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Currently, it is reported that a "sugar protein"
(glycoprotein) , extract of Shitake mycelia , has just been found by researchers at
Yamaguchi University to be more effective than azidothymidine
(AZT) in the treatment of AIDS. This substance may be free of
side effects and might replace AZT in treatment of AIDS.
In the West , some scientists demonstrated that lentinan ,
a substance from the mushroom , has anti-tumor properties.
It is also help to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. In addition ,
a highly purified form of lentinan is already approved in Japan as an
anti - cancer medicine used with chemotherapy. It has been shown
to be helpful in reducing chromosomal damage caused by
anti - cancer drugs.
Moreover , people believe that Shitake consumption
assists them in recovering from fatigue. Having Shitake can
prevent hangover and relieve allergies and constipation ,
probably due to its high content of fiber.
It is said that
"the best Shitake always grown on natural hardwood
logs such as oak , hickory, and sweet gum".
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The consumer can buy Shitake in supermarket and cook it in
several methods such as fry , barbecue , bake , boil , and raw. In
Japan , they are served in miso soup , used as the basis for a kind
of vegetarian dashi , and also as an ingredient in many
steamed and simmered dishes.
The stems are also rarely used in cooking because
they are harder and take longer to cook than the soft fleshy
caps. Their protein content , meaty texture and intense flavor
make them particularly valuable to vegetarians.
Tips of buying Shitake is looking for full fleshy caps
and white markings around the edges. Try not to choose
small thin caps , long stems with bulbous ends , broken and
yellowish gill or strong smell. They are low quality. Get the goods
label that "natural log-grown"
mushrooms in the case
of buying from supermarket. Buy Shitake directly from a log
grower can make you sure that you will gain the high grade
goods.
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Health & Beauty 
Due to eat no animal products at all, including eggs or dairy, all vegetarians have to find another foodstuff to nourish their health. The most popular one is "Shitake".
