Tofu Soup

---Yan Jun Xu, Winnipeg, Canada

 

Auricularia auricula is also known as Auricularia auricula-judae, Mo-Er, Wood Ear Mushroom, and Wood Ear Fungus. This black species of mushroom grows on the wood and can be found worldwide. It is an edible mushroom and used as a kind of vegetable in China and other Asian countries. Auricularia auricula is hard to find on the shelf of supermarket in North American, but it can be purchased from Chinese/Asian food store labeled as Mo-Er. In Chinese folk medicine, it is mainly used for detoxification and blood tonic remedies. It has become popular now in China to consume 5-10 gram/day for people having mild to moderate hyperlipidemia.

Recent research reported that Auricularia auricula has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and blood cholesterol lowering effects. Several investigators found that: 1) the free radical scavenging activity of Auricularia auricula extracts has a positive correlation with the total phenolic contents; 2) Auricularia auricula polysaccharides improve heart function in aged mice through heart antioxidant enzyme; 3) Auricularia auricula significantly inhibits lipid peroxidation and increases nitric oxide production; 4) Polysaccharides from Auricularia auricular reduce the concentrations of serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in high lipid diet fed mice and improved total antioxidant capacity, lipoprotein lipase activity, and decreased serum concentration of oxidative products.

A review article (1) published in Expert Opinion indicated that this mushroom (auricularia auricular) can inhibit platelet aggregation and blood clots. These properties have potential to reduce the risk of thrombosis, atherosclerosis and heart disease. It should be kept in mind auricularia auricula is a functional food - it should not be considered as a drug for curing any disease.

Preparation of Mo-Er Tofu Soup

Mo-er (Auricularia auricular) 10 gram (dry), soaking in the water for 1 hour before use; 1 piece tofu; ½ onion; 20 grams ginger; fish, meat or chicken breast; 20 ml grape seed oil (or flax seed oil); and a little pinch of salt. Boil in 2 L water for ½ hour and add a small cup of red wine before consumption. This soup may keep blood thinner and less viscosity. Please consult your doctor if you have blood related disorders.

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Reference
1. T.A. Duhamel, Y-J Xu, A.S. Arneja, N.S. Dhalla. (2007) Tarketing platelets for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Expert Opinion. 11:1523-1533

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