Benefits of Mushrooms

As promised here is an article relating to the healthy benefits of mushrooms.

I have always enjoyed mushrooms and adding them to many of my recipes.  I decided to find out more specifics about them and how they are beneficial for overall health as well as weight management.  I discovered some very interesting information and have shared it in this article.

If you love mushrooms like my family does you cook with them often.  Possibly you include them just because they add flavor however they are also very good for you.  Mushrooms do add flavor to your food that increases while cooking.  They have been used for many years as food and medicine.  All mushrooms are loaded with essential nutrients.  They contain 80-90% water and are low in calories, sodium, fat, and 8-10% of their dry weight is fiber.  These facts make them great additions for weight management.  

Mushrooms are a great source of potassium which helps lower blood pressure.  One medium portabella has more potassium than a banana or a glass of orange juice.  They are rich in Selenium that supports healthy thyroid function and immune system.  The high levels of selenium make them a healthy food for your bladder.  Cooked shiitakes have 45 percent of your daily selenium need; raw crimini have 47 percent and raw white button have 17 percent.  Other foods rich in selenium include Brazil nuts and tuna.  Mushrooms are also a good source of vitamins D, B, and antioxidants. 

One study done by the American Society of Nutrition found white button mushrooms may promote immune function.  They help enhance the body’s immunity.  Another study conducted at Penn State University showed that the portabella and crimini mushrooms were about the same in foods total antioxidants as the red pepper. 

Another interesting note:  The shiitake mushroom has been used by the Chinese and Japanese to treat colds and flu.  They stimulate the immune system, help fight infection, and demonstrate anti-tumor activity. 

Mushrooms are a very healthy food to add into your daily diet and are one of the super foods that benefit weight management.  I chop them up in my omelets or scrambled eggs.  They are also really great in sauce.  I make homemade tomato sauce with diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, olive oil, and mushrooms.  I try to eat mushrooms along with onions, garlic, and avocados on a daily basis in as many recipes as possible.  Mushrooms are great with almost every meat to include chicken.  They are an easy food item to use in salads or cooking and provide added flavor without the added fat or calories.  Give some mushrooms a try next time you are cooking.  They taste great and are very good for you.

References:

Nearing, Margaret, 2012, Best Health Magazine.

Craig, Winston Ph.D, 2012, Vegetarian Nutrition Info.