Black fungus is an edible wild mushroom and a popular culinary ingredient in Asian cuisine. It is smooth and tender, and packed with health benefits.
It’s rich in antioxidants and abundant in protein, iron, calcium, and B vitamins. Every 100 grams of black fungus has 6.5 grams of dietary fiber, as well as plant water-soluble fiber, which promotes intestinal peristalsis.
Black fungus also contains polysaccharides, which boost immunity. Long-term moderate consumption can reduce blood viscosity, inhibit platelet clotting, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Its high iron content makes it a popular remedy for anemia. However, since it can slow blood clotting, people with bleeding disorders should avoid it.
- Intestinal health: black fungus is rich in dietary fiber, mainly water-soluble fiber, which can help gastrointestinal motility, promote defecation, and improve constipation.
- Weight loss: black fungus is strong in water absorption; water-soluble fiber can reduce the amount of food intake and increase satiety, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight.
- Cholesterol reduction: the high amount of dietary fiber in black fungus can lower cholesterol levels, slow the rise of blood sugar, and protect the cardiovascular system, thereby preventing arteriosclerosis and stroke.
- Cardiovascular protection: black fungus contains a variety of anticoagulant substances, which can inhibit platelet aggregation in the blood vessel wall, improve blood consistency, and prevent thrombosis, thus improving cardiovascular health.
Black Fungus as Chinese Medicine
As a traditional Chinese medicinal, black fungus is mentioned in the famous Chinese medical canons “Compendium of Materia Medica” and “Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic.”The earliest extant pharmaceutical monograph “Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic” states the medicinal value of black fungus to “enhance one’s qi, makes one not hunger; light one’s body, and make one’s will strong.”
Li Shizhen, a famous Chinese medical scientist in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), prescribed the use of black fungus in “Compendium of Materia Medica” for treating vomiting of blood, blood in the stool, dysenteric blood, hemorrhoidal bleeding, women’s uterine bleeding, dry throat and mouth, toothache, etc.
Li Qing, a traditional Chinese medicine doctor in Japan, recommends a soup with black fungus, red dates, and wolfberry, to readers of The Epoch Times, to promote blood circulation, replenish the liver and kidneys, and improve eyesight. Regular consumption of the soup can reduce dark circles caused by lack of sleep.