Stalker takes all claims on the magical healthful properties of certain exotic strains of mushrooms with a pinch of salt (just as if one is cooking them!)
Claims on medicinal mushrooms are all well and good, but until they are proven the consumer needs to be careful. The much hyped anti-cancer properties are the most dubious.
Now Maitake mushrooms are claimed to be curative in the chronic disease of Diabetes. One US firm has a patent out on their "D-Fraction". All well and good if the claims can be proven.
Stalker is more inclined to wait for hard medical evidence if it comes, from studies such as that being carried out on the Reishi mushroom (ganoderma lucidum) at the University of Western Sydney. They're investigating whether the mushroom can reduce high blood sugar, obesity and high cholesterol. Let's hope the results are positive.
Meanwhile Stalker spotted this plug in the Sunday Herald for the reishi mushrooms - sometimes you'd think they can cure every ailment.
"Reishi mushrooms (ganoderma lucidum) contain triterpenes, a class of hydrocarbons, which have strong anti-viral, anti-bacterial properties. They can also give you a wee energy boost, which is no bad thing when your hay fever takes told. Try Mycology Laboratories Reishi Mushrooms, 90 tablets for GBP18.95, www.nutri centre.co.ukor 0800 587 2290."
