Edible mushrooms are not only interesting in view of their nutritional value. They also contain various components that may have a health-promoting effect. Experiments with cell cultures and animal tests show that certain components in mushrooms may have a favourable effect on all sorts of expressions of the “metabolic syndrome” (such as lowering cholesterol level, favourable effects on diabetes type II, favourable effect on cardiovascular diseases) or on the chance of cancer development. In 1995 the worldwide market of health products with mushroom powder or extract as main ingredient represented a value 5 to 6 billion US. These products are especially popular in Japan, China, Korea and North America.
>> More about Health promoting effects of edible mushrooms in a Dutch report: gezondheidsbevorderende effecten van eetbare paddenstoelen
Results from cell cultures and animal tests, however, are insufficient for making health claims in the EU when marketing edible mushrooms.
>> More about de Limited usability of health aspects in the marketing of edible mushrooms in a Dutch report: de beperkte bruikbaarheid van gezondheidsaspecten bij de vermarkting van eetbare paddenstoelen
PRI Mushrooms is actively participating in research in this field in order to improve the usability of health aspects in the marketing of edible mushrooms. There are good scientific contacts with the department Human Biology of the University of Maastricht. These scientific contacts focus on the demonstration of the effectiveness of health-stimulating effects of mushroom components in humans.
>> More information in a Dutch report: een eerste aanzet tot wetenschappelijke onderbouwing van gezondheidsaspecten