Mushrooms are a real nutritional powerhouse food. In this segment I talk about nine health benefits of mushrooms you are likely missing out on if you don’t eat mushrooms. But there is great news! If you don’t like eating mushrooms you could get their many benefits by making drinks out of them (from mushrooms powders) or taking a supplement. Though, I always say, that a supplement will never make up for a bad diet.
Mushrooms can be used in so many different ways too.
Mushrooms can be used to substitute for meat, they can be used to flavor food, and they can be used medicinally.
As a meat substitute, mushrooms are great in chilis, as substitute for burgers, crab cakes, toppings for pasta or pizza, and as a “hot” chocolate made with powdered mushrooms.
Mushrooms can also be used to flavor your favorite dishes giving them a rich, savory flavor called umami. It’s a great way to get the health benefits of mushrooms without having to deal with the mouthfeel if you don’t like the texture of mushrooms. Dehydrated mushrooms can be used once hydrated, the juice from the rehydration process can be used in recipes (instead of the liquid required), or they can be ground and used as you would any herb or spice.
So what are the the health benefits of mushrooms?
- Mushrooms are low in calories and fat.
- Mushrooms are a source of healthy, complex carbohydrates that give you energy in slow-release fashion, so you don’t feel a huge burst and then the inevitable crash.
- Mushrooms are high in protein and fiber. One cup of mushrooms has 2 grams of protein. That’s a considerable amount of protein considering mushrooms cook down to a very small amount, making it easy to consume the 2 grams of protein with little effort.
- Mushrooms contain minerals like potassium, magnesium, copper, and zinc.
- Mushrooms are a great source of B vitamins, particularly thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), and folate (B9).
- Mushrooms are anti-inflammatory, preventing diet-driven diseases.
- Medicinal mushrooms are full of antioxidants, helping you fight the oxidation process that damages cells, tissues, and organs.
- Mushrooms are anti-viral, imparting health during the times you need a boost to your immune system.
- Mushrooms have no cholesterol and are therefore, a heart-healthy food.
Thinking about all the reasons you should be eating mushrooms? You could be helping your body in so many ways. The next time you are thinking about what’s for dinner, reach for a mushroom and get back the nine health benefits of mushrooms you’ve been missing out on.
