15% off £20 or 20% off £30

Code:BARRETT
 

15% off £20 or 20% off £30

Code:BARRETT

OffersBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 Price25% off Online Only OfferBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 Get 1 Free Event3 for 2 Mix & MatchOutlet2 for £60 Mix & MatchShort Dated2 for £5 Mix & MatchBuy more save 10%Vitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements Shop AllHair, Skin & NailsCollagen & SilicaMuscle Support & Joint PainDigestive HealthMagnesiumFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGinkgo BilobaGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and Aquaceuticals5 HTPDigestive EnzymesSaw palmettoCharcoalConditionShop all ConditionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthPerimenopauseMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthCBD Vitamins & SupplementsShop all CBD Vitamins & SupplementsCBD OilCBD CapsulesCBD SprayCBD GummiesHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesRescue RemedyAshwagandhaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyTissue SaltsFlower RemediesHomeopathic RemediesAt-Home TestsVegan Vitamins & SupplementsHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNew NordicWeledaBioglanGrass & Co.BetterYouNature's WayNatures AidBuy one get one 1/2 price25% off Online Only OfferSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutletShort DatedDairy FreeGluten FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inFood & DrinkChristmas Food & GiftsFood & Drink Shop AllDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsDried FruitNutsSeedsMixesTeas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstitutesMushroom DrinksHot ChocolateTeasSuperfood TeasMatcha & Green TeaHerbal TeaPeppermint TeaSleep & RelaxationSlimming TeaWomen's Health TeasHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyNut ButtersJams & ChutneysSyrupsSpreadsPateDrinks & JuicesShop all Drinks & JuicesMultipack DrinksJuices & Health ShotsNatural Energy DrinksCoconut WaterKombuchaCBD DrinksSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksProtein ShakesSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSuperfood BlendsSupergreensMoringa PowderSpirulinaMaca PowderFlaxseedBaobabChia SeedsGoji BerriesGut HealthSnacksShop all SnacksSweet SnacksSavoury SnacksLow Calorie SnacksChocolateCrisps & ChipsCrackers & CrispbreadsBiscuits & CookiesSnack BarsFlapjacksLiquoricePopcornVegan FoodShop all Vegan FoodMeat-Free AlternativesDairy Free DrinksEgg SubstitutesVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardApple Cider VinegarCooking OilsCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsGravy, Broths & StockBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCooking OilsCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsTinned FoodsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy, Broths & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking IngredientsBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy Free DrinksShop all Dairy Free DrinksOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksCoconut DrinksNutritionally Complete FoodCoconutHolland & BarrettNaturyaGrenadeHuelHeath & HeatherPukkaTwiningsNakdPerfectTedManuka DoctorSave up to 1/2 Price25% off Online Only OfferBuy one get one 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventOutlet2 for £5 Mix & MatchGluten FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeSugar FreeMilk FreeSoya FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeFish FreeNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinWhey ProteinClear ProteinMass GainersVegan ProteinDiet ProteinCaseinSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsTestosteroneElectrolytesEnergy GelsSports CollagenCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderCreatine CapsulesBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutCaffeine Free Pre WorkoutAmino Energy PowdersIntra WorkoutPost WorkoutKetoAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsAmino Energy PowdersBCAAL-LysineGlutamineCarnitineArginineVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness EquipmentOptimum NutritionPrecision EngineeredUSNGrenadeApplied NutritionMyproteinPhDHuelSiSYfoodSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventBuy 1 Get 1 Free2 for £60 Mix & Match25% off Online Only Offer2 for £25 Mix & MatchOutletGluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreePalm Oil FreeSoya FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeNew inBeautyGiftsNatural Beauty Shop AllSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareSkin AilmentsSkin OilsCBD BeautyFace CareShop all Face CareCleanser & TonerFace MoisturiserFace Oil & SerumFace WashFace Exfoliators & ScrubsFace MasksHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseHair AccessoriesWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesFeminine CareShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsIncontinence SupportAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesElectrical WellnessSexual WellnessDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintTisserandMiaromaSukinQ+ATrilogyChilds FarmBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 Price25% off Online Only OfferBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutletAlcohol FreeParfum FreePalm Oil FreeGluten FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeDairy FreeEgg FreeFish FreeNew inChristmasCBDShop all CBDCBD Vitamins & SupplementsShop all CBD Vitamins & SupplementsCBD OilCBD CapsulesCBD SprayCBD GummiesCBD Food & DrinkCBD BeautyGrass & Co.Cannaray CBDCBDfxTRIPfourfiveHolistic HerbHolland & BarrettReakiroLove HempBody & Mind BotanicalsBuy one get one 1/2 price25% off Online Only OfferSave up to 1/2 PriceOutletDairy FreeAlcohol FreeGluten FreeNew inWeight ManagementWeight Management Shop AllFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsSlimming TabletsWeight Management Shakes Shop all Weight Management Shakes Meal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkHealthier CookingLow Calorie SnacksSlimming TeasExercise SupportShop all Exercise SupportFitness EquipmentMeal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinProtein BarsHolland & BarrettUSNEat WaterIdeal HealthBraggGrenadeNatures AidSlimExpertFrejaInsane GrainBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 Price25% off Online Only Offer2 for £12 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventBuy 1 Get 1 FreeShort DatedGluten FreeSugar FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeNew inHealth & WellnessShop all Health & WellnessEnergyJoints Bones & MusclesGut HealthHair Skin & NailsStress AnxietySleep & RelaxationHolland & BarrettVitabioticsNaturtintWeledaSolgarOptimum NutritionDr OrganicBetterYouApplied NutritionNew NordicBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 Price25% off Online Only OfferBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventBuy 1 Get 1 Free3 for 2 Mix & Match2 for £60 Mix & MatchOutletDairy FreeGluten FreeAlcohol FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeSoya FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeNew inMedicines and HealthcareVeganShop for your WellnessGut HealthImmunityEnergySkincareWomen's HealthMenstrual HealthMenopauseJoints, Bones & MusclesHair, Skin & NailsSleep & RelaxationFood & DietChildren's HealthStress ReliefHealthy HeartLow Mood & DepressionConcentration & AlertnessEye HealthSexual HealthLearn about WellnessJoints, Bones & MusclesWomen's HealthPeriods & Cycle HealthMenopauseImmunityGut HealthFood & DietSports & FitnessSleep & RelaxationHair Skin & NailsArticlesAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast

