If you've ever been to a grocery store and seen the mushrooms in the produce section, you know they're not cheap. This might make it seem like they're not worth buying, but mushrooms are a healthy addition to any diet. They offer various health benefits, including lowering cholesterol levels and helping prevent diabetes. In this article, I will break down some of these benefits so you can see why mushrooms are such an important part of any diet—and maybe even convince you to add them more often!
Mushrooms are rich in nutrients.
Mushrooms are a good source of protein. A 3-ounce serving of mushrooms contains around 3 grams of protein, about as much as you'll find in an egg or a chicken drumstick.
Mushrooms are also rich in B vitamins, such as niacin and riboflavin (vitamin B6). Niacin helps your body convert food into energy, while riboflavin supports healthy skin, hair, and nails.
Mushrooms contain minerals like potassium and selenium that help regulate blood pressure levels by balancing out sodium absorption in the kidneys so you don't retain too much fluid--or become dehydrated on hot summer days when you're sweating more than usual without realizing it!
Mushrooms are low in calories.
Mushrooms are low in calories, high in fiber and protein, and contain no fat. They are also common on the glycemic index (GI) scale, which means their carbs are absorbed slowly into the body. This makes mushrooms a great option for those who want to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight by eating foods that keep them full longer without feeling hungry all the time.
You can eat mushrooms raw or cooked--they taste delicious either way! When cooking your mushrooms, try roasting them with some olive oil, salt, and pepper; they're sure to become one of your new favorite snacks!
Mushrooms have anti-inflammatory properties.
Mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D, which helps with inflammation.
Mushroom consumption has been linked to decreased risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. In addition, mushrooms contain a compound called beta-glucans that has been shown to help reduce inflammation in the body.
Mushrooms help boost your immune system.
One of the mushrooms' most notable health benefits is their ability to boost your immune system. Mushrooms contain beta-glucans, polysaccharides that act as prebiotics: non-digestible food ingredients that stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in the colon.
These benefits go beyond increasing your microbiome diversity; they also help fight against colds and other viruses by boosting your body's natural defenses against them.
Mushrooms help fight cancer.
Mushrooms are rich in anti-cancer compounds. They can help prevent cancer, and they're also effective at treating it.
Mushrooms contain antioxidants that are known to reduce the risk of developing cancer. A study published in 2014 found that a compound found in shiitake mushrooms called eritadenine may help treat pancreatic cancer by inhibiting blood flow to tumors or destroying them outright (1). Other types of mushrooms have also been shown to fight colon and stomach cancers2-3).
A 2012 review published by the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer concluded that eating mushrooms regularly reduces your risk for developing colorectal, prostate, and breast cancers4).
Mushrooms can help with weight loss and diabetes management.
Mushrooms are low in calories and high in fiber. They also have anti-inflammatory properties, which make them great for people with diabetes or who are trying to lose weight. Mushrooms have been shown to help reduce blood sugar levels by as much as 20 percent, according to a study published in Diabetes Care. That's because mushrooms contain beta-glucans--a type of soluble fiber that can lower cholesterol levels and improve insulin sensitivity, which helps keep your energy levels steady throughout the day.
Mushrooms contain many vitamins and minerals, too: Vitamin D (which helps build strong bones), potassium (for heart health), selenium (for antioxidant protection), and copper (to prevent anemia).
Mushrooms are a healthy, versatile addition to any diet.
Mushrooms are a healthy, versatile addition to any diet. They're a good source of B vitamins, selenium, and zinc. Mushrooms also have anti-inflammatory properties and can help boost your immune system--which means they may even fight cancer.
Mushroom varieties include:
- White button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus)
- Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
- Portobello/Portabella (Agaricus bisporus var portabellus)
Conclusion
Mushrooms are a versatile, healthy food that can be enjoyed in various ways. They are low in calories and high in nutrients, making them an ideal food for weight loss or diabetes management. They also contain anti-inflammatory properties that help boost your immune system and fight cancer cells. If you're looking for more ways to add mushrooms to your diet, try adding them to soups or salads!
