How Mushrooms Can Help You Be Healthy
Mushrooms are present in many dishes. Some of us may put aside these little vegetables for many reasons. However, mushrooms have many health benefits so you might want to think over how you deal with them. Mushrooms were used as treatment in the ancient civilization and now considered as a major ingredient in traditional medicine.
Mushrooms are fungi and they produce spores which enable them to travel by wind giving them the ability to be seen almost everywhere. They typically grow in wood or soil.
There are several kinds of mushrooms and some of them are edible and can be purchased in stores and markets. However, there are also mushrooms that cannot be eaten. These kinds of mushrooms can cause vomiting and stomach pain.
Should I eat mushrooms?
Mushrooms act as ingredients in various cuisines and enable you to add more flavor without sodium or fat. They are used in dishes like soups and salads and sometimes as a pizza topping. Aside from having a distinct taste, mushrooms have also several health benefits. Here are some of the reasons why you should include mushrooms in your diet:
1. Mushrooms can fight cancer
According to the National Cancer Institute, antioxidants found in certain varieties of mushrooms may help in preventing lung, breast, prostate and other types of cancer. It can also protect our cells against DNA damage and may hinder the formation of tumor. Polysaccharide, beta-glucan have anti-cancer properties. It is a main type of fiber in mushrooms. Shiitake and oyster mushrooms have the most concentrated amount of beta- glucans.
2. Mushrooms are good for your heart
Instead of using salt, mushrooms can make dishes taste even better as they contain glutamate ribonucleotides which gives a savory taste. Mushrooms are also excellent alternatives for red meat, removing fat and cholesterol in the equation. Being 90% water by weight, mushrooms help you control your weight while still feeling contented.
3. Mushrooms have immune-boosting benefits
Eating shiitake mushrooms everyday improves immunity according to a clinical study done at the University of Florida’s Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition. White button mushrooms and other mushroom types are also believed to have anti-inflammatory capabilities.
4. Mushrooms give Vitamin-D
Cremini and portabella are types of mushrooms containing high levels of enzymes called ergosterol. These enzymes produce vitamin D when exposed to UV rays. Vitamin D boosts the immune system and aids the body in absorbing calcium and phosphorous.
Scientific studies have found out how mushrooms can be useful in blocking and healing health conditions. A lot of research has revealed the various health benefits and medical properties of mushrooms. These vegetables gained popularity and the number of products available in the market containing mushrooms continue to increase. With this, when you are going to cook a dish or eat in a restaurant, think about the benefits you will miss if you ignore these small yet healthy vegetables.
