With the serious environmental pollution in modern society, detoxification has become a hot topic in health care. Notably, black fungus (also known as wood ear or cloud ear fungus) stands out for its remarkable health benefits. Renowned as the “aspirin of the food world,” it boasts a variety of advantages, including beautifying the skin, detoxifying the body, and reducing cholesterol.
Natural delight
Black fungus is a type of edible mushroom. While the wild variety grows on trees and wooden logs, nowadays, it is mostly cultivated using specialized techniques involving wood shavings mixed with natural soybean and rice bran as nutrients.
Rich in anthocyanins
Black fungus is recognized for its deep black or brownish-black color, derived from a natural antioxidant called anthocyanin. It shares this nutritional component with other foods like grapes and blueberries, making it one of the leading sources of anthocyanins.
Health benefits of anthocyanins
1. Anti-inflammatory and protective effects
Anthocyanins can neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation. As a result, they aid in preventing diabetic retinopathy and age-related ailments such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
2. Liver health
Consuming a high-fat diet for extended periods can result in a fatty liver. If not managed properly, this can lead to insulin resistance and eventually diabetes. Anthocyanins assist in reducing liver fat, maintaining liver health, and lessening the risk of liver complications leading to diabetes. Moreover, anthocyanins also help stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing significant fluctuations.
3. Urinary health
The antioxidative properties of anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins can inhibit Escherichia coli (E. coli) from adhering to the urinary tract, thereby decreasing the risk of urinary infections.
A nutritional powerhouse
Black fungus contains all eight essential amino acids in addition to a variety of trace elements. Its protein content is equivalent to that of meat, but it has 10 times as much iron and 20 times as much calcium. It also contains 10 times more vitamin B2 as compared to other vegetables.
Regarding the iron content, analysis has shown that every 100 grams of black fungus contains 185 mg of iron. Putting this in perspective, this is 20 times more than spinach and approximately seven times more than pork liver, making it one of the richest sources of iron among both plant and animal-based foods.
Profound health benefits
1. Cardiovascular health
Black fungus prevents cholesterol buildup and clotting in the blood. This reduces blood viscosity and the risk of thrombosis, safeguarding against cardiovascular disease. Regularly consuming 5-10 grams can be beneficial for heart health. However, due to its anticoagulant properties, those with bleeding disorders and pregnant women should consume it in moderation. Its soluble fiber content also aids cholesterol metabolism and blood sugar stabilization, further protecting the heart.
2. Anti-aging
The polysaccharides found in black fungus inhibit the formation of lipofuscin, an oxidized fatty substance that can result in age spots. Besides manifesting on the skin, lipofuscin can also accumulate in brain cells and blood vessel walls, leading to dementia and cardiovascular disease.
3. Digestive health
With 6.5 grams of dietary fiber in every 100 grams, black fungus has a significant fiber content compared to vegetables like cauliflower. Its non-soluble dietary fiber promotes intestinal movement, aiding in alleviating constipation.
4. Detoxification
The gelatin, lecithin, and polysaccharides in black fungus can eliminate food residues, harmful substances inhaled by the lungs, and toxins formed from blood fat and cholesterol. This detoxifying effect cleanses the digestive system, reducing intestinal inflammation. Moreover, anthocyanins also support healthy gut microbiota, addressing imbalances and enhancing overall gut health.
Translated by Audrey Wang
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