4 Health Benefits of Black Fungus

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.

Dr. Yu-Hsiang Fu, an internal medicine physician and the director of Xiangzhan Clinic in Taiwan, introduced the following four major health benefits of black fungus in an interview with The Epoch Times on Feb. 22:

1. Intestinal health: black fungus is rich in dietary fiber, mainly water-soluble fiber, which can help gastrointestinal motility, promote defecation, and improve constipation.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.”

A soup with black fungus, red dates, and wolfberries which can reduce dark circles. (The Epoch Times)

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.

To make the soup, you’ll need 30 grams of black fungus, 6 red dates, 12 wolfberries, and a little brown sugar. Soak the black fungus and wash the red dates and wolfberries. Put all the ingredients into a pot; cover with water and bring to a boil, then turn to low heat and simmer for about 20 minutes. Add a little brown sugar and enjoy!

Warning: Do Not Eat Raw Fungus

Raw fungus contains purines, substances that are sensitive to light. After the consumption of raw fungus, sun exposure can cause solar dermatitis (photosensitivity), which can result in itching, edema, pain, and even necrosis in the exposed areas of the body. Therefore, it is important to wait until the fungus is dried before consumption so that the photosensitive purine substances will disappear on their own and lose toxicity.

Epoch Health articles are for informational purposes and are not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Please consult a trusted professional for personal medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment. Have a question? Email us at HealthReporter@epochtimes.nyc