Mushrooms, mushrooms everywhere! Mushrooms have been used as food and medicine for thousands of years. Many people enjoy eating a variety of mushrooms in both raw and cooked form. Most are grown in and around Kennett Square in Chester County, PA, also known as “The Mushroom Capital of the World”. With so many health benefits and so many different ways to prepare them, it’s easy to understand why so many chefs love to add them to their savory dishes.
Mushrooms contain between 80 and 90 percent water, are low in sodium, fat and calories, extremely nutrient dense, and are an excellent addition for those who are weight-conscious. In addition, they do not contain gluten, fat and cholesterol. They are rich in potassium, which helps reduce blood pressure and the incidence of stroke. In fact, a medium-sized portabella mushroom has more potassium than a regular-sized banana. They also contain B vitamins (good for the nervous and digestive systems), iron (good for anemia and red blood cells), copper (helps make red blood cells), and selenium, (good for prostate function and helps shrink the prostate). cancer).
Mushrooms are the only cultivated food that contain natural vitamin D, which helps build strong bones. Along with calcium which is also found in mushrooms, they can help with joint pain and osteoporosis. They also contain beta-glucans, which help stimulate the immune system and increase allergy resistance, and are found in many shiitake and oyster mushrooms. Mushrooms also contain ergothioneine, a powerful antioxidant that strengthens the immune system. Ergothioneine is an amino acid that contains sulfur, which is lacking in many people’s diets. Diabetics have shown improvement by eating a variety of mushrooms, as they contain natural insulin and enzymes. Many species of mushrooms also help diabetics protect themselves from infections in their organs, as they are a natural antibiotic.
Below is a summary of some of the more common mushrooms:
- White Button: The most common of the mushrooms in the US, research suggests they help with breast and prostate cancer when consuming about 3.5 ounces per day. Good for weight loss.
- Crimini (predecessor to portabella): These brownish mushrooms are similar in size to white buttons, and are firmer and possess an earthy flavor. They also help in breast and prostate cancer. Great for weight loss.
- Portabella: These large, brown, umbrella-shaped mushrooms (the adult version of crimini mushrooms) have a meaty flavor. Great for grilling and stuffing with this “Italian” recipe of artichokes, spinach, crab meat, and ground beef, tomato sauce, onions, peppers, and herbs. Also helps in weight loss.
- Shiitake: Has been used by many Asian cultures for cold and flu care. Research shows that extracts of this mushroom help fight infection, boost the immune system and help fight tumor growth and breast cancer. Consume 4-5 oz daily. Excellent source of Vitamin D.
- Reishi: Looks like woody brown and white flower: Good for fighting bacterial and viral infections, lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.
- Maitake: Helps cleanse the body and stimulates the immune system.
- Oysters: Ongoing research shows promise in helping protect against HIV. high in antioxidants
- Porcini: a fleshy mushroom that looks similar to the portabella mushroom, also has anti-inflammatory properties
Mushrooms are a versatile food that can be used in many soups, salads, sandwiches, appetizers, stews, nutraceuticals, supplements, and yes, even added to sports drinks! Buy mushrooms only from reputable vendors, as many mushrooms grown in the wild can be poisonous and contain toxic heavy metals.
Mushrooms are a delicious addition to people’s diets, and they have many surprising health benefits. Research has shown that they may help lower cholesterol levels, protect diabetics from infection, help protect against breast and prostate cancer, aid weight loss, promote bone health, Can improve health, stimulate the immune system, lower blood pressure, increase iron absorption and are great suppliers of potassium, calcium, riboflavin, phosphorus, vitamin D and selenium. Try using them in a variety of recipes today!
Source by Dr. Chad Laurence
