Why mushrooms are a superfood

Mushrooms are one of the great superfoods—and scientists are a step closer to understanding their secret.

They’ve isolated a powerful antioxidant—known as Inaoside A—from a variety of Laetiporus cremeiporus mushrooms, commonly known as sulphur shelf or chicken of the woods.  The mushrooms typically grow on tree trunks and roots.

Scientists from Shinshu University in China say the antioxidant could also work as a natural antibiotic.

The research is part of a wider exploration of the therapeutic compounds in plants and fungi for use by the pharmaceutical industry—but you could just eat the mushrooms.  In the case of sulphur shelf mushrooms, go easy; they can cause mild reactions such as swollen lips and nausea, so start with small amounts.

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