoxification process, helping to protect against environmental stressors, and even joint and respiratory health.
Nutritional Value of Mushrooms
Mushrooms’ healing properties come from their nutritional value. They contain:
- Minerals: potassium, selenium, sulphur, sodium, geranium, zinc, phosphorus
- Sugars: mannitol, xylose, glucose, galactose, mannose
- Vitamins: B complex, folic acid, pro-vitamin D
- Protein: essential amino acids
- Enzymes: antibacterial, proteolytic
- Lipids: phospholipids, sterols, sterol esters, free fatty acids, mono-, di- and triglycerides
- Polysaccharides: glycogen, beta-D-glucans, chitin
- Essential oils: triterpenes
Stop! Not all mushrooms are created equal
Medicinal mushrooms refer to a select number of safe and edible mushrooms that have associated health properties, such as turkey tail,reishi and shiitake.
How do medicinal mushrooms impact our health?
The mushroom is a complex organism that contains several thousand enzymes, nutrients, and proteins in a ratio that offers nutritional benefits.
For example, mushrooms contain natural polysaccharides (simple sugars) and the most important polysaccharides for those suffering from cancer are called beta-glucans. According to the Dog Cancer Doctor, Dr. Demian Dressler, “beta-glucans have a wide variety of effects in the body. Beta-glucans can bind to the outside of natural killer cells and other immune system cells, responsible for destroying cancers, and help ‘turn them on’ and increase their activity. Beta-glucans may also be able to increase overall white blood cell activity in the body.”
In other words, mushrooms boost the immune system and help the body to fight against cancer. New research is showing that some mushroom extracts can help chemotherapy drugs better find and identify cancer cells, which makes chemo more effective.
An early 1970s Japanese study demonstrated the powerful anti-tumour effect of shiitake mushrooms. Mice suffering from sarcoma were given shiitake extract, and “six of 10 mice had complete tumour regression, and with slightly higher concentrations, all ten mice showed complete tumour regression.”
How can mushrooms benefit our pet’s health?
Just some of the benefits that have been associated with medicinal mushrooms include:
- Increased longevity
- Improved blood flow
- Cholesterol and blood sugar normalization
- Liver protection
- Kidney support
- Antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties
- Improved respiratory illnesses, including asthma
- Reduced risk for heart disease
- Improved skin and hair
- Increased sexual function and athletic ability
Extracts of this blog have been sourced from Pet Nutrition Blogger: Rodney Habib
READY TO TRY OLIVE KITCHEN’S MUSHROOM EXTRACT?
Consisting of equal parts reishi, shiitake and turkey tail, Olive’s Kitchen’s Mushroom Extract is superfood for your pet’s immune system. Made in NZ, our medicinal mushroom extract is a natural and healthy way to boost the nutrients and antioxidants in your pet’s diet. Order a trial today.