Human beings all over the world, not just in Asia, have been using mushrooms for medicinal purposes for tens of thousands of years. One of the earliest pieces of evidence on record was discovered near the Austrian border in Italy. Otzi the Iceman lived around 3300 BC. Amongst the things found in his possession (along with his very well-preserved remains) was a “medicinal birch polypore.” Nowadays, scientific evidence abounds as to the health benefits of mushrooms, including their ability to cut your risk of Breast Cancer substantially.
The Australian-Chinese Mushroom Study
In 2008, a definitive study took place which forever cemented the mushroom as one of the best Breast Cancer-preventative foods around. The University of Western Australia and Zhejiang University School of Medicine researchers followed 2,000 Chinese women for two years (2004-2005). A thousand of the women had been diagnosed with Breast Cancer and a thousand had not. Over the course of the two years, the women took surveys and participated in interviews in order for the researchers to assess their general dietary and lifestyle habits as well as their intake of mushrooms and green tea.
The results were impressive, to say the least. According to the investigators, “…higher dietary intake of mushrooms decreased breast cancer risk in pre-and postmenopausal Chinese women and an additional decreased risk of breast cancer from the joint effect of mushrooms and green tea was observed.”
In particular, they found that the women who ate “at least a third of an ounce” of fresh mushrooms per day saw their Breast Cancer risk reduce by 64%. In addition, they found that the women who ate mushrooms and also drank green tea saw their Breast Cancer risk reduce by more than 85%.
The study was especially important for Chinese women since Breast Cancer rates exploded in China from 1972 to 1994. For example, during those years, rates of Breast Cancer increased by over 50% in women living in affluent areas of urban Shanghai.
Why Mushrooms Are So Cancer-Preventative
There are hundreds of types of edible fungi on planet Earth. Some include those you have probably heard of such as white mushrooms, portabella, oyster, and shitake. Others like Chaga, Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and Turkey Tail are
not as readily found in the produce aisle. Believe it or not, however, they all can be beneficial for your health. Medicinal mushrooms have been connected with lowering stress and improving brain health, helping to heal infection, boosting immunity, stabilizing diabetes, lowering inflammation and so much more.
Why are mushrooms so healing, especially when it comes to cancer? The short answer is that they are powerhouses of cancer-protective phytonutrients. For example, mushrooms contain beta-glucans, which can boost immunity and lower inflammation. They also house antioxidants that can protect against free radical DNA damage.
Some types of fungi have been proven to kick in mechanisms in the body that can inhibit Breast Cancer cell growth directly. A 2012 FDA-approved clinical trial conducted by Bastyr University and the University of Minnesota Medical School found that Polysaccharide K (PSK) in Turkey Tail mushrooms greatly assisted women with stage IV Breast Cancer. It successfully restored their immune function after traditional cancer therapies. Turkey Tail helped to raise both the activity and the level of Natural Killer Cells and other cytotoxic immune system cells.
The Turkey Tail study has yielded some of the most impressive data to date. However, laboratory studies have also found that other types of mushrooms may be beneficial for Breast Cancer too. A 2017 report in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences discovered that King Trumpet Mushroom had the ability to inhibit aromatase, an enzyme vital in the production of estrogen.
Fungi: One of the Oldest Living Things
Mushrooms (in the form of fungi) first appeared 1.5 billion years ago. It has had a long time to perfect its ability to ward off disease. Lucky for us, we have scientific proof of what the ancients have known for centuries. Medicinal mushrooms are one of nature’s healing miracles. They should absolutely play a role in your own Healthy Breast toolbox.
A great way to take advantage of the power of medicinal mushrooms is by using them for Liver health.
P.S. Did you also know that even plain, ordinary button mushrooms are Breast Cancer-protective? It’s true! Check out my Walnut Mushroom Bolognese recipe for a scrumptious and hearty mushroom-filled meal. Be sure to use your favorite fungi of choice!
Dr. Veronique Desaulniers (“Dr. V”) is the founder of Breast Cancer Conqueror.com and The 7 Essentials System ™. This step-by-step guide empowers you with knowledge so you Never Have to Fear Breast Cancer Again! To watch a FREE webinar about the 7 steps for beating breast cancer naturally, Click Here