Evan Sung for The New York Times

Bok choi and shitake mushrooms.

By MARK BITTMAN

OYSTER sauce, the gooey brown condiment often used as the only seasoning for steamed greens in many Chinese restaurants, can taste pretty good. Admittedly this isn’t the most nuanced way to cook Chinese-like food at home, but buying the right stuff really helps.

The idea is to avoid oyster sauce made entirely with artificial ingredients. Look for one that contains at least a hint of oysters (“oyster extract” is common) and no MSG.

Decent oyster sauce can lend a strong, briny taste to almost anything, especially greens like steamed bok choy or gai lan (Chinese broccoli). I’m partial to adding mushrooms, especially with bok choy, whose stems become creamy when cooked long enough. For flavor’s sake, I’d also rather stir-fry than steam.

Here, I’ve paired both dried and fresh shiitakes; I cook the dried along with the bok choy (and garlic, of course) while crisping the fresh separately and serving them as a garnish.

Nothing is wasted: I use the mushroom soaking liquid to give the bok choy a flavor boost. Still, what really pulls this together is the oyster sauce, added at the end of cooking. It’s a not-so-secret ingredient that turns a simple dish into something more.

Read More..

Mushrooms and other fungi grow almost everywhere, on every natural material imaginable. Where you look depends on the mushroom you are trying to find. Some fungi grow only in association with certain trees. Others grow on large logs. Mushrooms are also found in soil, on decomposing leaves, and in dung, mulch and compost.

Knowing when to look is also important. Mushrooms are not formed until temperature and moisture conditions are right for them. Some mushrooms are produced during only one season of the year. During mild or warm weather, they often appear 7 to 10 days after a good rain.

Read More..

Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies produced by some fungi. Not all fruit bodies are true mushrooms. Puffballs and morels are edible fruit bodies that are sometimes called "mushrooms". The function of this visible part of some fungi is to produce and disperse the largest possible number of spores in the shortest possible time. Spores create new individuals after being carried away on the wind and landing in a good place for growth.


True mushrooms typically look like umbrellas. They consist of a stalk topped by a flat or cup-shaped cap. Their spores are produced on special cells called basidia, located on the underside of the cap. The class of fungi whose spores are produced by basidia are called Basidiomycetes.


People often ask about the difference between toadstools and mushrooms. Any mushroom can be called a toadstool, but this word usually refers to a poisonous mushroom.

What do they look like?

Click the link to see some photographs of mushrooms with gills and mushrooms without gills.

Life History of Mushrooms

While mushrooms may seem to sprout overnight, it actually takes days or weeks for one to develop. Most of the growth of a fungus goes unnoticed because it occurs underground. The underground body of a fungus, called the mycelium, is made of moist thread-like filaments called hyphae. When growing conditions are good, little knots of hyphae called primordia are formed. As individual primordia grow larger, the hyphae within them organize into two parts. One part will become a mushroom’s cap, and the other, its stem.
mushroom growth animation

When the primordium gets large enough, the stem elongates and pushes the cap up above the ground. As the stem elongates, the cap expands, a little like an umbrella unfolding. In some mushrooms, the expanding cap breaks a veil-like membrane extending from the cap to the stem, leaving a ring. Some growing mushrooms may also break a second membrane that covers it completely, and dried bits of this broken veil form scales on the cap.
Parts of Mushroom

On the underside of the cap, the spore-producing basidia are found in several different structures. Basidia may cover the surface of tissue-thin hanging plates called gills, or line the inside of tubes, or cover "teeth".

Basidia produce four spores at the end of microscopic spines called sterigma. When the spores are ready, they are discharged a short distance into the space between the gills or teeth, or into the center of the tube. The spores then fall out of the cap and are carried away in the wind. Most spores land within three feet (1 m) of the mushroom that produced them, but they can be carried much further. If the spore lands in a good spot, it germinates, producing the mycelium of a new fungus individual.
basidium animation

The puffballs are relatives of mushrooms whose basidia and spores are enclosed in a sac instead of covering gills, or in tubes. Coral fungi are also mushroom relatives. They produce branched fruiting bodies that resemble coral or broccoli.
puffball

Despite producing large mushroom-like fruiting bodies, morels and false morels are not closely related to mushrooms. These fungi are related to the cup fungi, in the class Ascomycetes. Their spores are produced inside a special cell called the ascus, instead of on the outside of basidia. The spores of morels and false morels are explosively discharged into the air as a fine white cloud.

