The skin benefits of shiitake mushrooms are a hidden gem in the world of natural skincare.
Read on as we reveal the five skin benefits of shiitake mushrooms and how you can incorporate them into your diet!
Shiitake Mushrooms Explained
People have enjoyed shiitake mushrooms, a popular edible fungus, for centuries.
They have a unique appearance that sets them apart from other mushrooms.
This mushroom variety has distinctive, brown, umbrella-shaped caps.
Smooth or slightly wrinkled surfaces and light-colored gills are underneath the cap.
What Do Shiitake Mushrooms Taste Like?
Shiitake mushrooms have a rich, slightly smoky flavor. They are also known for their meaty texture.
These unique mushrooms have a strong umami flavor, which is the fifth basic taste, alongside sweet, sour, salty, and bitter.
Japanese people describe umami as a pleasant savory taste, a meaty brothy flavor that lingers on the tongue.
How to Get the Skin Benefits of Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are tough when raw, so they need to be cooked before eating.
These hearty mushrooms can be roasted, grilled, sautéed, or added to soups and stews.
My favorite way to enjoy shiitake mushrooms is to sautée them with garlic and olive oil.
The Skin Benefits of Shiitake Mushrooms
1. Supports Collagen Production
Shiitake mushrooms are an excellent source of copper, which is an essential mineral for collagen production.
Collagen is a protein that gives skin its structure and elasticity.
As we age, our bodies produce less collagen. This decline leads to wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin.
Eating shiitake mushrooms can help to boost collagen production to keep skin looking youthful!
2. Fights Inflammation
Shiitake mushrooms have anti-inflammatory properties.
Inflammation is the root cause of many skin conditions, including acne, rosacea, and eczema.
Eating shiitake mushrooms may help to reduce inflammation and improve the overall appearance of your skin.
3. Protects from Skin Damage
Shiitake mushrooms contain antioxidants that can help to protect the skin from sun damage.
Sun damage is one of the leading causes of premature aging, so it is important to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Eating shiitake mushrooms may boost your skin’s natural defenses against sun damage.
4. Hydrates Skin
Shiitake mushrooms are a good source of hyaluronic acid, a substance that helps hydrate the skin.
Hyaluronic acid may reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It may also make skin look more plump and dewy.
5. Brightens Skin Tone
Shiitake mushrooms contain kojic acid, a natural compound that can help brighten skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots.
Kojic acid is a popular ingredient in many skincare products, but it can also be obtained by eating shiitake mushrooms.
Are you interested in more foods that may improve the appearance of your skin? Check out this Age-Defying Dietitian blog post “10 Best Foods That Tighten Skin“.
Takeaways on Skin Benefits of Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms offer a number of benefits for skin health.
Eating shiitake mushrooms may promote collagen production, reduce inflammation, protect against sun damage, improve skin hydration, and brighten skin tone.
If you are looking for a natural way to improve your skin health, consider adding shiitake mushrooms to your diet.
Hungry for More?
Interested in more information on how your diet can improve your skin?
Check out the Skin & Beauty Nutrition section of the blog for more!
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Kathryn is a Registered Dietitian and a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach. She is also Certified through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in Weight Management. She has 20+ years of nutrition experience working in a variety of healthcare settings. Her passion is to provide evidence-based nutrition information that supports vitality and longevity!