5 Surprising Benefits of Mushroom

It is common for people to see mushrooms growing and popping out of nowhere. Because of it, other people found good ways to make use of the edible ones as part of their dishes. The addition of this ingredient — in pasta, burgers, or the ever-popular mushroom burger steak — not only enhances the overall flavor but also provides nutritional and medicinal benefits. Find out more about these benefits of mushroom here. 

Getting to Know the Mighty Mushrooms

Known for their small, bell-shaped form, mushrooms are good sources of nutrients despite being an uncommon part of people’s grocery lists. 

They offer several vitamins and minerals, such as:

• Vitamin B (B2, B3, B5, folate)
• Vitamin D
• Copper
• Phosphorus
• Selenium
• Potassium

Those who know how to incorporate it in their menus are already good with its food functionality. But wait. Hold that thought right there. Did you know that it can provide you with more benefits of mushroom than you expect it to be? Below are some of the good ones. 

Mushrooms Help in Weight Management

Who would have thought that eating mushrooms can get you to shed off some excess weight?

Mushrooms have a similar texture to meat. However, unlike meat, mushrooms offer low calories, fat, and cholesterol input. Thus, making them a good choice for individuals wanting to lose weight. According to a preliminary investigation, replacing your meat intake with low-caloric and high-volume food counterparts could bring potential satisfactory results. Hence, it could be an efficient way to reduce daily calorie and fat intake while still feeling full and satisfied.

Mushrooms Lower Blood Sugar Levels

Because of the dietary fibers present in the said fungi, there are also some ideal benefits of mushroom for diabetics.  

According to 2018 meta-analyses of dietary fiber consumption and Type 2 Diabetes, consuming a high fiber diet can help reduce the chance of acquiring the chronic condition. Therefore, it can support persons with diabetes control their blood sugar levels.

Mushrooms Can Boost Immunity

They have an excellent ability to modulate the immune system. It greatly affects specialized cells like:

• Hematopoietic stem cells
• Lymphocytes
• Macrophages
• T cells
• Dendritic cells
• Natural killer cells 

The benefits of mushroom also include their anti-inflammatory properties that aid the immune system’s performance. They stimulate the so-called macrophages to improve your system’s ability to fight off invading germs that can cause any diseases.

Moreover, selenium and ergothioneine in mushrooms shield body cells from damage that can contribute to chronic diseases.

Mushroom Can Be Alternative Medicine to Various Conditions

Most people have this idea that mushrooms are not at all nutritious because of their fungi characteristics. But, past studies revealed that they have been used to treat diseases. The most notable conditions are:

• Heart diseases 
• Diabetes
• Inflammatory diseases
• High blood pressure
• Cancer

Scientists at City of Hope were among the first to identify how it could slow down the growth of breast and prostate cancer cells in cell cultures and animals. Plant compounds and components found in mushrooms are said to have antioxidant, cardiovascular protector,  antidiabetic, and anticancer medicinal properties. 

In addition to that, certain mushrooms are also rich sources of physiologically active chemicals with potential therapeutic value in Chinese medicine. Phenolic chemicals, sterols, and triterpenes are examples of bioactive secondary metabolites found in mushrooms. 

Mushroom Consumption Provide Brain-Protective Effects in Elderly Adults

Like other vegetables, they contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may aid in brain protection. 

Higher mushroom consumption was proven to protect the brain in older persons in two epidemiological investigations. Components in mushrooms, particularly ergothioneine, may reduce the formation of amyloid proteins linked to dementia and function as antioxidants. 

A 2019 cross-sectional research reflected that those who ate more than 2 servings of mushrooms per week had a lower risk of mild cognitive impairment. This is in comparison to those who ate less than 1 serving per week (1 serving = 3/4 cup cooked). As a result, some refer to it as a superfood for elders. 

However, the study does not ensure cause and effect. It only shows a correlation between including mushrooms as part of your regular diet and reducing the risk of memory loss. 

Key Takeaway

Indeed, there is more than what meets the eye. While other people take mushrooms as mere fungi in their gardens or backyards, there is so much more to these mighty ones.

The abovementioned benefits of mushroom can make you reconsider it to be part of your next grocery list. 

Learn more about special diets here.