Golden chanterelle mushrooms (Cantharellus cibarius) are one of the world’s most beloved wild fungi due to their delightful flavor, unique yellow hue, and expensive price tag. However, these mushrooms are far more than just a culinary gem – they carry a long list of therapeutic qualities that are often overlooked.
Here are some of the most surprising ways chanterelles can benefit your health:
1. Rich in antioxidants
Chanterelles are loaded with antioxidants like polyphenols, flavonoids, and beta-carotene. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals in the body, which are unstable molecules that damage cells and cause oxidative stress. Consuming antioxidants, such as those found in chanterelles, can reduce the risk of developing chronic illnesses and benefit your overall cellular health.
2. Boosts your immune system
Chantarelles are rich in polysaccharides, particularly beta-glucans, which are known to help modulate the immune system. Beta-glucans can activate immune cells, giving the body an extra boost to fight off illnesses and respond more quickly to pathogens (1).
Additionally, chanterelles have been studied for their antimicrobial properties, suggesting they could be used to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi, effectively combatting a wide range of microbial pathogens (2).
3. Anti-inflammatory properties
Many of the bioactive compounds found in chanterelles have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines. Plus, the antioxidant content in chanterelles further reduces the inflammation caused by oxidative stress. As a result, chanterelles could help manage and prevent inflammatory conditions like arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and some autoimmune disorders.
4. Packed with essential nutrients
One of the most known health benefits of chanterelles is their high vitamin D content, offering around 30-100% of our daily recommended intake in only a half-cup serving. While all mushrooms can synthesize vitamin D, wild-harvested mushrooms like chanterelles contain significantly higher levels of vitamin D compared to store bought mushroom varieties since they receive more sunlight exposure to convert. Vitamin D is important for maintaining a strong immune system and healthy bones by helping the body absorb calcium.
Chanterelles are also rich in B vitamins along with vitamins A, E, and C. They contain minerals like potassium, copper, manganese, and iron, helping support a wide range of health functions, from metabolism regulation to nerve health.
5. Anti-cancer potential
Multiple studies have looked into chanterelle mushrooms for their anti-cancer potential and have found promising results. According to research, chanterelle extracts can induce cancer cell death and limit their proliferation. Several bioactive compounds in chanterelles directly target cancer cells and modulate the immune system so that it can better recognize and attack them (3).
Chanterelles in traditional medicine and beyond
Although much of the scientific research behind chantarelles and their health benefits is relatively new, these mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine across the world.
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), chanterelles are used to treat eye conditions and support dry skin, likely due to their vitamin A content.
Additionally, chanterelles have been used in Latvian folk medicine as a treatment for infections such as tonsillitis and tuberculosis. They have also been used to treat wounds. This is likely due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, which promote healing.
As modern science begins to catch up on all the remarkable benefits of chanterelles, these gourmet mushrooms could soon make their way out of the kitchen and into medical applications to treat various conditions and improve our overall health. So, the next time you happen upon chanterelles, whether in your local market or the wild, allow them to remind you of the powerful connection between food and medicine.
References
- Zhong, Xuemei, Guoqing Wang, Fu Li, Shiuh-Bin Fang, Siai Zhou, Akihiro Ishiwata, Alexander G Tonevitsky, M. Yu. Shkurnikov, Hui Cai, and Feiqing Ding. 2023. “Immunomodulatory Effect and Biological Significance of β-Glucans.” Pharmaceutics 15 (6): 1615–15. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15061615.
- Nasiry, Davood, Ali Reza Khalatbary, and Mohammad Ali Ebrahimzadeh. 2017. “Anti-Inflammatory and Wound-Healing Potential of Golden Chanterelle Mushroom, Cantharellus Cibarius (Agaricomycetes).” International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms 19 (10): 893–903. https://doi.org/10.1615/IntJMedMushrooms.2017024674.
- Nikolina Režić Mužinić, Maja Veršić Bratinčević, Marina Grubić, Roberta Frleta, Martina Čagalj, Tanja Visković, and Marijana Popović. 2023. “Golden Chanterelle or a Gold Mine? Metabolites from Aqueous Extracts of Golden Chanterelle (Cantharellus Cibarius) and Their Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities.” Molecules 28 (5): 2110–10. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28052110.