Read More..

There are several reasons I study mushrooms and other fungi. I am fascinated by their biology and the way they interact with other organisms. Some decay logs, others are the partners of living trees (see mycorrhizae). Some mushrooms form fairy rings that may be huge and hundreds of years old. Others are an important food for squirrels, mice, deer and other animals. They can live almost anywhere. Their fruiting bodies develop in a huge array of forms and colors, many quite beautiful.


I enjoy collecting mushrooms because it gives me a chance to walk in the woods and enjoy this rich habitat. I test my skills of observation and my personal knowledge of fungi, and also have the pleasure of observing the life in the forest around me.


Like any treasure hunt, finding mushrooms is a combination of knowledge and luck. Some people collect and identify mushrooms for the pleasure of studying them, the way bird watchers enjoy studying birds. Most people hunt for edible mushrooms. Many are good to eat and some are especially delicious, such as morels and truffles. "How to Collect and Identify Mushrooms" has detailed information for the beginning collector. NO BEGINNER SHOULD EAT ANY MUSHROOM THAT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED WITH THE HELP OF A LOCAL EXPERT.

Read More..

If you want to lose weight quickly and naturally, the Japanese 2-day diet may be for you. Combining potent herbs and other natural ingredients, they diet has proven effective for many people in their weight loss endeavors. Below are answers to 3 frequently asked questions about the Japanese 2-day diet.

What are the most commonly used ingredients in the new Japanese 2-day diet?

One ingredient, lingzhi, comes from a mushroom that has been used in Chinese medicine for more than 4,000 years, making it one of the oldest mushrooms known to have been used in medicine. In Chinese, the word lingzhi means "herb of spiritual potency," and is sometimes referred to as the "mushroom of immortality" because of its presumed health benefits. In ancient times, it was rare and precious, and was only available to Oriental royalty. Luckily, modern farming techniques make it more available today. Other ingredients commonly found include polyphenols, Coenzyme Q10, cocoa extract, and amino acids.

How does the Japanese 2-day diet work?

Most plans include taking one herbal pill before breakfast for two days. On the third and fourth day, two pills are taken before breakfast. The natural ingredients in them work in several ways.

Reduces fat absorption

First of all, ingredients in the Japanese 2-day diet remove up to 85 percent of the fat from your dietary intake. This blocking of fat absorption dramatically reduces the amount of fat that remains in the body after each meal. The ingredients also seem to prevent carbohydrates and sugars from turning into fats, thus further reducing the fat deposits in the body. After being on the diet for awhile, you may notice a marked reduction of fat in areas that normally store it, such as your belly, buttocks, thighs, and arms.

Promotes fat burning

Secondly, the ingredients in the Japanese 2-day diet promote fat burning. They speed up the body's metabolic rate for 24 hours, so that you are losing weight even while asleep. With appropriate exercise, fatty areas in the body are quickly firmed and toned.

Reduces appetite

Thirdly, the ingredients in the Japanese 2-day diet have hunger reducing qualities. Many on the diet say that their appetites were greatly lessened, helping them to control their caloric intake throughout the day.

Detoxifies the body

Finally, the ingredients in the Japanese 2-day diet promote detoxification of the body, ridding it of toxins that have built on in the organs for years and years. The polyphenols found in the diet have strong antioxidant qualities, destroying free radicals and aiding in potent detoxification, ridding the body of toxic waste. They also prevent constipation, an unwanted side effect found while on some diets.

Other benefits

You may be surprised to find that cocoa extract is an active ingredient in weight loss supplements. Cocoa extracts contain antioxidants which support the immune system, but more importantly, studies have shown that they also improve the mood, increase energy levels, and act as a diuretic. The cocoa bean is also rich in magnesium and tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin, whose high levels have been associated with a more positive mood. Any dieter who has faced mood swings, tiredness, and bloating can appreciate the relief cocoa extracts can bring.

Coenzyme Q10, also found in the Japanese 2-day diet, is a powerful antioxidant with many benefits. It has been found to increase the body's metabolism, and has also been shown to boost the immune system, aid in cardiovascular health, and protect against free radicals.

