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Nutrition continued

Reishi

Considered a great longevity tonic, Reishi (Ganoderma) has been used in Chinese Medicine for cancer treatment, to improve vitality, strength and stamina and to
prolong life. Reishi has been shown to help enhance immune response, alleviate side effects of chemotherapy ‐ including nausea and kidney damage ‐ and also to
protect against cellular DNA damage by raising antioxidant capacity. Reishi supporters state that when treating cancer, the Reishi mushroom can be effective in
boosting the immune defences and reducing the likelihood of metastasis. It can be useful in the form of a supplement during radiotherapy or chemotherapy to
reduce side effects such as fatigue, loss of appetite, hair loss and may give a degree of protection from the effects of radiotherapy.

Maitake

Maitake (Grifola Frondosa) is the Japanese name for a very large edible mushroom, characterised by overlapping caps. It is easily recognizable because of its grey‐
brown, fan‐shaped, wavy caps which are organised in large clusters of rosettes. The surfaces of the pores are yellowish‐white and run down the stem system. The
stem branches are smooth, white, and tough.

Maitake is increasingly being recognised for its health‐promoting potential. Aside from being high in nutrients including riboflavin, niacin, vitamin C & D,
magnesium, potassium and fibre, the fruiting bodies of Maitake contain the polysaccharide compound called Beta‐glucan (consisting mainly of Beta D glucan) also
referred to as D‐fraction. Beta‐glucan has the ability to lower blood pressure. Additionally, it naturally stimulates the immune system and for this reason, that
Beta‐glucans from Maitake mushrooms are used for the treatment of cancer. It works by stimulating the activity of several types of immune cells (including
macrophages and natural killer cells) which in turn trigger production of interleukins and other lymphokines (chemicals that help mediate the immune response).
In addition, Maitake mushroom inhibits some of the biochemical mechanisms that promote metastasis of cancer cells in the lymph and bloodstream.

In animal studies Maitake D‐fraction was highly effective in either inhibiting cell growth or directly killing cancer cells by increasing proliferation, differentiation
and activation of immunocompetent cells. This result provides a potential clinical benefit for patients with cancer. Similar studies are now being conducted in
humans. Mistake’s extract is available in powder form or tincture and is well absorbed when taken orally. It is being used alongside chemotherapy.

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