Can you find fish and meat textures and flavors in a vegetable? The Chinese black mushroom is known for these qualities, its vital nutrients, and its valuable contributions, as a dietary supplement, to overall fitness and health. It is usually obtained in a dry and packaged form, requiring washing before use.

As a health supplement

By enriching the blood and preventing iron deficiency anemia, Western medical science has found that black fungus is very effective in modulating blood viscosity, as it inhibits platelet aggregation, reducing viscosity levels of the blood. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) its applications include anemia, uterine bleeding, hemorrhoids, high blood pressure and coronary heart disease. It also figures significantly in the prevention and relief of cancer.

A very common and inexpensive ingredient in Chinese cuisine, it has also been recognized within traditional Chinese medicine as a medicinal food for thousands of years. Rich in nutrients such as iron, protein, fat, vitamins, and polysaccharides, black mushroom also contains vital trace elements such as potassium, selenium, and manganese, essential for long-term body health.

The bittersweet flavor of Black Fungus is not particularly strong, however its texture is decidedly meat-like. Rather, its presence in dishes serves to enhance the flavors of the main ingredients.

As a diet aid

Black Fungus is a powerful ally in the fight against obesity. While it is very low in calories, its meat-like texture (and taste) when boiled makes it particularly satisfying to the appetite. It is often added to other dishes for ‘enrichment’, for bulking for diet / slimming purposes, as well as for its valuable nutritional content.

It is definitely not ‘fast food’, it needs a thorough soaking and cleaning before use. Available in most Chinese supermarkets, Black Fungus is sometimes stocked at Tesco branches in the city center.

‘Fat Busters’ to enjoy with him

Dieters can wash off their black mushroom with other Chinese slimming, weight loss, and nutrition aids like green tea (Lu Cha) and Bojenmi tea.

Green tea stimulates the heart, aids digestion, and provides a general wake-up call. Encouraging the metabolism of fats and popular for dieting and weight loss, the general detoxification of the body is also promoted by the consumption of green tea.

People suffering from anemia (and women during their menstrual period) should avoid green tea, as it somewhat inhibits the assimilation of iron. These should switch to Bojenmi tea (see below) and / or consume Black Fungus to remedy iron deficiencies.

Bojenmi Cha, also known as “good-looking, healthy meat-reducing tea” also promotes slimming and weight loss. A blend of 12 medicinal herbs based on an ancient Ming Dynasty remedy, this pleasant-tasting tea aids digestion, lowers cholesterol levels, and has a mild laxative effect.

general

Both teas help remove fat deposits from internal systems. The fat-removing effects of inexpensive green tea are such that Chinese restaurants use leftovers to wipe grease off tables at closing time.

Black mushroom, green tea, and Bojenmi tea have cleansing, detoxifying, and longevity-inducing effects that encourage their inclusion in health and fitness and anti-aging diets. All three can be found in most Chinese supermarkets.