Who should not use the Japanese 2-day diet?

Pregnant women, children, and those with liver problems should check with their physician before starting any kind of weight loss program or taking medicinal herbs.

In general, the Japanese are thinner than their Western counterparts, partially due to a diet rich in fish and vegetables, but also perhaps due in part to their extensive knowledge and use of herbs. For more information on the Japanese 2-day diet, visit http://www.baotrambeauty.com/ or http://www.toptenboutique.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Phi

Read More..

Eating right and maintaining a healthy weight is not all that difficult. In fact, I am very sure most of you already know pretty well what is best. By cooking healthy meals from weight loss recipes and participating in sports activities, you should find losing weight not a problem at all.

Start by adopting an approach for losing weight naturally. Stick to a diet that is high in complex carbohydrates and fibre, but moderate in protein, and low in fat. I have included some free weight loss recipes for you to demonstrate how to achieve that.

Many people believe that "no fat" means "non-fattening." However, the truth is, you are often getting just as many calories from the no-fat version, and those calories may not coming from fat. So, do not be misled and start to believe that you can eat any amount of the foods that are advertised as "fat-free". Instead, eat healthy food prepared using the weight loss recipes.

The best way to respond to hunger is with healthful snacks such as a slice of whole-grain toasted bread. Instead of skipping meals, eat snacks. Just remember that if you want to lose weight naturally, you have to keep track of every food you eat and of every activity that you do. Learn to cook healthy and delicious from weight loss recipes. That is also one way to motivate yourself.

Below are some simple weight loss recipes for healthy snacks:

Avocado, cheese, and flavoured tuna

Ingredients:

1 cucumber
1 small tin of flavoured tuna
1 avocado block cheese (your choice depends on your preference)

How to Prepare:

Quite easy. I just thought it up the other day and I haven't tried it yet but it sort of gives a substitute instead of using cracker biscuits.

Slice the cucumber to reasonable thickness. Put a slice of cheese on the cucumber. Then some avocado then finally some flavoured tuna on top. Great snack!

Zero Carbs Chicken Wings

Ingredients:

3 lbs. chicken wings
6 T. Hot Sauce
1 Stick Butter
2 qts. cooking oil
Lawry's Seasoned Salt

How to Prepare:

WINGS: Cut whole wings at joints and discard tips. Sprinkle wings liberally with Lawry's Seasoned Salt. Deep fry until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

SAUCE: Combine melted butter and hot sauce in a large bowl, mix well. Add wings and coat evenly.

This recipe is for mild wings-add extra hot sauce for more heat. Serve with bleu cheese and celery.

Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

Ingredients:

8 oz cream cheese,
softened 5 or 6 slices of bacon,
fried crisp
1 small onion, chopped - or less
15-20 large mushrooms

How to Prepare:

Preheat oven to 350.Take the stems out of your mushrooms, reserving 4 or 5. Clean your mushrooms well and set aside.

Chop your onion well, and chop up the reserved stems.

Fry your bacon til crisp, reserving the grease. Cook your onion and stems until tender in the bacon grease. Drain the grease and add onions/stems to the softened cream cheese. Crumble your bacon in cheese mixture. Combine well. Scoop some into each mushroom cap. Bake for about 10-15 minutes on baking sheet with edges, then broil to brown the tops. YUMMY! Great refrigerated and reheated in oven the next day!

Dave Lu is a health and fitness enthusiast. He researches, writes articles and reviews on various weight loss and health care products available in the market. You can visit his review site at Best Weight Loss Products Review for more information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Lu

Read More..

Our living environment has become increasingly more polluted, our diets unhealthy with processed foods that are full of preservative, harmful fats, refined carbohydrates, and sugars which fill our stomach but do not nourish our body optimally. On top of that we are leading very busy, hectic, and stressful lifestyles. Even though we boast to have the best and modern time-saving electrical gadgets and appliances most people are left with no time or no stamina for exercise which everyone knows is vital for health.

