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Black Wood Ear Fungus Health Benefits + Side Effects

Ear fungus has been the most potent fungus in Asia for centuries! Read more about the black wood ear fungus health benefits and more in this article.

History

The black wood ear fungus, botanical name Auricularia polytricha, is native to Asia and was first classified in 1753. It is classified as a wood-decaying fungus. It is a wild but edible fungus found mostly in China and tropical climates like the Pacific islands, Nigeria, Hawaii, and India. In Chinese history, it finds mention both as food and medicine, dating back to the Tang Dynasty from 618 to 907 BC.

Physical characteristics & Composition:

A serving (100g) of the fungus provides:

Availability and Usage:

It ranks fourth in the list of the most widely cultivated mushrooms globally and is now also largely produced in China, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Korea, and Vietnam.

These mushrooms are cultivated in bags of sawdust and exported in the dry form. It is available in Asian grocery stores and also online. The fresh wood ear fungus lasts for up to 2 days, covered in paper towels and stored in the fridge. The dried ones will last for more than a month. You can store them in an airtight jar and keep it in a dark, dry place in your kitchen. Alternatively, you can also buy it as capsules.

Ways To Add Black Wood Ear Fungus to your Diet

Recipe

What You Need

What To Do

Black Wood Ear Fungus Health Benefits

1. Medicinal Properties

It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, but the extensive scientific study of the fungus is still in the early stages. The Chinese tout it as a medicine for sore throat, breathing problems, colds and fevers, sore eyes, and boosting immunity.

2. Helpful in Various Diseases

It has negligible fat and no sugar but is high in protein and fiber, making it a perfect option if you are on a weight loss diet or if you suffer from health conditions like diabetes. The insoluble dietary fiber in the fungus helps lower your glycemic index. It is rich in iron, which helps prevent and treat anemia.

3. Antioxidant Properties

Its high antioxidant content helps your body fight damage from free radicals, prevent chronic illnesses, and also promotes heart health. It boosts your immunity. The antioxidant property of the fungus helps protect your liver from damage from certain drugs like acetaminophen. It may also promote and maintain healthy brain function by inhibiting harmful enzymes, which cause degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.

4. Anti-inflammatory Properties

Its anti-inflammatory properties treat diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and also speed up wound healing. It is also high in polyphenols, which lowers your risk of cancer. It has an active component called diazane, which has anti-tumor properties. Sulfated polysaccharides in the mushroom have an antiviral effect.

5. Prebiotics

The fungus also contains prebiotics like beta-glucan that promote the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut. This improves digestion and bowel movement. They also enhance the activity of phagocytes – immune cells that protect your body by ingesting harmful bacteria. Polyphenols also help lower your LDL or bad cholesterol levels resulting in better heart health.

6. Others

The fungus also contains the pigment melanin, which protects your body from radiation. Polysaccharides in the mushroom have antimicrobial properties.

It contains significant amounts of adenosine, a chemical that inhibits blood clotting and blocks platelet aggregation. This improves blood circulation in your body and may also help prevent heart attacks and strokes.

Precautions and Side Effects:

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