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Mushrooms – 10 Interesting Health Benefits

mushrooms health benefits

“A mushroom (or toadstool) is the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting body of a fungus, typically produced above ground on soil or its food source. Raw brown mushrooms are 92% water, 4% carbohydrates, 2% protein, and less than 1% fat. In a 100 gram (3.5 ounces) amount, raw mushrooms provide 22 calories ” source Wikipedia 

Mushrooms are classified as vegetables in the food world, but they are not.

As we saw above, they belong to the fungi kingdom. Although they are not vegetables, mushrooms offer several important nutritional benefits.

Health Benefits of Mushrooms

1. They are low in calories, fat, cholesterol, and salt.                                                                  

2. They are a good source of B-complex vitamins, such as Riboflavin, needed to produce red blood cells. Pantothenic acid for the nervous system, and Niacin for healthy skin and a healthy digestive system.

                                                                                                         
3. They are rich in Selenium, which acts as an antioxidant in the body protecting against cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Also, it offers anti-aging and immune protective action.

                                                                                                        
4. They contain high levels of Ergothioneine. That’s an antioxidant that can only be taken up by mushrooms, as they are the only organisms that can synthesize it.

5. One serving can cover up to 10% of our daily potassium needs, which is necessary for the balance of fluids and minerals in our body.

                                                                                                       
6. They are the exception to the rule that plant foods are poor in vitamin D, as they contain vitamin D2 that supports our skeletal system.

                                                                                                          
7. The high levels of polyphenols and carotenoids they contain contribute to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.

                                                                                                           
8. Mushroom beta-glucans have anti-tumor and immune-modulatory properties.

                                                                                                          
9. As a good source of low-calorie proteins, they offer saturation and can be incorporated into many recipes by increasing the nutritional value of your meals.

                                                                                                           
10. They offer significant levels of fibers, which support the health of our digestive system.

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Mushroom health benefits