Mushroom Research And Development Initiative (M.R.A.D.I) paves a way to Wild edible mushroom as underestimated non-wood forest products (NWFP) bio-resource in Tanzania.

Mushroom Research And Development Initiative (M.R.A.D.I) paves a way to Wild edible mushroom as underestimated non-wood forest products (NWFP) bio-resource in Tanzania. 

Our Research, Development & Product Designing Department (RDPSD) conducted several research which reveals how forest products and forestry can contribute to alleviation of poverty and food insecurity. L.E.A.R.N program conducts the Promotion and development of non-wood forest products (NWFP) by improving the sustainable use of NWFP in order to improve income-generation and food security, to contribute to the wise management of the world's forests and to conserve their biodiversity and preparation of a catalogue of mushroom strains indigenous to Tanzania. This will be comprehensive and include, for example, data relating to the location, altitude and nature (e.g. miombo forest, grassland) of the collection site, prevailing climatic conditions, and mushroom distribution patterns. Canvassing of growers and the local population in general about sightings of mushroom fruit bodies growing in the wild will be employed in this program.

However, most information on fungi is available on cultivated species while data on wild edible fungi (WEF) remain scarce. The classical method for identifying a macrofungus involves a microscopic examination of tissues, spores and spore structures. This will at least ensure that the genus is identified. Identification of the lesser known tropical species may also require examination of reference collections. Useful visual clues can be obtained from photographs in field guides (Mamaland Wild Mushroom Field Guide: Epitomized scientific taxonomical knowledge of wild mushroom to indigenous ethnomycology) which is ready-made, straight-forward field guide for indigenous wild mushroom collectors and hunters.

Mushrooms are highly perishable and seasonal, available mostly during rainy season. Extension of shelf life through different preservation methods is essential for value addition. Commonly used as mushroom preservation methods are soaking (in fresh or cold water), salting, boiling and sun drying, as well as smoking. Additionally, edible wild mushrooms can serves as a vital source of nutritious food and if well exploited can contribute to food and nutritional security especially in rural areas. Sustainable conservation of forests can also be achieved through proper harvesting methods to ensure continuous supply of mushrooms. Awareness on proper harnessing, processing and preserving should be provided to communities in rural areas where mushrooms are seasonally harvested as source of income generation and food although mushroom poisoning is another challenge since it is very difficult to differentiate between edible and poisonous mushrooms as some of mushrooms in the same families are very similar.
Mamaland Mushroom Farms harnessing, processing and preserving the edible fruit bodies of Afrocantharellus, Lactarius, Russula, Termitomyces and Amanita for storage and markerting. The mushrooms are cut into pieces and sun dried by Solar dryer innovated by our Production, Innovative Technology & Resources Management Department (PITRMD). Also mushrooms can be spread on a mat or a black nylon sheet in the sunshine for sun drying. Some, at least the acrid species, are parboiled before drying. In that case the dried mushrooms become very hard and need a long soaking or even grinding before use. Mamaland Mushroom Farms is officially offering dried edible wild mushrooms and its products for its valuable consumers. Our dried Lactarius are often sold mixed with dried Cantharellus as shown in pictures. Order yours today!

Mamaland Mushroom Farms (2015).
E-Mail:-Mamalandmushroomproject@gmail.com,
Phone: +255621-080 300.
Twitter/Facebook/Linkedin/Google+:
Mamaland Mushroom Farms. Blog:Mamalandmushroomproject.blogspot.com
Fight Back Against Malnutrition,Save Lives.
Mushroom is Therapy. 

FUNGAL MEDICINE.

FUNGAL MEDICINE.

Consuming fruits and vegetables of all kinds has long been associated with a reduced risk of many lifestyle-related health conditions. 
Countless studies have suggested that increasing consumption of naturally-grown foods like mushrooms decreases the risk of obesity and overall mortality,diabetes,heart disease and promotes a healthy complexion and hair,increased energy and overall lower weight.

1) Cancer.
Mushrooms contain just as high an antioxidant capacity as carrots, tomatoes,green and red peppers,pumpkins and green beans.
Selenium is a mineral that is not present in most fruits and vegetables but can be found in mushrooms.It plays a role in liver enzyme function and helps detoxify some cancer-causing compounds in the body.Additionally,selenium prevents inflammation and also decreases tumor growth rates.
The vitamin D in mushrooms has also been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells by contributing to the regulation of the cell growth cycle.The folate in mushrooms plays an important role in DNA synthesis and repair, thus preventing the formation of cancer cells from mutations in the DNA.

2) Diabetes.
Studies have shown that type 1 diabetics who consume high-fiber diets have lower blood glucose levels and type 2 diabetics may have improved blood sugar,lipids and insulin levels.One cup of grilled oyster mushrooms and one cup of stir-fried shiitake mushrooms both provide about 3 grams of fiber.

3) Heart health.
The fiber,potassium and vitamin C content in mushrooms all contribute to cardiovascular health.Potassium and sodium work together in the body to help regulate blood pressure.Consuming mushrooms which are high in potassium and low in sodium helps to lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases.
Additionally,an intake of 3 grams of beta-glucans per day which is found in mushrooms can lower blood cholesterol levels by 5%.Also it naturally contains Lavostatin which is primary used for the treatment of dyslipidemia and the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Lovastatin is an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA reductase), an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate.Mevalonate is a required building block for cholesterol biosynthesis and lovastatin interferes with its production by acting as a reversible competitive inhibitor for HMG-CoA,which binds to the HMG-CoA reductase.

4) Immunity.
Selenium has also been found to improve immune response to infection by stimulating production of killer T-cells.The beta-glucan fibers found in the cell walls of mushrooms stimulate the immune system to fight cancer cells and prevent tumors from forming.

5) Weight management and satiety.
Dietary fiber plays an important role in weight management by functioning as a "bulking agent" in the digestive system. Mushrooms contain two types of dietary fibers in their cell walls: beta-glucans and chitin which increase satiety and reduce appetite, making you feel fuller longer and thereby lowering your overall calorie intake.

Mamaland Mushroom Farms (2015).
E-Mail:-Mamalandmushroomproject@gmail.com,
Phone/WhatsApp:+255621-080300.
Twitter/Facebook/Linkedin/Google+:
Mamaland Mushroom Farms. Blog:Mamalandmushroomproject.blogspot.com
Fight Back Against Malnutrition,Save Lives.
Mushroom is Therapy.
#Mushroom_Is_Therapy.