Benefits of Mushrooms

Mushrooms are classified as vegetables in the world of food, well not technically plants. Although they are not vegetables they belong to the fungi kingdom and mushrooms have several important properties. It is important for you to eat only organically grown mushrooms, the reason being they absorb and concentrate whatever they grow in. This is the trait that gives mushrooms their potency, and the ability to detox heavy metals, air and water pollutants, so healthy growing conditions of mushroom is very critical factor.

As a defense against bacterial invasion, fungi have developed strong antibiotics, which also happen to be effective for humans. Penicillin, streptomycin, and tetracycline all come from fungal extracts.

Health Benefits of Mushrooms

Weight Management

Mushrooms are naturally low in sodium, fat, cholesterol, and calories and have often been referred to as “functional foods.” In addition to providing basic nutrition, they help in prevention of chronic diseases because of antioxidants and beneficial dietary fiber. Researchers have found that substituting red meat with white button mushrooms can dramatically enhance weight loss.

Dietary fiber plays vital role in weight management by functioning as a “bulking agent” in our digestive system. Mushrooms contain two types of dietary fibers in their cell walls: beta-glucans and chitin that increases satiety and reduce appetite, making you feel full longer and lowering overall calorie intake. Beta glucans have been the subject of extensive studies that have examined their role in improving insulin resistance and blood cholesterol levels, which lowers the risk of obesity and provides an immunity boost.

Diabetes

Research have shown that type 1 diabetics who consume high fiber diets have low blood glucose levels and type 2 diabetics may have improved blood sugar, lipids and insulin levels. One cup of portabella or shiitake mushrooms provides about 3 grams of fiber.

Heart Health

The fiber, potassium and vitamin C content in mushrooms contribute to cardiovascular health. Potassium and sodium work together in the body to help regulate our blood pressure. Consuming mushrooms that are high in potassium and low in sodium helps to lower blood pressure and decreases the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases.

Cancer Prevention

Mushrooms contain just as high an antioxidant capacity as carrots, tomatoes, green and red peppers, pumpkins, green beans, and zucchini. Selenium is a mineral that is not present in most fruits and vegetables but are found in mushrooms. It plays important role in liver enzyme functions, 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 synthesis and repair of DNA that prevents the formation of cancer cells from mutations in the DNA.

Improved Immunity

Long chain polysaccharides are primarily responsible for the beneficial effect on our body’s immune system. Selenium in mushrooms 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.

Other Vitamins & Minerals

Mushrooms are rich in vitamins such as riboflavin, folate, thiamine, pantothenic acid, and niacin. They are also the only vegan, non-fortified dietary source of vitamin D. Mushrooms also provide several minerals that may be difficult to obtain in the diet, such as selenium, potassium, copper, iron, and phosphorus.