All these have put a great deal of strain on our immune system which has to constantly function on a hyper mode, trying hard to neutralize the environmental pollutants we are exposed to and ingested toxins from foods and drugs, trying to help your body maintain a state of homeostasis or balance for optimum health. When this physiological balance is not restored, the common physical symptoms that will manifest are:

* allergies
* cancer
* cardiovascular disease
* obesity
* chronic fatigue syndrome
* depression
* aging prematurely

The immune system is a complex network of specialized cells and organs such as the spleen, thymus and bone marrow that defense any foreign viruses or bacterial when they invade your body. We get sickly easily because of an impaired immune system. T-cells is a product of the thymus gland which protects you against harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites, but it shrinks as we age, reducing the production of T-cells. This is why it's so important to boost your immune system as you get older to avoid sickness. Many are searching for natural healthy diets, nutrition supplementation and exercise to nourish and strengthen their immune system to work more efficiently.

The discovery of medicinal mushrooms such as cordyceps and ganoderma lucidum (reishi) or Lingzhi has been documented in many reputable studies on its ability to restore our bodies’ balance and natural resistance to disease.

What is Cordyceps?

Cordyceps or Cordyceps Sinensis is a rare parasitic organism grows primarily on the Tibetan plateau at high altitudes of 14,000 feet. In Chinese, its name means ‘winter worm, summer grass’ or “caterpillar fungus.” It is nature’s cross marriage of the insect and plant kingdom. When it was first discovered about 2000 years ago the Chinese thought the herb was a worm. The fungus mushroom is a product from a type of fungus which parasites upon the larvae of the Chongcao bat moth and forms a fungus/larva composite body, and it takes five to seven years to complete its life cycle.

As part of the Chinese culinary delicacy, the cordyceps mushroom was used in soups and brews with pork and poultry. Due to its scarcity and high price, its use was reserved exclusively for the Emperor’s Palace in China. Cordyceps has been recognized for centuries and has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). For generations, it has been considered the premier agent in the Chinese culture for:

* restoring energy
* longevity and quality of health
* treating lung problems
* strengthening kidney functions

In 1993, three women Chinese athletes set new world records in the National Games in China. Their coach attributed their success to intensive training and supplementation with the cordyceps mushroom. Today many scientific studies have proven the numerous health benefits from this fungus.

Recently, a small study presented at the American College of Sports Medicine annual meeting (1999), showed that a cordyceps-based supplement (CordyMax, Pharmanex) significantly increases maximal oxygen uptake and anaerobic threshold, which may lead to improved exercise capacity and resistance to fatigue.

Health Benefits of Cordyceps:

* enhances endurance, stamina and exercise performance
* reduces fatigue
* relieves asthma
* fights sexual dysfunction
* improves libido in man and woman
* promotes healthy lung function
* improves kidney and liver functions through metabolizing and excreting toxic substances
* promotes healthy cholesterol levels
* improves respiratory functions
* promotes natural vitality

Everyone from young to old can enjoy the benefits from cordyceps mushroom which is sold in forms of its natural dry fruiting body, powdered form, tinctures, dietary supplement or in tonic soups.

Copyright 2005

Elena Leong is a health enthusiast and adviser in holistic health, a certified Aromatherapist by International Federation of Aromatherapy UK(IFA) and the founder of http://www.1menopause.com –a website for women going through menopause. She has helped many to better health and vitality through holistic therapy and herbal nutrition supplements.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elena_Leong

Read More..

HIV and AIDS is a medical problem that has confounded the medical community since its introduction to the world. It was first identified in the United States around 1980, largely unheard of before this time with a few isolated exceptions that match the disease's symptoms. The HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, and AIDS for acquired immune deficiency syndrome. AIDS is a disease that results in damage the immune system, which over time leaves individuals susceptible to infections that weaken the body. AIDS/HIV is transferred through bodily fluids, including blood, semen, and breast milk. As AIDS reaches pandemic stages, researchers are trying to find a solution for this terrible disease that in 2007 was estimated at infecting 88.2 million people worldwide.

The normal course of treatment has been AZT and other cocktails of antiviral drugs. Although these drugs can slow the progression of this disease, no one has yet found the cure. Studies are looking into natural supplements to fight this disease. There are multiple studies that have taken into consideration the effects of regular vitamin supplements for the body. A completely unique and new type of dietary supplement, combining immuno-modulators and direct acting anti-viral compounds from all-natural sources has emerged using medicinal mushrooms. These compounds have been tested in a number of different clinical Trials, and have been found to be extremely safe and effective. The Chinese have used many of these mushrooms to boost immune function for centuries.

