prof. Pavel Valíček DrSc.

Antioxidants are substances whose molecules limit the activity of free radicals, reduce the likelihood of their formation and change them into less active molecules. In other words, they limit the oxidation process in the body.
In the human body, free radicals are formed as a result of different bond strengths between chemical compounds. Their formation cannot be completely prevented, because they are formed in individual cells, when oxygen is inhaled, under the influence of UV rays or even with temperature changes, etc. Our body also needs them, because they eliminate pathogens that penetrate the body, but on condition that the body maintains a dynamic balance. Excess free radicals are harmful, and the body has so-called antioxidants, antioxidants (oxidation inhibitors) that eliminate the excessive amount of radicals. The reason for this reaction is the effect of radicals on the formation and course of many diseases, including cancer.
The group of antioxidants is divided into enzymatic, e.g. those occurring in catalysis, and non-enzymatic. The next division distinguishes between endogenous (non-essential) antioxidants, e.g. bilirubin, cysteine, flavonoids, polyphenols, etc., and essential, i.e. essential for life. The most important antioxidants include β-carotene, vitamins B2, C and E, as well as compounds of selenium, zinc, germanium, copper, manganese, coenzyme Q 10, etc. Their deficiency should be supplemented with synthetic preparations or from natural sources - plant, but also fungi.
Mushrooms contain a whole range of enzymes, most notably superoxide dismutase (SOD), which is highly protective against free radicals, together with peroxidase and catalase, which break down carcinogenic hydrogen peroxide.
Vitamins are substances that the human body is unable to produce, yet they are essential for the human body. Often, even in small amounts, they affect the growth and function of the whole organism. Mushrooms are an important source of a whole range of vitamins, especially B vitamins - B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and sometimes B12, but also vitamins E and K. Some mushrooms also contain β-carotene. Of great importance is folate (vitamin B9), which is essential for the formation of nucleic acids and the production of blood. A deficiency of this vitamin causes problems with hair and bone growth, inflammatory changes in the skin and a decrease in white blood cell levels.
In addition to the above, mushrooms contain large amounts of potassium, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur, magnesium, iron, calcium and sodium, but also trace substances such as copper, iodine, zinc, lithium, fluorine, chromium, manganese and molybdenum. Mushrooms are exceptionally rich in selenium. Its amount can exceed the content in green plants by a factor of 100. In some species, germanium with anti-cancer properties is also found.
On the other hand, it should be remembered that mushrooms also absorb heavy metals from the surrounding environment, especially mercury, lead and cadmium, which are harmful to human health.Among the entire family of fungi, the greatest sources of antioxidants are the elderberry (Auricularia auricula-judae), the glossy lavender (Ganoderma lucidum), the Chinese cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis), the black-eyed Susan (Coprinus comatus), the Volvariella volvacea and others.

Prof. Pavel Valíček DrSc. (prof. dr hab.) is a well-known Czech specialist in the field of medicinal properties of Chinese plants and a consultant of MycoMedica