Mushrooms may seem intimidating to most people, but wood ear mushrooms are a great, high-nutrient addition to the pantry. Wood ear mushrooms, which also go by the name cloud ear fungus, tree ear fungus, and black fungus, have a diverse range of nutritional and medicinal properties that may be just the boost your health needs.

Wood ear mushrooms have been used for centuries in Chinese medicine, and the potential health benefits stay strong today. Wood ear mushrooms are rich in fiber, protein, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. They are low in calories and low in fat, but offer an incredibly dense nutrition profile.

The beneficial nutrients found in wood ear mushrooms provide some significant health benefits, including:

* Aid digestion: Wood ear mushrooms contain a high amount of fiber, which helps the body digest food quickly and efficiently, as well as absorbing and eliminating wastes quickly.

* Reduce inflammation: Wood ear mushrooms are packed with antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and resulting pain.

* Boost immune system: Wood ear mushrooms are also a great source of B vitamins, and other essential vitamins that are known to help heal the body and keep it healthy from any disease or illness.

* Strengthen bones: Wood ear mushrooms are rich in calcium, which is known to keep bones strong and healthy.

* Lower cholesterol: The fiber found in wood ear mushrooms helps reduce bad cholesterol levels.

Additionally, wood ear mushrooms contain beneficial properties that may be useful for treating conditions like anemia, asthma, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.

With all these impressive beneficial effects, it’s no wonder that wood ear mushrooms are a popular ingredient in Chinese cuisine. They are usually dried, then reconstituted in hot water so it has a tender chewiness. Wood ear mushrooms can elegantly enhance soups, salads, and stir-fries.

Whether you eat them as an ingredient in your favorite dish, or take them in a supplement form, wood ear mushrooms offer a wealth of nutrition and health benefits.