These fungi serve as immunomodulators. Mushroom derived immune enhancers have been used in cancer therapy worldwide since their discovery in 1976. Examples of these types of mushroom derived polysaccharide compounds are Lentinan, PSK, PSP, Grifolan, and the cross-linked beta-mannans from Cordyceps. These have all been used in clinical trials on HIV patients, both alone and in combination with HAART drugs. And they have all shown effectiveness.

Two separate researchers on opposite sides of the Earth - one in China, one in California, have screened 27 herbs from traditional Chinese medicine to see how it impacted the AIDS virus. These herbs were purified and tested to find out what happened to the HIV cells while not damaging the normal cells. The results showed that several of these herbs would fight the disease through a controlled assay. Viola yesdoensis was the most effective. This herb reduced the percentage of infection cells from 12.8 to zero, 3.8 to .4, and 21.5 to .4 in three separate assays.

Other herbs were also found to be effective, but with limited research and lack of funding, these researchers are unable to continue studies to find more definitive results. There is also no way without research to find levels that would be safe for human consumption, or how it would react with the human body. Researching these herbs on your own may be beneficial, but it is definitely best to speak with an herbalist as well as your own doctor before trying any herbs on your own.

The New England Journal of Medicine, VOL 351.23-32, reports a study with 1078 pregnant women infected with AIDS. These women were given daily supplements of vitamin A and multi-vitamins. This study found that women who took the multi-vitamins lowered the viral loads on the body, but vitamin A alone had smaller benefits.

This is not the only study examining the effects of multi vitamins on the advance of AIDS. Although this is not a replacement for anti-HIV drugs, evidence seems to show that by taking a multi vitamin supplement you can help lesson the symptoms. The reason for this, doctors believe, is because this virus compromises your immune system, and by taking supplements you are supporting it. This makes the advancement slow down.

In a study in Africa, a study showed a multivitamin taken daily with vitamin B, C and E as well as folic acid slowed the onset of AIDS and death, and a study in Thailand showed a reduced risk of death in people that were experiencing the advanced stages of HIV. These studies don't suggest that this is a cure for AIDS, but the polysaccharides in medicinal mushrooms have been shown to do offer a better of quality of life while you battle this disease by supporting your immune system. These with inexpensive and readily available solutions.

Keep in mind that even vitamin supplements can be toxic. Research the proper dosing, as certain supplements can cause liver and bone damage, vomiting, headache, kidney stones, and nerve damage if you take too many of these supplements. Talk with your doctor and an HIV specialist first, meet with a dietitian and gain advice on how to optimize your intake through diet as well as supplements. Feel free to educate them on the benefits of immune support using natural immune boosting polysaccharides to help boost your immune system.

Herbal remedies are being used by patients with HIV, but these remedies are not well studied and some can actually counteract the HIV drugs. There are several known interactions so far, and hopefully in time we will have more answers about what works together, but use caution when trying these remedies.

As we continue to battle this disease, sufferers must continue to raise awareness so that the research is not put on the back burner. With an answer as simple as polysaccharides and better nutrition to slow the onset and progression, maybe we can find another answer within nature to help wipe this terrible disease out. It is imperative that we continue the research that has given us a start to the answer, and maybe we can find the secret to the cure.

Strengthen your immune system with Immune Assit, a blend of over 250 powerful polysaccharides. Darren Craddock shares his Secret to staying healthy and Energized for life in this FREE Healthy Energy Report at http://www.EnerHealthBotanicals.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darren_Craddock

Read More..

Here are a few facts about Mushrooms, the magic ingredient:

