Ingredient: Maitake

Maitake is a giant mushroom also known as the "King Mushroom". The mushrooms can grow up to 100 lbs! 

They are native to the mountains of northeast Japan. 

Maitake mushrooms are rich in beta glucan. They may help in boosting the immune system and fight off bacteria. It is also rich in mt-alpha glucan. This can help decrease insulin levels and fasting blood glucose. Maitake is also rich in grifola frondosa. This can help you lower liver cholesterol levels and increase activities in genes that promote lipid transport. 

The Japanese name "maitake" literally means "dancing mushroom". At least we know it can dance for us! 
It is also referred to as the English name "hen of the woods" because of its substantial size and unique shape.  

Maitake mushrooms have been both used as food and medicine in the Asian cultures for centuries. They are described as a rich earthy taste. 

Many doctors in Japan use maitake mushrooms to lower blood pressure and blood lipids, two key risk factors in cardiovascular disease. 
People with Type 2 diabetes may benefit from maitake mushrooms, which may help manage blood glucose levels and reduce insulin resistance. 

Some overall healthy benefits of mushrooms is that they have no sugar, sodium, fat (so cholesterol), or gluten. They are very low calorie. A large handful of mushroom have about 300mg of potassium. They have a variety of nutrients such as 3g protein, 15% niacin, 8% phosphorus, 15% copper, and B vitamins like riboflavin. They also have D vitamins, selenium phenol and iron. 
Mushrooms have an anti-cancer activity, and mushrooms contain antioxidants, which protects your cells from damage. 

Shakeology has some of the most dense superfood nutrition out there and that is one of the main reasons that I have continued to drink it all these years :) Not to mention, it is one of the highest quality powders with the BEST taste! 

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