Did you know that mushrooms contain several beneficial nutrients? Mushrooms offer an impressive nutrition profile that can greatly benefit your overall health and well-being!
Want to know more? Read on to find out the top 5 beneficial nutrients of mushrooms.
What Are Mushrooms?
Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of fungi and are one of the most enjoyed foods in the world, especially by vegetarians and vegans. Often classified as a vegetable, mushrooms come in a variety of types, including maitake, shiitake, cordyceps and king trumpet mushrooms, all containing excellent sources of protein and fibre, as well as vitamins and antioxidants.
Due to their exceptional beneficial nutrients, all mushrooms are members of the superfood family, making them great additions to your dietary regime!
Beneficial Nutrients
Mushrooms are packed with selenium and potassium, as well as copper, vitamin C and iron. They also offer B vitamins, such as riboflavin, niacin and folate that are essential to many natural processes in your body. And not to mention, the superfood is one of the only plant-based sources of vitamin D, when exposed to sunlight.
But what makes these nutrients so good for your health?
Antioxidants
Just like carrots, tomatoes, pumpkins and zucchini, mushrooms offer rich sources of antioxidants, which can help your body get rid of free radicals. These are known to be chemicals that can seriously harm your body’s cells, potentially leading to cancer.
Moreover, its selenium properties can help eliminate cancer-causing compounds in your body, while decreasing inflammation and the risk of tumour.
Vitamin B
Give your metabolism a kick with vitamin B! This group of vitamins is vital for helping your body metabolize unhealthy fats and sugar quicker. Its riboflavin and niacin properties can also help turn carbohydrates into glucose, which the body burns to produce energy.
Mushrooms also contain very few calories and no fat or cholesterol, making the superfood a great addition to a weight-loss diet, providing you with essential B vitamins, without the risk of gaining excess weight.
Potassium
Mushrooms offer a healthy dose of potassium. Superfoods that contain natural sources of potassium are important to include in your diet when wanting to reduce high blood pressure. Potassium decreases the effects of sodium in the body, making it thereby very helpful and effective for those struggling with high blood pressure or wanting to achieve a healthier blood pressure.
Vitamin D
Did you know that mushrooms are the only vegetables that contain vitamin D? Vitamin D is a nutrient that offers amazing benefits. According to a study, it can help maintain strong bones, by helping your body effectively absorb calcium, as well as maintain healthy muscle function, boost your immune system, and even help protect against some cancers and heart diseases.
Protein
Mushrooms are described as the fleshy part of a fungus, therefore having a similar texture to meat. But not only do mushrooms have a texture like meat, they are also excellent sources of protein, making them a great substitution for meat – very suitable for a vegetarian/vegan lifestyle and plant-based diet! They are also perfect for those who are hoping to satisfy a large appetite and feel fuller for longer.
Include More Mushrooms in Your Meals
Due to its several beneficial nutrients, it is a great idea to include more mushrooms in your meals! Enjoy them raw or slightly cooked, to retain all their beneficial nutrients. You can include them in salads, wraps, soups, stir-fries and plenty more delicious dishes!
However, some people do not particularly enjoy the texture and taste of the vegetable, forcing them to leave mushrooms out of their diets completely – which is a great shame!
Fortunately, mushrooms are sold in powdered form as well, making them a great alternative for those who don’t enjoy them fresh, or would like a quick and easy way to enjoy the benefits of mushroom on-the-go.
Whether you wish to eat them in their original or powdered form, include more mushrooms in your diet today and make use of all their beneficial nutrients that can support a healthy lifestyle!