- Mushrooms are often classified as a vegetable or a herb, but they are actually fungi.
- While there are over 14,000 mushrooms, only about 3,000 are edible, about 700 have known medicinal properties, and fewer than one percent are recognized as poisonous.
- People who collect mushrooms for consumption are known as mycophagists, and the act of collecting them for such is known as mushroom hunting or simply "mushrooming".
- Only specimens that are freshly picked or properly preserved should be consumed and not too old. Once an edible mushroom loses its freshness, bacterial colonies will form and stomach upsets or worse symptoms can be expected if such specimens are ingested.
- The most commonly consumed mushroom in the world is Agaricus bisporus or the white button mushroom. It has two other forms - Crimini or brown mushrooms with a more earthy flavor and firmer texture, and Portabella mushrooms with a large umbrella-shaped cap and meaty flavor.
- The Egyptians considered mushrooms as a delicacy, and the Greeks believed that mushrooms provided strength for warriors in battle. The Romans regarded mushrooms as a gift from God and served them only on festive occasions, while the Chinese treasured them as a health food.
- Mushrooms contain about 80 to 90 % water and are very low in calories (only 100 calories/oz). They have very little sodium and fat and 8 to 10 % of the dry weight is fiber.
- Only about 45% of mushrooms produced are consumed in the fresh form. The rest of the 55% is processed with 5% in the dehydrated form and 50% in the canned mushrooms form.
- This shelf life of mushrooms in the fresh form is very short. Hence mushrooms are traded in the world market mostly in the processed form.
- Some mushrooms produce compounds that fight cancer! This was discovered when scientists in Japan found that a community had unusually low cancer rates.
- Mushrooms can be used for dyeing wool and other natural fibers. The chromophores of mushrooms are organic compounds and produce strong and vivid colors, and all colors of the spectrum can be achieved with mushroom dyes.
- Netherlands is the largest exporter of canned button mushrooms with a market share of about 38.5%. China is second with almost 30% of world trade. France is close third with 13.5% of the world exports.
- As far as the import market goes, the most significant buyer of canned white button mushroom is Germany. It alone accounts for almost 40% of the world imports.

In addition to the above facts, mushrooms assists in immune function, they are high in vegetable proteins and also promotes good health and vitality.

Sheryl Joaquin is handling Marketing Department in SunImpex, situated in Dubai. Our website http://www.sunimpex.biz offers exclusive information regarding various agro products. Besides this, SunImpex also provides agro products and energy products at competitive rates. We appreciate your feedback and queries at marketing@sunimpex.biz

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sheryl_Joaquin

Read More..

Antioxidant for antiaging has been researched extensively. A study carried out by Penn State University in 2005 revealed that eating mushrooms could become an antioxidant for antiaging. They presented it to the American Chemical Society in Washington. They went on to credit it with fighting cancer and cardiovascular disease.

They estimated the white-button mushroom as an antioxidant for antiaging and found that white-button mushrooms have five times more of the antioxidant ergothioneine than chicken liver (considered the best source for vitamin). The white-button mushrooms are the most common mushroom consumed in the United States.

Ergothioneine Helps Removing Free Radicals

The antioxidant ergothioneine aids the human body in eradication of free radicals, which cause a lot of cell and tissue damage in humans. White button mushrooms have twelve times more antioxidant ergothioneine than wheat germ. Wheat germ itself is considered a very good source of the nutrient.

These make a great antioxidant for antiaging. Consuming more of these mushrooms as well as vegetables can bring different antioxidants for antiaging as well as cancer prevention. As usual they can prevent cellular damage and other diseases too. Today more than ever there is a drive for antiaging; antioxidant for antiaging may be the fountain of youth that many have sought for centuries.

One antioxidant for antiaging product is Lifespan Extension complex. A bottle contains 120 capsules with Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Alpha Lipoic Acid, and Bioperine. This antioxidant for antiaging brings those taking them excellent energy and liveliness. It has an antioxidant antiaging formula which may reduce deterioration of brain cells, brown spots, and other signs of aging.

Another benefit of this antioxidant for antiaging is how it has been known to re-establish mitochondrial activity and cardiolipin to younger stages and can lengthen your lifespan. For those seeking the fountain of youth behold this antioxidant for antiaging.

Among the earliest classes of substances containing vitamin E and BHT, were the antioxidant for antiaging. It was thought that these drugs provided protection against radiation. There was also the belief that they could assist combating age as well.

Later Vitamin E, BHT and ethoxyquin were found to be an antioxidant for antiaging. Among these, Vitamin E is considered quite safe; however it also seems to have the least affect on aging. Ethoxyquin seemed a pretty effective antioxidant for antiaging; however it does have severe toxic effects to go with it.

BHT may in fact be the most powerful antioxidant for antiaging. It has low toxicity and has been found to be very successful. Finding more sources in your diet for it may bring you to a happier, healthier, younger looking and older age. The antioxidant for aging may also help you prevent other diseases and degenerative conditions.

