From shitake to button, mushrooms are magical for your health. With centuries of healthy goodness under their belt, mushrooms can be an excellent addition to your diet, if you want.
Mushrooms are a fungus, but that hasn’t deterred us from adding them to meals. The most popular mushroom is the white button mushroom. Mushrooms bring with them a light, savoury flavour without adding much fat, calories or sodium to a meal.
Mushrooms, especially the Reishi mushroom or ‘the mushroom of eternal youth’ is used in Chinese medicine for greater well-being and longevity. Mushrooms can do wonders for your immunity, skin and even blood sugar levels.
Here are some of the best reasons for saying yes to mushrooms —
- They keep your immunity strong and support your natural defences
Mushrooms are high in a natural substance called beta-glucans which helps the immune system fight off germs, viruses and bacteria, in some cases it even inhibits the growth of certain tumours. Certain types of mushrooms like reishi, shiitake and maitake, are especially rich in the most powerful beta glucans making them front liners in protecting your immune system. Mushrooms also work effectively in fighting off cold and flu viruses. The next time you’re unwell, curl up in a bed with a piping hot bowl of mushroom soup and watch the flu fly away.
- Mushrooms are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and fibre
Mushrooms contain many vitamins and minerals that are good for health. Full of fibre, low in sodium and calories, mushrooms are a healthy meal option.
- B vitamins- which help the body metabolise carbohydrates and are vital for the nervous system.
- Selenium- which helps your body make antioxidant enzymes to prevent cell damage and premature ageing.
- Vitamin D- which helps with cell growth, boosts your immunity and reduces inflammation.
- Vitamin B6- which aids in the production of red blood cells, proteins and DNA.
- Potassium- which is essential for regulating the heart, kidneys and digestive system.
- Mushrooms lower your sodium intake
Sodium and high blood pressure go hand in hand because sodium causes excess fluid retention which increases your blood pressure. To decrease your sodium intake you can consider adding mushrooms to your meals. Mushrooms are naturally low in sodium yet flavourful.
- Mushrooms protect your brain and help manage neurodegenerative conditions
Mushrooms are rich in polyphenols which protect against cognitive decline in older adults. Some antioxidants found in mushrooms can also prevent the onset of Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and other neurological illnesses.
- Mushrooms help keep your cholesterol levels in check, manage your blood pressure and maintain a healthy heart
Mushrooms make an excellent low calorie and fat substitute for red meat. Research shows that mushrooms help to keep cholesterol levels low and even counteract the effects of sodium on your blood pressure. Mushrooms also have some therapeutic properties when it comes to heart health by warding off the ramifications of high blood pressure and bad cholesterol.
- Mushrooms balance your blood sugar levels
When your blood sugar levels get out of whack, it can be very dangerous. Eating mushrooms regularly have shown to help bring blood sugar down and even improve insulin sensitivity.
- Mushrooms have anti-inflammatory properties
Mushrooms contain healthy compounds called beta-glucans, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent and treat diseases like diabetes, heart disease and in some cases even certain cancers. Mushrooms also have anti-inflammatory properties which help reduce pain in your joints and bones, relieve muscle soreness and stiffness and even reduce swelling.
- Mushrooms are good for your gut
The healthy microbiome in your gut is essential for your health. One way to keep your gut healthy is to stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria using prebiotics. Enter mushrooms. Research shows that mushroom polysaccharides stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria.
- Mushrooms are a great alternative for protein
Mushrooms are a plant eater’s best friend. Most vegetarians and vegans struggle with their protein intake. One serving of mushrooms is 10% of your daily recommended protein. Mushrooms are a good source of essential amino acids (which are the building blocks of protein).
- Mushrooms can help with weight loss
Mushrooms are a low-calorie and low-fat food. They have a high water content, rich in protein and fibre which slows down digestion, helping you feel fuller for longer. Thus helping with weight loss and weight management.
- Mushrooms improve your skin’s radiance and keep you young
Mushrooms like shiitake and reishi are rich in youth-boosting antioxidants. They are loaded with antioxidants that contribute to anti-ageing and have a protective effect on our skin. Mushrooms can be particularly helpful during the menopausal years when the skin starts to change in texture and appearance and hyperpigmentation increases.
- Mushrooms boost your mood, energy and reduce stress hormones
Certain mushrooms are used as a mood tonic or ‘adaptogen’. Adaptogens are natural substances that help the body adapt to stress and protect it against negative effects like fatigue and poor sleep which equals to more energy. The adaptogenic qualities help our hormonal well-being as well, especially when it comes to reducing stress hormones.
- Mushrooms can lift your mood and help fight depression and anxiety
Research shows that those who regularly eat mushrooms have a lower risk for depression. Eating mushrooms lower the risk of oxidative stress, which in turn reduces depression and anxiety symptoms. Mushrooms have been found to have antidepressant properties and are currently being studied as a potential treatment for mental disorders like anxiety and depression.
Conclusion —
Now that you’ve read through this laundry list of benefits, its time to run to the grocery store and pick up a bag of mushrooms.
If mushrooms are not a regular item in your diet, you’re missing out on all these health benefits.
Why are mushrooms always invited to a party… because they’re the fun-gis (guys).
