The shiitake, an Asian-origin mushroom now appreciated worldwide, captivates not only with its refined flavor. It also generates significant scientific interest for its health benefits, particularly in cardiovascular health. At the core of its remarkable properties are lentinans, specific polysaccharides that give shiitake a unique effect on cholesterol metabolism and blood vessel protection.
At a time when cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of mortality worldwide, it is essential to explore natural solutions capable of supporting lipid balance and reducing associated risks. To this end, at French Mush, we invite you to discover how shiitake, thanks to its rich lentinans, can contribute to cholesterol modulation and the preservation of cardiovascular health.
Shiitake and lentinans: a nutritional and immune treasure
The shiitake, an iconic Asian mushroom, is as appealing for its delightful flavor as it is for its nutritional and medicinal benefits. Rich in vitamins (D, B2, B3, B5, B6), minerals (copper, selenium, zinc, magnesium), fiber, and protein, it provides the body with essential nutrients. These are crucial for the proper functioning of the immune system, protection against oxidative stress, and maintenance of energy. Its place in Japanese and Chinese culinary and medicinal traditions attests to its long-recognized benefits."
But the shiitake mushroom is also renowned for its specific polysaccharides (macromolecules belonging to the carbohydrate family, formed by the chain of many simple sugars or oses, linked by glycosidic bonds), the lentinans (below). Similarly, these unique beta-glucans (below) exert powerful immunomodulatory effects: they stimulate the activity of macrophages (below), to strengthen the body's defense.
Lentinans also have antioxidant properties and help reduce inflammation by supporting cellular health. This synergy between nutritional richness and lentinans makes shiitake a valuable natural ally for the prevention and support of cardiovascular, immune, and overall health.
⚠️ Lexicon Point
Lentinans are specific polysaccharides isolated from shiitake (Lentinula edodes), belonging to the category of beta-glucans. Composed of glucose chains, they exhibit immunostimulant and antineoplastic effects.
Macrophages are immune cells belonging to white blood cells, responsible for ingesting and destroying pathogens, dead cells, and cellular debris.
Beta-glucans are polysaccharides composed of D-glucose linked by beta bonds. It should be noted that the beta-glucans specific to shiitake exhibit immunomodulatory properties and also have the ability to reduce blood cholesterol.
What to know about cholesterol?
Cholesterol is an essential fatty substance for the body, involved in the formation of cell membranes, hormone synthesis, and vitamin D production. There are two main types of cholesterol.
LDL (low-density lipoproteins), often called "bad cholesterol," transports cholesterol from the liver to the cells and can accumulate in the arteries. As for HDL (high-density lipoproteins), or "good cholesterol," it returns excess cholesterol to the liver for elimination.
An imbalance, with LDL too high or HDL too low, increases the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. Therefore, cholesterol control is a major issue for cardiovascular health.
From Cholesterol to Arteries: The Multiple Heart Benefits of Shiitake
Shiitake affects cholesterol through several mechanisms. In fact, once consumed, the beta-glucans contained in shiitake, including lentinans, form a viscous gel in the intestine that traps dietary cholesterol and bile acids. This inhibits their absorption and promotes their excretion through feces.
Simultaneously, eritadenine, another compound found in shiitake, disrupts the methylation of hepatic phospholipids (below) and alters the structure of liver cell membranes. This consequently reduces cholesterol biosynthesis. These combined actions contribute to a decrease in total cholesterol and an improvement in the LDL/HDL ratio.
⚠️ Lexicon Point
Methylation is a biochemical process that involves adding a methyl group (–CH₃) to a molecule, often to DNA or certain proteins.
Hepatic phospholipids are complex lipids produced or used by the liver. They play an essential role in the structure of cell membranes and in the metabolism of fats, including cholesterol.
Beyond cholesterol modulation, shiitake influences other cardiovascular risk markers. It reduces arterial stiffness and improves endothelial function, essential for healthy blood flow. Its antioxidant properties, thanks to selenium and vitamin C, protect blood vessels from oxidative stress and inflammation, thereby reducing the risk of atheroma plaque formation.
Moreover, lentinan limits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (molecules produced by the immune system that promote inflammation to defend the body against infections or injuries). This slows the progression of atherosclerosis. These overall effects make shiitake a natural support for reducing cardiovascular risks and preserving heart health.
⚠️ Lexicon Point
Endothelial function is the ability of the cells lining the inside of blood vessels (the endothelium) to regulate vessel dilation, blood flow, inflammation, and coagulation. Good endothelial function is essential for cardiovascular health.
Pro-inflammatory cytokines are molecules produced by the immune system that promote inflammation to defend the body against infections or injuries.
French Mush: Shiitake, a natural support for your cardiovascular health
At French Mush, we are deeply committed to your well-being, and cardiovascular health is at the heart of our concerns. That's why we offer you high-quality shiitake.
You have the option to choose our 5 Mushroom Complex or the Vitality & Energy Pack, available in powder form for easy integration into your culinary preparations or in capsules, convenient for simplified daily intake. Both products contain shiitake, and the fusion of this mushroom with other adaptogens will allow you to benefit from the synergy effect.
Furthermore, known for its bioactive compounds, particularly lentinans, the shiitake:
● actively participates in cholesterol modulation,
● promotes better blood circulation and
● protects your arteries thanks to its valuable antioxidant properties.
Sourced from organic farming and processed using the ultrasonic extraction method (which preserves their active ingredients), our products are designed to offer you natural and effective support. Choosing French Mush shiitake is a step towards a healthier heart.
Sources:
Diets Containing Shiitake Mushroom Reduce Serum Lipids and Serum Lipophilic Antioxidant Capacity in Rats
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5118771/
Effect of shiitake [Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Pegler] mushroom on laying performance, egg quality, fatty acid composition, and cholesterol concentration of eggs in layer chickens
https://academicjournals.org/article/article1380540131_Hwang%20et%20al%20%2021.pdf
