7 Exciting Health Benefits of Mushrooms
17-07-2017 | Posted By: Shagun Parasher | 2175 View(s)
Mushrooms are usually referred to as vegetables, but technically they are not vegetables.They belong to the Fungi Family.The numerous health benefits of Mushrooms along with its nutrient value make it immensely popular and are consumed on a large scale all over the world.
We are advised to consume colourful fruits and vegetables in our diet to get the most nutrients. It is said that fresh fruit and veggies that are not colourful lack in nutrients but this does not hold good in the case of edible mushrooms.They are white and loaded with a plenty of nutrients that are helpful for human beings.
Mushrooms are also supposed to be a good source of selenium, potassium, copper, iron, and phosphorus.It also contains choline which can help with sleep, muscle movement, learning, and memory. Choline is also said to be helpful in maintaining the structure of cellular membranes.It also supports proper fat absorption, aids in the transmission of nerve impulses, and reduces chronic inflammation.Read on to discover many more Health Benefits of Mushrooms.
Nutritional Content of Mushrooms
Besides providing essential nutrition, mushrooms also help in preventing certain chronic diseases. This happens because they are a rich source of antioxidants and dietary fibres, beta-glucan and chitin.
A cup of chopped raw white mushrooms contains:
• 0 grams of fat
• 15 calories
• Approximately 2.2 grams of protein
• 2.3 grams of carbohydrates, 0.7 grams of fibre and 1.4 grams of sugar.
They are present in large varieties, and almost all types of mushrooms provide the same amount of nutrients as the other, per serving, regardless of the shape and size.
The Health Benefits of Mushrooms
Consuming fruits and veggies inculcates a sense of staying fit and healthy. Increasing the consumption of whole, unprocessed foods, such as mushrooms tend to benefit people on a broader basis. Mushrooms lower the risk of cancer, promotes a healthy complexion and hair, increase the energy levels, reduces weight, etc. Mushrooms have numerous benefits.
1. Mushrooms Prevent Cancer
Mushrooms, like tomatoes, carrots, pumpkins, zucchini, green beans and other whole and unprocessed foods, are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help our bodies to get rid of free radicals. Free radicals can harm a person’s body cells which may lead to cancer.
A mineral, Selenium that is not found in most fruits and vegetables is found in mushrooms. It helps in detoxifying some cancer causing compounds in the body. It also decreases tumour growth rate and prevents inflammation.
Vitamin D, present in mushrooms is also helpful in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. It regulates the cell growth cycles, thus, preventing Cancer.Also, Folate which is present in mushrooms promotes DNA synthesis and repair. This prevents the formation of cancer cells through DNA mutations.
2. Stronger Immune System
Selenium, found in mushrooms, is known to improve the immune system’s response towards any infection. It stimulates the production of T-cells, also known as killer cells. Beta-glucan found in the cell wall of mushrooms promote the immune system to fight cancer cells and prevent the formation of tumour cells.
3. Weight Management
Mushrooms consist of two types of dietary fibres- beta-glucans and chitin, in their cell walls. These fibres play a significant role in weight management by acting as a “bulking agent” in the digestive system. These increase the satisfaction level or satiety of a person, thus, reducing appetite. This, in turn, reduces the overall calorie intake, making you lose weight.
4. Healthy Heart
Vitamin C and Potassium in mushrooms contribute in promoting the cardiovascular health. They together regulate blood pressure. This decreases the risk of high blood pressure and various heart diseases.
5. Good for People with Diabetes
People with diabetes type-1 should consume mushrooms for low blood sugar levels, and those who are suffering from type-2 should consume them for improving their blood sugar, insulin and lipid levels. The fibres present in mushrooms make them safe for consumption.
6. Good for Bone Health
Mushrooms are a very good source of calcium which helps in providing Strength to the Bones.A rich intake of calcium in the diet helps reduce the chances of osteoporosis.It also helps to reduce joint pain and general lack of mobility that is associated with bone degradation.
7.Mushrooms are particularly good for Vegetarians
Mushrooms offer a great source of Vitamin D which is rarely found in Vegetables.and is generally available from consumption of Animal products.
How to Incorporate Mushrooms in Your Meals?
Always Buy Mushrooms which are Dry, Firm and in good shape without any damages on its outer surface and ideally they should be stored in a refrigerator till they are ready for consumption.Mushrooms can be consumed in a lot of ways. Here are quick tips on preparing satisfying meals that involve mushrooms.
• Slice some mushrooms and top them on your Salads.
• Add sliced crimini mushrooms to your omelette and scrambles along with some greens. This makes eggs more healthy and the meal more presentable.
• Grill some portabella mushrooms and use them in your Sandwiches.
• Saute any mushrooms along with onions for a Quick Dish.
These were some Health Benefits of Mushrooms. Who wouldn’t want to eat mushrooms after knowing that they have so many Health benefits!
The Possible Health Hazards of Having Mushrooms
Mushrooms have found favour with humans since ages and have been part of their diet, but uncultivated wild mushrooms can be a potential threat as they may pose a risk to those unable to distinguish between what is safe to eat and what could be dangerous for having so you should never ever try picking up Mushrooms from the woods or jungles yourself as eating wild mushrooms can be toxic to humans and can lead to illness and other issues and also result in death in some extreme cases.Studies have also shown that some wild mushrooms contain high levels of heavy metals and other harmful chemicals.So the best way out is only to have mushrooms that have been cultivated under proper conditions, or you can check the source of it from your vendor and only buy it from trusted sources.
The bottom line–There are numerous Health Benefits of Mushrooms and it is good for one and all and should be part of the diet as it provides a significant nutrient value and can be of great help in the prevention of diseases and maintaining good health.The only precaution should be to get it from reliable sources to ensure that it is completely safe for consumption.
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