From their fresh, nutty and woodsy taste, to their subtle interaction with partner flavors and their delectable texture, mushrooms create a taste sensation that’s a delight to discover again and again. And that’s not all – mushrooms are a fresh, natural, low-calorie ingredient in many of today’s favorite dishes.
Mushrooms come in lots of different shapes, sizes, and colors. The ones that aren’t toxic happen to be quite healthy and tasty too. For many years they’ve been used for their unique ability to add flavor in lots of different cultures’ cuisines. Although they’re actually fungi, mushrooms are lumped in the vegetable category for cooking purposes. Mushrooms allow you to add extra taste without sodium or fat.
Why should you eat Mushrooms?
Mushrooms are a low-calorie food that packs a nutritional punch. Loaded with many health-boosting vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, they’ve long been recognized as an important part of any diet. For instance, mushrooms raised with exposure to ultraviolet light are a good source of Vitamin D, an important component in bone and immune health.
“Mushrooms may lack the deep green or brilliant red hues consumers have come to associate with nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, but they are a “powerhouse of nutrition” and not a white food to be avoided.”
What is the nutritional value of mushrooms?
Mushrooms may lack the deep green or brilliant red hues consumers have come to associate with nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, but they are a “Powerhouse of Nutrition” and not a white food to be avoided. Low in calories and fat and cholesterol-free, mushrooms contain a modest amount of fiber and over a dozen minerals and vitamins, including copper, potassium, magnesium, zinc and a number of B vitamins such as folate. Mushrooms are also high in antioxidants like selenium and glutathione, or GSH, substances believed to protect cells from damage and reduce chronic disease and inflammation.
Some mushrooms also contain vitamin D, but generally only if they were grown in sunlight.
1. Boosts the immune system
Given that they’re packed with nutrients, eating enough mushrooms can improve your immune system. The antioxidants and phytochemicals in mushrooms give it anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties, which further aid in keeping seasonal infections and diseases at bay. What’s more, eating mushrooms can also help you reduce the risk of weight gain and obesity.
2. Prevents heart disease
Mushrooms are packed with lean plant proteins and have very low amounts of calories and fats. Mushrooms also contain glutamate ribonucleotides, which not only give them a salty, umami flavour but also make the addition of salt almost unnecessary while cooking. This helps control blood pressure, improve heart health and ultimately reduce the risk of heart disease.
3. Aids cognitive function
Mushrooms contain two key antioxidants – ergothioneine and glutathione – which not only protect the brain and body from premature ageing but also have a protective effect on brain cells. Eating mushrooms can improve cognitive abilities like memory and attention. Studies also suggest that eating mushrooms is associated with lower risks of dementia, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
4. Keeps bones healthy
Mushrooms contain vitamin D, calcium, potassium and phosphorus – all the nutrients which help build bones and keep them healthy too. Studies indicate that consuming mushrooms in your diet regularly can help prevent bone-related diseases like osteoporosis, bone pain and even bone degeneration.
5. Improves digestion
Mushrooms contain polysaccharides, which are nutrients that also act as prebiotics. Prebiotics are compounds that induce the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and fungus. Eating mushrooms can therefore not only improve your digestion but also help keep your gut healthy. This can also further aid you in keeping digestive issues at bay.