So the next time you head to the kitchen to cook your next meal, you might want to add white-button mushrooms to your list of fruits and vegetables you take in regularly. Researching a little on supplements to add to these may not hurt either. You have better physical fitness as a whole to gain from an antioxidant for antiaging.

There are some interesting points to consider when we focus on antioxidant research Visit the Antioxidant Vitamin Site today for the full story and help and advice on all Antioxidants. Madison highly recommends this site so make sure you check it out today here =>http://www.antioxidantvitaminsite.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Madison_Taylor

Read More..

In Australia, the mushroom picking season is eagerly anticipated by European Immigrants and as autumn has slowly creeps forward, it signals the brief season of wild pine mushrooms (which grow under pine trees) such as saffron milk caps and slippery jacks.

Their abundance depends on the weather, as insufficient or excessive rain impedes their growth. Not that we have really had much rain lately anyways. Should you embark on a journey to pick mushrooms, always go with someone experienced or have the mushroom checked to ensure edibility. Don't rely solely on European or American reference books, as Australia has its own varieties.

There are thousands of varieties of fungi, however only a few of which are edible. These can be divided into two broad categories: Wild and Cultivated. Cultivated Mushrooms include Button, Portobello and Swiss Browns which are available year round, but are at their peak during April -July.

Varieties

Cultivated - with their deep, earthy wooden flavour, Swiss Browns are the original variety from which Button, Chestnut, Flat and Cap mushrooms have been developed. Portobello are merely older, larger, flatter. Swiss Browns are excellent for stuffing, barbequing, grilling and roasting. Buttons have a finer texture and more delicate flavour. Eat them raw in salads or cooked. Chestnuts have a firm, meaty texture and nutty flavour and are suitable for use in breads, pastry fillings and pates.

Asian cultivated - Enoki have a crunch and almost fruity flavour suited to salads, hotpots or soups. King Trumpets also known as Eryngii or King Oyster have long stout stems and small thick caps. The stems are also full of flavour. Nameko originated in Japan and have an aromatic flavour. Oyster mushrooms have slightly peppery overtones and a juicy texture.They are delicious fried in butter and garlic, added to casseroles and clear Thai soups. Shiitake are indigenous to Japan and are intensely flavoured mushrooms.

Wild - Field mushrooms have an aniseed accent and are great shaved raw in salads, crumbed and deep-fried, added to braised meat and poultry dishes or pickled and served as antipasto. Slippery Jacks have slippery caps, moist, spongy flesh and a delicate flavour. They are best added to soups, stews and dishes with other varieties. Saffron milk caps, named after their lurid saffron colour and the milky liquid they exude, have a firm texture and nutty tastes

Overall, Mushrooms are high in Protein, Fibre and B group vitamins including Niacin, Riboflavin and Folate, although cultivated mushrooms have lower levels of vitamins C & K. They are also Low in fat, have about 9% percent water and sufficient nutrients to form the central part of a meal, especially Vegetarian meals. When you're shopping for them, buy unblemished, firm mushrooms and store them for up to 3 days in a paper bag to prevent dehydration and do not store near strong smelling foods.

Ana Kobelic

For more information visit the website http://fungimap.rbg.vic.gov.au

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ana_Kobelic

Read More..

Introduction

Magic Mushrooms are neither physically addictive nor likely to cause psychological dependence. Many people actually find that their desire to use magic mushrooms decreases for a period of time after use. As with all substances, some people will use them more frequently than they are comfortable with.

Species

There are many different kinds of magic mushrooms with all different effects. Most famous are the Psylocybe Cubensis from Mexico and the Copelandia Cyanescens from Hawaii. The magic mushrooms contain a high concentrate of psilocybin and psilocin which causes a trip.

Using Magic Mushrooms

To get the best out of magic mushrooms you need to eat and chew it very well. You can also make tea of it, but this will not result as intense as eating. The effects of magic mushrooms are mainly determined by the dose, an individual's sensitivity to psilocybin, how much of it has been eaten and how recently. It takes 30-60 minutes before it works. The primary effect of magic mushrooms lasts for 4-6 hours. A normal portion of dried magic mushrooms is around 2 grams for a good trip, but this can vary. When the magic mushrooms are not dried but fresh, then a portion is about 20 grams, but this can also vary.

