Consuming mushrooms is very beneficial to your health as it contains loads of health benefits. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the average American eats approximately three pounds of mushrooms a year.
Many research shows how mushrooms can ward off chronic disease and improve your everyday health. Read on to discover five ways that mushrooms can benefit your health:
Decrease the risk of cancer
According to a review of 17 cancer studies from 1966 to 2020 shows that eating just 18 grams of mushrooms (equal to about a 1/8-cup or two medium mushrooms) a day may lower your risk of cancer by as much as 45%. Mushrooms are a powerful source of ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage.
Some mushroom varieties (such as shiitake, oyster, maitake and king oyster) have higher amounts of ergothioneine. But researchers found that incorporating any variety of mushrooms into your daily diet will lower your risk of cancer.
Improve heart health
Heart health disease is one of the world’s most leading causes of death.
Mushrooms are very low in carbohydrates. They contain no cholesterol while their high protein content helps the body to consume cholesterol. They also help remove plaque accumulations from the walls of blood vessels. Consumption of mushrooms assists to redress an excess of LDL (bad) cholesterol over HDL (good) cholesterol to reduce risks of heart disease.
Protect brain health
MCI causes memory and language difficulties and is often a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease.
In a study in Singapore, participants who ate more than two cups of mushrooms a week had a 50% lower risk of developing MCI. Even those who ate only one cup saw some benefit. The mushrooms eaten by participants included golden, oyster, shiitake and white button mushrooms.
Vitamin booster
Scientists stress the importance of getting sufficient vitamin D. This vitamin is particularly important for bone structure development.
Mushrooms are an excellent alternative because they are especially rich in vitamin D content. It is also worth noting they provide good sources of vitamins A, B, and C.
Support a healthy immune system
Mushrooms contain macronutrients that support a healthy immune system. According to the Mushroom Council, your immune system will benefit from mushrooms whose nutrients include:
- Selenium, which helps your body make antioxidant enzymes to prevent cell damage. Choose cremini or portabella mushrooms for the most benefit.
- Vitamin D, which assists with cell growth, boosts immune function and reduces inflammation. Maitake mushrooms offer an easy way to add vitamin D to your diet.
- Vitamin B6, which helps your body form red blood cells, proteins and DNA. Shiitake mushrooms are the best choice for vitamin B6.
Also see: Health benefits of garlic
