Shiitake Bacon

What a neat bacon alternative! Shiitake mushrooms provide a deep, savory flavor that ensures you don't miss the meaty version. You also get 6 grams of fiber from this version, whereas regular bacon has none. Shiitake mushrooms are a good non-animal source of iron, which provides oxygen to cells in the body. Vegetarians and vegans can be at risk of iron deficiency (anemia), so shiitake mushrooms are a good food to include as part of a vegetarian/vegan diet. Mushrooms are one of the few foods that naturally contain vitamin D. Vitamin D is typically made when we are exposed to sunlight, but is also present in a few foods. While all of vitamin D's roles are still being studied, evidence has shown that vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption, leading to strong bones & teeth. Vitamin D also plays a role in our immune system, helping to fight infection. Several studies, mostly using shiitake extract, have discovered that shiitake mushrooms have both an anti-microbial and anti-viral effect (helping out our immune system!). Try using shiitake mushrooms in your everyday recipes, such as stir-fry or quesadillas.

By Alex Lane MS, RDN/LD