Health Benefits of Mushroom
Rose May Pimentel in Health
Apr 28, 2022 • 3 min Read
Mushroom come in different shapes, sizes and colors. It’s rich in essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and low in calories, sodium and fat.
Mushroom’s connection in boosting human health dates back many thousand years ago. In ancient Chinese history, its natural healing aspects have greatly revered in traditional herbal medicine.
Mushroom can be easily cooked and added to your meals, substituting meat and seafood products in dishes. Just add mushrooms to stews and soups to boost the overall flavor of dishes or air-fry mushrooms as crunchy side dish. You can also quickly sauté them in olive oil with garlic, salt, and pepper then add herbs for additional flavor.
Here are some of the amazing benefits of mushroom:
1. May Be Rich in Antioxidants
Mushrooms may have significant antioxidant properties because of bioactive compounds – polyphenols, polysaccharides, vitamins, carotenoids, and minerals. Antioxidants can help rid the body of toxic free radicals and bring down oxidative stress levels, thus reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. It is one of the richest plant-sources of selenium.
2. Might Aid in Weight Management
Varieties of mushroom have meaty taste, making them a favored choice for vegetarians and vegans. Their low-calorie, low-carb content may also make them a preferred choice among people who are following the ketogenic diet or the paleo diet.
3. May Improve Cognitive Health
Researchers from the Diet and Healthy Aging in Singapore have analyzed the data from 663 people, aged 60 and above. They found that people who ate mushrooms more than twice a week had reduced odds of having mild cognitive impairment. An animal study revealed that a bio compound in mushrooms may help protect the brain from beta-amyloid peptide toxicity, and may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
4. Oral Health
The results of randomized controlled clinical trial with 30 participants suggested that a shiitake-extract oral mouth rinse, twice a day, may help reduce plaque.
5. Prebiotic Source
In a study published by Journal of Nutrition by 2013, researchers found that mushrooms may help in increasing microbial diversity and ease infection in mice. One way to keep your gut healthy is to stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria in that space with the use of prebiotics, such as mushrooms.
6. Decrease the Risk of Cancer
A review of 17 cancer studies from 1966 to 2020 shows that eating 18 grams of mushrooms (equal to about a 1/8-cup) a day may lower the risk of cancer by as much as 45%. Mushrooms are powerful source of amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage. Incorporating variety of mushrooms into your daily diet will lower your risk of cancer.
7. Promote Lower Cholesterol
Mushrooms make an excellent substitute for red meat while minimizing calories, fat and cholesterol. They contain compounds that inhibit the production of cholesterol, block it from being absorbed and lower the overall amount in your blood.
8. Support a Healthy Immune System
Mushrooms contain macronutrients that support a healthy immune system. According to Mushroom Council, our immune system have the following nutrients and benefits:
* Selenium, helps the body make antioxidant enzymes to prevent cell damage.
* Vitamin D, assists with cell growth, boosts immune function and reduces inflammation.
* Vitamin B6, helps your body form red blood cells, proteins and DNA.
Mushroom is considered a superfood. Start adding mushroom to your daily diet and enjoy its benefits!
