Black Fungus
Black Fungus
Black fungus, is also known as Auricularia polytricha. It is an edible wild mushroom sometimes known as tree ear or cloud ear fungus, given its dark, ear-like shape.
Nutritional Benefit of Black fungus:
According to article by Ms. Lisa Wartenberg (MFA.RD.LD) written on 11 Nov 2019, medically reviewed by Ms.Adda Bjarnadottir.(MS.RDN (Ice), published on Healthline, Black fungus,
1. Black fungus is notably low in fat, high in fiber and are loaded with many essential vitamins and minerals. One quarter cup (7 gram) of dried black fungus provides 0 grams of Fat and 5 grams of fibre. The same serving size offers small amounts of potassium, calcium, phosphorus, folate, and magnesium. These vitamins and minerals are vital to heart, brain, and bone health.
2. Black fungus is packed with powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants may help reduce inflammation, lower the risk of cancer and chronic diseases, include heart disease. Mushrooms, including Auricularia species, are generally high in antioxidants. These beneficial plant compounds help combat oxidative stress in your body, which has been linked to inflammation and a range of diseases. What’s more, mushrooms often contain powerful polyphenol antioxidants. A diet high in polyphenols is associated with a lower risk of cancer and chronic conditions, including heart disease.
3. Black fungus may promote gut and immune health. Similar to various other mushrooms, black fungus boasts prebiotics — mainly in the form of beta glucan. Prebiotics are a type of fiber that feeds your gut microbiome, or the friendly bacteria in your gut. These promote digestive health and maintain bowel regularity. Interestingly, the gut microbiome is closely linked to immune health. Prebiotics like those in black fungus are thought to enhance your immune response to unfriendly pathogens that might otherwise make you sick.
4. Black fungus may lower your cholesterol. The polyphenols in mushrooms may help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. In turn, lower LDL cholesterol may decrease your risk of heart disease.
5. Black fungus may promote brain health. Mushrooms are thought to preserve healthy brain function. One test-tube study revealed that wood ear mushrooms and other fungi inhibited the activity of beta secretase, an enzyme that releases beta amyloid proteins. These proteins are toxic to the brain and have been linked to degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.
6. Black fungus may protect your liver. Black fungus may safeguard your liver from harm by certain substances.
