Mushrooms are fleshy and nutritious fruit parts of certain macro-fungi groups. It can grow above or below the ground, and you can hand-pick these healthy natural elements. Edible mushrooms are generally produced in a controlled environment with suitable nutrients, light, soil, humidity, pH level, air, pressure and ventilation.
Popular mushroom variants are button, milky, paddy, oyster, reishi and shitake. Mushrooms have multiple health benefits. They are a rich source of vitamin D, selenium, riboflavin and potassium and are excellent for managing weight, reducing the risk of developing several serious diseases and boosting immunity.
Incorporate these fleshy food ingredients into your diet and improve overall health. Let’s continue reading to explore seven ways mushrooms can contribute to your health.
What are the Health Benefits of Mushroom?
Here are the essential health benefits of mushrooms, and enjoy fungal fiesta for healthy you:
- Reduces Cancer Risk: A daily intake of mushrooms (around two medium mushrooms) can lower cancer risk by almost 45%. It is a rich source of ergothioneine, an antioxidant and amino acid that reduces and prevents cellular damage.
- Optimises Blood Pressure: Our blood pressure and sodium usually go hand in hand. Mushrooms have a naturally low sodium quantity. Incorporating mushrooms into your daily diet can optimise sodium intake and balance blood pressure. High sodium causes the body to retain excess fluid, which can shoot up blood pressure faster.
- Optimises Calories, Cholesterol and Fat Intake: Mushrooms, especially shiitake mushrooms, help to keep cholesterol levels in check and optimise fat and calorie intake for your body.
- Improves Mild Cognitive Impairment Conditions: MCI is considered the precursor to Alzheimer’s disease and affects language and memory significantly. Researchers have found commendable benefits of mushrooms for people suffering from MCI. You can incorporate mushrooms into your diet and protect yourself and your family against such diseases.
- Promote a Healthier Gut: Your gut’s microbiome houses vital organisms impacting health and mood and benefits from stimulating healthy bacteria growth through prebiotics like mushrooms. Mushroom polysaccharides, the predominant carbohydrate, survive stomach acid, reaching the colon unchanged and supporting beneficial bacteria growth, as confirmed by research.
- Provides Vitamin D for Bone and Muscle Health: Mushrooms can be a good source of vitamin D for strong bones and muscles. It improves immunity and fighting abilities against several diseases. We have all seen the use of vitamin D tablets for immunity during coronavirus times. In extreme winters, when we hardly get any sunlight, doctors recommend vitamin D supplements or a diet to retain bone health.
- Healthy Immune System: Mushrooms, rich in macronutrients, are a key ally for a healthy immune system. Varieties like cremini or portabella provide selenium, supporting antioxidant enzyme production. Maitake mushrooms offer vitamin D for cell growth and immune function, while shiitake mushrooms excel in providing vitamin B6 for red blood cells, protein and DNA formation.