Mushrooms are good for you. In fact, people often use them as medicine. For thousands of years, almost every ancient civilization around the world has used mushrooms fort their healing properties.
Surprisingly, humans are more closely related to fungi than to any other kingdom. Mushrooms have some essential molecules (a form of fungi) which have been present in the human diet and for so long; our bodies now depend on them. This could be the reason why mushrooms are so good for us.
Mushrooms are a superfood, and one of the most health-promoting foods on the planet. Almost 50 percent of edible mushrooms have a potentially positive effect on health beyond basic nutrition.
A lot of scientific studies showed that mushrooms can be useful in preventing and treating serious health issues as well as in improving overall health. Studies have identified more than 100 different beneficial effects they can produce for the body and 200 conditions that may benefit from its consumption.
The Nutritional Value Of Mushrooms
Mushrooms are rich in nutritional value. They are great sources of fibers, protein, antioxidants, and are low in calories. Plus, they also contain necessary nutrients such as B vitamins, potassium, copper, selenium, and vitamin D.
Health Benefits Of Consuming Mushrooms
Cancer-Fighting Ability
Mushrooms are best known for their apparent cancer-fighting powers. According to an article published in Molecules, they contain a class of protein called lectins, which bind to abnormal and cancer cells and label them for destruction by our immune system.
A number of studies have shown that mushroom can fight pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer, acute leukemia, breast cancer, uterine cervix cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Additionally various mushroom species have also been found to have anti-tumor compounds.
Scientists have done a lot of research about the activities mushrooms possess against breast cancer since this type of cancer is the most common among women.
A study conducted by researchers from the University of Western Australia in Perth wherein 2,000 women were involved showed that the participants who consumed at least a third of an ounce of fresh mushrooms every day were 64% less likely to develop breast cancer.
Boost Longevity
Mushrooms contain antioxidants that can help you live a healthier and longer life. Antioxidants protect cells from free radicals, thereby helping the body cope up with oxidative stress that damages healthy cells.
Here are the seven mushrooms that are proven to have the most antioxidants and may help you live longer.
- Oyster
- Lion’s Mane
- Porcini
- Maitake
- Shiitake
- Golden Oyster
- Pioppino
Boost Immune System Health
According to studies, mushrooms can give your body impressive immune-boosting benefits.
A clinical study conducted at the University of Florida’s Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition revealed that regular consumption of shiitake mushrooms improves immunity in a way that is not found in any pharmaceutical drugs. White button mushrooms and other types of mushrooms also have anti-inflammatory power.
Moreover, eating mushrooms may also help prevent respiratory infections, according to a 2012 study published in Nutrition.
Aside from this, a study in 2015 found mushrooms to be able to alter gut bacteria for the better, which could also help treat obesity.
Achieve Weight Loss
Mushrooms have few calories and little fat. It also have two types of dietary fibers, chitin and beta-glucans, which reduce appetite and increase satiety.
In a study wherein researchers gave people less meat and more mushrooms in place of meat, results showed that the subjects lost a lot of weight, felt healthier, had less diabetes, and their cholesterol and blood pressure went down.
Improve Digestion
Mushrooms are a gut-friendly food. They are prebiotic, which means they nourish the good bacteria in your gut. Moreover, they were also found to have the ability to balance the microbiome’s beneficial bacteria, such as Acidophilus and Bifidobacterium
