Welcome to the world of mushrooms – delicious and healthy food!
Mushrooms, mushrooms everywhere! Mushrooms have been used as food and medicine for thousands of years. Many people enjoy eating various types of mushrooms, both raw and cooked. Most are grown in Chester County, Pennsylvania, in and around the town of Kennett Square, which is also known as “The Mushroom Capital of the World.” With many health benefits and a variety of ways to prepare them, it’s easy to understand why so many chefs like to incorporate them into their tasty dishes.
Mushrooms are 80 to 90 percent water, low in sodium, fat, and calories, extremely nutrient-dense, and a great addition for weight-conscious people. In addition, they do not contain gluten, fat or cholesterol. They are full of potassium, which helps reduce blood pressure and the incidence of strokes. In fact, a medium-sized portabella mushroom contains more potassium than a regular-sized banana. They are also packed with B vitamins (great for the nervous and digestive systems), iron (good for anemia and red blood cells), copper (helps make red blood cells), and selenium (good for prostate gland function and helps shrink the prostate). Cancer).
Mushrooms are the only cultivated food that contains natural vitamin D, which helps strengthen bones. Combined with the calcium that is also found in mushrooms, they can help with joint pain and osteoporosis. They also contain beta-glucans, which help boost the immune system and increase resistance to allergies, and are found in many shiitake and oyster mushrooms. Mushrooms are also well known for containing ergothionein, a powerful antioxidant that strengthens the immune system. Ergothionein is a sulfur-containing amino acid that many people lack in their diet. Diabetics have shown improvement when eating various types of mushrooms, due to the natural insulin and the enzymes they contain. Many species of fungi also help diabetics get limb infections, as they are a natural antibiotic.
Below is a summary of some of the most common fungi:
- White Buttons – The most common mushrooms in the US, research shows that they help with breast and prostate cancer, while consuming about 3.5 ounces per day. Good for weight loss.
- Crimini (forerunner of Portabella): These brown mushrooms are similar in size to white buttons, and they are firmer and have a more earthy flavor. They also help with breast and prostate cancers. Great for losing weight.
- Portabella: These large, brown, umbrella-shaped mushrooms (the adult version of Crimini mushrooms) have a meatier flavor. Ideal for grilling and stuffing with artichokes, spinach, crab meat and an “Italian” recipe for ground beef, tomato sauce, onions, peppers and herbs. It also helps you lose weight.
- Shiitake: It has been used by many Asian cultures for the care of colds and flu. Research shows that extracts from this mushroom help fight infection, improve the immune system, and help fight tumor growth and breast cancer. Eat 4-5 ounces per day. Excellent source of vitamin D.
- Reishi: Looks like a brown and white wood flower: Good for fighting bacterial and viral infections, lowering cholesterol and lowering blood pressure.
- Maitake: Helps cleanse the body and stimulates the immune system.
- Oyster: Ongoing research shows promise to help defend against HIV. High antioxidant content
- Porcini: a fleshy mushroom that looks like a portabella mushroom, it also has anti-inflammatory properties
Mushrooms are a versatile food that can be used in many soups, salads, sandwiches, appetizers, stews, nutraceuticals, supplements, and yes, they are even added to sports drinks! Only buy mushrooms from reputable suppliers, as many wild-grown mushrooms can be poisonous and contain toxic heavy metals.
Mushrooms are a delicious addition to people’s diets and have many surprising health benefits. Research has shown that they can help lower cholesterol levels, protect diabetics from infections, help prevent breast and prostate cancer, aid in weight loss, improve bone health, boost the immune system, lower blood pressure , increase iron absorption and are excellent suppliers of potassium, calcium, riboflavin, phosphorus, vitamin D and selenium. Try using them in a variety of recipes today!
