Maitake Mushroom for Weight Loss

Let’s be honest – weight loss is one of the most challenging journeys you can take. You need to do so much to get back in shape and reach your ideal weight. Luckily, you have Mother Nature on your side. And just for you, she offers maitake mushrooms. 

Also known as hen-of-the-woods, maitake (Grifola frondosa) is an exotic mushroom used for centuries for its health benefits. It’s also used in different recipes due to its mild smell and taste. And by the last line, you’ll be using it to help you on your weight loss journey. 

Key Takeaways

• Maitake mushrooms, also known as hen-of-the-woods, can aid in weight loss due to their low calorie content and high fiber content. They provide essential micronutrients such as protein, niacin, riboflavin, potassium, and vitamins, while their soluble and insoluble fibers help curb appetite, regulate blood glucose levels, and promote digestive health.
• Maitake mushroom extracts, available in liquid, powdered, or capsule form, are recommended for incorporating maitake into your diet effectively. These extracts ensure the extraction of beneficial nutrients and can be easily added to recipes, beverages, or taken on the go for convenience.

Micronutrients in Maitake Mushrooms 

Micronutrients are the nutrients that the body needs to survive and thrive. They play a role in every part of your life, including weight loss. Therefore, you should know the amounts in maitake mushrooms. 

According to the USDA National Nutrient database, 100 g of maitake mushroom has:  

• Protein: 1.94 g (3.5% of the daily value)
• Folates: 21 μg (5%)
• Niacin: 6.585 mg (41%)
• Riboflavin: 0.242 mg (18.6%)
• Thiamin: 0.146 mg (12%)
• Vitamin-D: 1123 IU (280%)
• Sodium: 1 mg (1%)
• Potassium: 204 mg (4%)
• Calcium: 1 mg (<1%)
• Copper: 0.252 mg (28%)
• Iron: 0.30 mg (3.75%)
• Magnesium: 10 mg (2.5%)
• Manganese: 0.059 mg (2.5%)
• Phosphorus: 74 mg (10.5%)
• Zinc: 0.75 mg (7%)

Fiber in Maitake Mushrooms

Fiber is one of the important micronutrients for weight loss. It can curb your appetite longer as the body digests it slower than it does starches and sugars. Plus, getting at least 30 grams of fiber can help you lose weight significantly. 

The USDA National Nutrient database indicates 100g of maitake contains 2.7g of dietary fiber. That is 7% of the recommended dietary allowance. 

Maitake contains both soluble and insoluble fibers. Soluble fiber absorbs water and can reduce cholesterol levels. Insoluble fiber helps food pass through the digestive tract and prevents constipation. Both types of fiber are important for your health. 

Maitake Mushroom Extract for Weight Loss

If you wish to incorporate maitake into your daily diet, your best bet is to use mushroom extracts. These are made from dried and ground raw mushrooms cooked in water, alcohol, or a mixture of both. 

This process is necessary to break the mushroom cell walls and draw out its beneficial nutrients. Afterward, the liquid is filtered and either packaged as: 

• Liquid Mushroom Extract: This is sold as a tincture, which you can easily add to recipes or beverages. 
• Powdered Mushroom Extract: The filtered liquid is sent to a spray dryer to make the liquid evaporate. The powder that remains behind can then be used in coffee, smoothies, or food dishes. 
• Mushroom Extract Capsules: Maitake powder can be added to capsules. You may choose this option if you’d rather take your supplements on the go. 

Do Maitake Mushrooms Help with Weight Loss? 

Regardless of which form you consume them in, maitake mushrooms will help you get fit. 

As a snack or recipe ingredient, maitake is excellent since it’s low in calories yet rich in other nutrients. There are only 31 calories in 100 g, and you get the health benefits of bioactive compounds, antioxidants, and minerals. 

Moreover, as maitake is a high fiber mushroom, it may lower blood glucose and get you to lose weight. 

When your blood sugar is high, the pancreas produces more insulin to shift sugar from your blood and into cells. The body only burns fat when insulin levels drop, so losing weight may be difficult. 

By stabilizing your blood sugar, your cells won’t be flooded with insulin. This means your body will be triggered to burn fat for energy. And the result? Weight loss. 

Another way this mushroom promotes weight loss is by elevating niacin levels in the body. A form of vitamin B-3, niacin, has a major role in the metabolism of fat and carbohydrates. 

Niacin helps the body produce energy from the food you eat. Without this nutrient, you won’t be able to burn more calories than what you consume. Therefore, you may face some hurdles while trying to lose weight. 

Finally, hen-of-the-woods may help women lose the weight they gain due to PCOS. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that can lead to fertility problems. It’s one of the main culprits behind weight gain in women since it prevents the body from using insulin effectively. 

With more insulin in the bloodstream, women develop insulin resistance. This increases the production of androgens. When in abundance, these male hormones can lead to weight gain, especially around the abdomen. 

In addition to countering insulin resistance, maitake mushrooms may be used to manage PCOS. It helps regulate ovulation in patients without side effects. Therefore, women may be able to lose weight more effectively. 

Best Way to Take Maitake

If you wish to experiment with raw maitake mushrooms, go ahead. If you manage to find them, simply eat them boiled. If you don’t think you can do that, incorporate the mushroom in soups, salads, omelets, and smoothies. Just make sure not to exceed your calorie count. 

However, the best way to take maitake is using mushroom extracts. These ensure you get all the mushroom benefits, minus the extra prep. Moreover, brands such as VYU will take care of your overall health by adding other important mushrooms and herbs. 

If you decide to opt for extracts, the most effective daily dosage of maitake is 2 g (2,000 m) or about one teaspoon of mushroom powder. However, you should ideally follow the dosage indicated on the product's labels. 

Now Let’s Lose Weight with Maitake Mushrooms!

Don’t delay your weight loss plan any longer. The best time to start is now if you truly wish to stay motivated and achieve your fitness goals. 

Remember that maitake mushrooms won’t work its magic until you embrace healthy habits such as watching calories and exercising. So, get ready to turn over a leaf and get that healthy, fit body you always wanted.

We hope you enjoyed the article, and encourage you to check out our article on guarana for wight loss.