Last week we introduced the basics of mushrooms. Today we want to talk about their benefits.
Mushrooms as a Superfood
Records show that mushrooms have been studied extensively for their health-promoting properties. The use of mushrooms for medicinal purposes goes back thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians called them their plant of immortality.
Almost every mushroom you find in your local store has many health benefits, even the white button mushroom is a powerful promoter of health.
Yes, mushrooms are a superfood and one of the most health-promoting foods on the planet! Likely 50% of edible mushrooms are considered functional foods. Functional food means that they have a potentially positive effect on health beyond the basic nutrition they provide.
They are low in calories and fat and are cholesterol-free. Mushrooms contain a moderate amount of fiber and over a dozen minerals and vitamins, including copper, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and a number of B vitamins such as folate. Mushrooms exposed to sunshine can also contain Vitamin D, and some also contain B12 depending on the soil conditions they grow in.
Types of Mushrooms
Chanterelle Mushrooms
There are around 2,000 edible varieties of mushrooms, but only a handful are available at your local grocery store or market.
They include:
- white, or “button”
- brown cremini
- portobello
- shiitake
- oyster
- wood ear
- enoki
Seasonal varieties available at farmer’s markets and some grocery stores include:
- morel
- chanterelle
Countless scientific studies have revealed a variety of ways mushrooms can be useful in helping with adverse conditions and in improving overall health.
Potential Health Benefits
Amazingly, research has identified more than 200 conditions that may benefit from the consumption of mushrooms and more than 100 different positive health benefits they can produce for the body.
- Promotes healthy gut flora
- Enhances immune function
- Protects from neurological disease
- Anti-aging
- Aids in weight loss
- Help with diabetes
- Protect the liver
- Detoxes heavy metals
- Anti-cancer
- Heart protective
- Anti-inflammatory
- Make bones stronger
- Enhance digestion
- Anti-viral and antibacterial
- Help with Rheumatoid arthritis
- Anti-mutagenic
Ways to Consume More Mushrooms
There are so many great recipes for mushrooms! One of the things I like best about using mushrooms in recipes is that they can have the same texture as meats. I recently made a Creamy Mushroom Chowder (OMG, so delicious!) We used a combination of shiitake, cremini, and portobello mushrooms.
The portobellos gave it a dense meaty texture, which makes them a great replacement for giving dishes that meaty feel. Each type of mushroom has a unique flavor to add to the meal or recipe. If you would like my recipe for the Creamy Mushroom Chowder send me a message.
Enjoy your mushrooms as burgers, chowders, soups, grilled, sautéed or baked. They are versatile!
Vive Shake includes an extract of Lion’s Mane mushroom. To see how this whole-food, fiber-rich supplement can add to your wellness routine, contact us today at info@viveshake.com or 877-878-3009.