The use of Shiitake, Lentinulus edodes dates at least to 100 AD in China. Today, Shiitake mushrooms are very popular in the United States as well. Research into the anti-cancer properties of shiitake mushrooms has been going on since at least the 1960s. Animal studies have shown some positive results regarding the anti-tumor, cholesterol-lowering, and virus-inhibiting effects of several active compounds in Shiitake mushrooms. American Cancer Society (2007).
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