Explore related topics

Guide to shiitake mushrooms

Laura Harcourt

Written byLaura Harcourt

Guide to shiitake mushrooms
What are shiitake mushrooms, and how do you identify them? Learn from our guide why shiitake mushrooms could be a great addition to your diet.

Summary

1What are they?

One of the five most cultivated mushrooms worldwide, shiitake mushrooms are used in so many delicious recipes for their rich, bold flavour and...

23 potential benefits

They may aid your heart health: Some research shows that shiitake mushrooms contain 3 different compounds, eritadenine, sterols and beta-glucans...

3How to eat

You’ll find shiitake mushrooms in so many different forms on the shelves, from fresh to dried and even supplements...

Explore related topics

One of the five most cultivated mushrooms worldwide, shiitake mushrooms are used in so many delicious recipes for their rich, bold flavour and buttery texture.1 Packed with vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, shiitake mushrooms have been cultivated for traditional Asian practices and recipes for over 1,000 years.2

It’s no wonder shiitake mushrooms are having a moment, but are there any benefits to adding them to your diet? Here, we’ll discuss what shiitake mushrooms are, their potential benefits, and more

 Shiitake mushrooms, or Lentinula edodes, got their common name from the shii tree they grow on in Japan and take, which is the Japanese word for mushroom.3

Their production and consumption have grown steadily since 1945, with Japan and China accounting for almost all worldwide production.4 In fact, shiitake mushrooms are so popular that the global shiitake mushroom market is expected to reach $4.7billion by 2030.4

Shiitake mushrooms are part of the Marasmiaceae fungus family and are generally found growing on trees and logs.5 They have a unique appearance with umbrella-shaped caps that are usually brown, ranging from a deep chocolate brown to a light tan brown and curved stems in a contrasting pale cream colour.6,7

Most mushrooms are good for you as they are low in calories, salt, and fat whilst high in fibre, B vitamins and other minerals like potassium, and shiitake mushrooms are no different.