Effects of Magic Mushrooms

A trip of magic mushrooms will give you an intensification of existing feelings, visual hallucinations and transformation of experience of time and place. It gives you the feeling that things are different than usual. You will notice things you normally don't, or just take for granted. The things you see, hear or do are much more intense. You can see new perspectives or get feelings of insight, but mostly it causes a lot of laughter because everything you see is much funnier.

Intensity of Magic mushrooms trips.
Read more about Magic mushroom experiences.

Don't use magic mushrooms when...
People in the midst of an emotional or psychological upheaval in their everyday lives should be careful using psychedelics such as magic mushrooms, as they can trigger even more difficulty. Only take magic mushrooms when you feel good and when you're an emotionally stable person. This information from here

Read More..

Here's a tasty alternative to the normal chicken and rice dish that pairs lean, boneless chicken breasts with long grain wild rice and Swiss cheese for a dish that will is healthy and hearty.

To make things easier, you'll be using frozen chicken breasts. You'll need: 1/2 cup of green bell pepper, 1/2 cup of red bell pepper, 1 cup of sliced mushrooms, 3/4 cups of water, two boxes of long grain wild rice and 4 slices of Swiss cheese.

With clean hands, wash the ice from four frozen chicken breasts while holding them under cold running water for one to two minutes.

Get out a large skillet and spray liberally with nonstick cooking spray. Add the chicken to the pan and cook for five to seven minutes over medium high heat; or cook until chicken is a light brown color.

Next, add in three and three fourth cups of water, two boxes of long grain wild rice with seasoning packets. Bring rice to a boil and then cover and reduce heat. Simmer rice for twenty minutes.

Stir in one half cup of chopped green and one half cup of chopped red bell peppers. Sprinkle one cup of sliced mushrooms over the chicken. Keep covered and cook for another five to eight minutes, or until the chicken juices run clear.

Carefully place a slice of Swiss cheese over each chicken breast.

Remove from heat and let stand, with the cover on, for five minutes, or until the cheese melts. Serve chicken with dinner rolls and vegetables.

Makes 4 servings.

Spiff up your bedroom with budget bed in bag sets that go with every decor.
http://www.bedinbagsetreview.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brandy_Summers

Read More..

Now this blog give you recommendation for eat Mushroom if you want health, Because the Mushroom function very good to you body and make you enjoy. So what do you think about mushroom. If you want know about mushroom and everything about mushroom you can visit this blog and you can give critic for build this blog. Thank’s for you attention

Read More..

An Ancient History of Healing

Some of the earliest Chinese medical texts dating back 2000 years and more place certain rare mushroom species amongst the most potent types of healing herbs available. Revered for their ability to promote health, longevity and wisdom they were for many centuries available only to the ruling classes of ancient China due to their rarity and prohibitive expense.

Secret to Longevity

You might have heard of Mushrooms such as Reishi, Cordycepts or Shitake? As stated above these were once reserved only for royalty. Known as "The Emperor's Secret", they were available only to he and his family due to their rarity and expense. With them lay the keys to health, vitality, longevity, and some even believed immortality.

Specific strains of Mushrooms have Immune-regulating properties which can result in many health benefits.

Recent studies have shown Mushroom Nutrition to be beneficial in the following areas:

Anti Tumor Anti Cancer

Anti Fatigue Anti Viral

Hepatitis B Liver Cancer


Some of the more traditional Chinese Medical uses of Mushroom Nutrition over the last 2000 years would be:


Immune System

Common Cold Influenza

Inflammation Arthritis

Allergies Lupus

Asthma Chronic Bronchitis

Herpes Simplex

Herpes Zoster

Circulatory System

Hypertension Hypotension

Arteriosclerosis Cholesterol

Anemia Elevation Sickness

Digestive System

Gastroenteritis Liver Necrosis

Obesity Diabetes

Constipation Gallstones


Mushroom Nutrition is a viable alternative to those seeking to improve their overall health and wellbeing, enhance athletic ability or fight chronic disease such as cancer and it's related effects.

For further information view:

http://www.blueheronacupunctureonline.com/mushroom.htm

Read More..