Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Pegler, also known as shiitake mushroom, is the most popular edible macrofungus, belonging to the Basidiomycota. Shiitake fruiting bodies and mycelium are a source of several nutrients and bioactive compounds with numerous positive health effects, as numerous studies have shown. Shiitake contains about 68-78% of carbohydrates (mono-, di-, tri-, and polysaccharides), exogenous[Read…]

Health Benefits of Flaxseed Flaxseed also called linseed (Linum usitatissimum) belongs to the genus Linum in the family Linaceae. Flaxseed typically yields 35 – 45% oil, containing 9 – 10% of saturated fatty acids (palmitic and stearic), about 20% monounsaturated fatty acids (mainly oleic acid), and more than 70% α-linolenic acid. The protein level of[Read…]

Malpighia fruits (Malpighiae emarginata DC/ Malpighia glabra L.), commonly known as acerola cherry come from a plant originating in Yucantan. It then spread among the Americas till Brazil, and then around the equator. The plant presents interesting and valuable health-promoting properties. Consumers are starting to recognize acerola primarily as a fruit high in vitamin C,[Read…]