Typically, one serving size (which is 4 whole shiitake mushrooms) contains:8
Selection of shiitake mushrooms on worktop
  • 26 calories
  • 0g of fat
  • 5g of carbohydrates
  • 7mg of sodium
  • 2g of protein
  • 2g of dietary fibre
  • 2g of sugar

There are so many nutrients in shiitake mushrooms. Just one serving contains various vitamins and minerals, like potassium, copper and B vitamins like riboflavin and pantothenic acid. Eating a serving size of shiitake mushrooms provides 23% of the average adult’s daily pantothenic acid intake and 18% of the average adult’s niacin intake.8

Aside from nutritional profile, it’s thought that shiitake mushrooms could hold a whole host of benefits for your health too. However, it is important to note that research is still ongoing into shiitake mushrooms and how they may benefit your health.

From supporting your immune system to aiding your heart health, here are 3 potential health benefits of shiitake mushrooms:

3 potential benefits

They may aid your heart health

Some research shows that shiitake mushrooms contain 3 different compounds, eritadenine, sterols and beta-glucans, that could help lower cholesterol, which keeps your heart ticking as it should.9,10
 

They may help boost your immune system

It is thought that one of the polysaccharides found in shiitake mushrooms could help to strengthen your immune system.11 Following a study, results showed a potential increase in immune markers and a drop in inflammation levels after participants took 2 dried shiitake mushrooms daily.12
 

They could help strengthen your bones

Mushrooms are naturally high in vitamin D, which helps your body keep your bones strong. Shiitake mushrooms are thought to contain 18 IU of vitamin D per 100g, which can help you reach your daily vitamin D target when included as part of a healthy, balanced diet.13,14
 

Very little is known about whether shiitake mushrooms are safe for everyone to consume. Hence, you must check with your GP before adding shiitake mushrooms to your diet, particularly if you’re on any medication.

The current research into shiitake mushrooms is limited, as is the information on possible side effects. However, there is a risk of allergies to shiitake mushrooms, so if you react to them in any way, stop consuming them immediately. Likewise, if you know you are sensitive to or have an allergy to mushrooms, you should avoid them altogether.

Top view of two vegan sandwiches with fresh arugula, fried shiitake mushroom and shallot onion.
In some cases, you may develop a skin allergy called shiitake dermatitis, which is caused by shiitake mushrooms. Shiitake dermatitis can present itself as inflammation on the skin and itching.15

You should always consult a doctor if this happens. Mushrooms, in general, can sometimes cause mild stomach aches or nausea, so making sure you take a safe dose is vital. You should also always stick to the recommended serving size, usually stated on the packaging.  
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it is recommended that you steer clear of raw shiitake mushrooms because there is not enough information available for it to be considered safe. Or check with your GP for clarification.

You’ll find shiitake mushrooms in so many different forms on the shelves, from fresh to dried and even supplements (but more on those later).

Dried shiitake mushrooms are the most prevalent in many savoury Asian recipes, as they’re easy to store and have a more concentrated smoky flavour. They’re easy to rehydrate, too. You can just soak them in some water for around 20 minutes before you use them.16

Many say the best way to cook shiitake mushrooms is to sauté them in some oil, but there are actually so many amazing, easy ways of cooking shiitake mushrooms.

Here are some of our favourite shiitake mushroom recipes:

  • Lightly fry them up and add them to a delicious stir-fry
  • Make a tasty shiitake mushrooms risotto recipe
  • Have them as a side to your steak or chicken
  • Blend them up into a creamy shiitake mushroom soup

Shiitake mushrooms can also be found in a concentrated supplement form, available as a powder, tablet, or capsule. So why not add a shiitake mushroom supplement to your vitamin routine to harness the potential benefits of these fungi?

Just make sure you always take the right dosage as stated on the label and stop taking the supplements if you have a reaction or feel unwell. You should also check with a doctor before taking these supplements to ensure you’re safe, especially if you already take medication.  

From their delicious flavour and meaty texture to their potential health benefits, there are several reasons to include shiitake mushrooms in your diet.

Whether you whip up a batch of sauteed shiitake mushrooms, take a convenient capsule or add dried shiitake mushrooms to your dinner, you’ll make the most of their active ingredients.

Related Articles