Shiitake Mushroom NutritionNutritional QualitiesThe proteins in shiitake are composed of 18 types of amino acids, including 7 of the 8 essential amino acids in a ratio similar to the 'ideal protein' for humans. Of these amino acids, shiitake is especially rich in leucine and lysine, which are deficient in many grains. For people on a vegetarian diet, shiitake represents an excellent protein supplement. Shiitake is also rich in enzymes, and researchers have found over 30 enzymes in shiitake. Two of particular note are amylase, important for proper digestion, and cellulase, which dissolves fiber. The wealth of enzymes in shiitake can help with deficiencies of these important compounds. Shiitake contains significant quantities of the B vitamins thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin. In its sun dried form it has the highest content of vitamin D of any plant food. Only in fish, fowl, meat and eggs are higher levels of vitamin D found. Nutritional analysis of typical Dry Shiitake
Mineral and Vitamin content of Shiitake
Amino Acid composition of typical Shiitake
data expressed as milligrams per gram of crude protein nitrogen
|
data
expressed in percentage of dry wt. 
