The benefits of mushrooms for your health, according to dietitians

Most people either love or detest mushrooms. Given that they are regarded as nutritious powerhouses, it is good news if you fall into the first category.

Here, we’ve gathered advice from two dietitians on just why you should keep including mushrooms in things like pizza, salads, and other dishes.

Benefits of mushrooms for health

In addition to having a fantastic flavour and texture, mushrooms are a diverse vegetable that is very nourishing and offers a variety of nutritional benefits.

To begin with, mushrooms help the immune system and are extremely high in antioxidants.

A nutritionist explains that “Antioxidants, like selenium, support immune function and help to protect body cells from disease-causing damage.”

She adds that mushrooms have anti-cancer qualities as well. In fact, the National Cancer Institute claims that the antioxidants in mushrooms may aid in the prevention of some cancers, including as breast, prostate, and lung cancer.

Although additional research is required and is being conducted, it has been demonstrated that the nutrients in mushrooms can inhibit the growth and invasiveness of breast cancer cells, according to the author. The inherent aromatase-inhibiting qualities of mushrooms may also aid in preventing the return of hormone-dependent breast cancers.

According to dietitian, mushrooms also strengthen the neurological system and give you more energy.

Mushrooms are high in B vitamins, which help with protein, lipid, and carbohydrate digestion and absorption, according to the author. B vitamins are crucial for the nervous system, too.

Additionally, mushrooms help people lose weight and manage their diabetes. A 2018 analysis found a link between high fibre diets and a lower risk of Type 2 Diabetes and better blood sugar control in people who currently have the condition.

It has been shown that increasing your intake of low-density foods, like as veggies and mushrooms, will help you consume less calories overall while still feeling full and satisfied. They prefer to refer to this as the “half your plate” rule, which calls for including veggies and mushrooms on half of your plate at most meals.

Finally, it is thought that mushrooms can improve brain health. According to her, a 2019 study found that eating 1 1/2 cups of mushrooms per day (or two portions of 3/4 cup each) may lower your risk of cognitive deterioration.

dietitian continues, “In addition, last year the Mushroom Council conducted a study and found that when you add just one serving of mushrooms to your meal, you add more fibre, potassium, B vitamins, and zinc without adding any additional fat or calories.”

Health benefits of white mushrooms

White button mushrooms are a good source of potassium and vitamin D, much like all other types of mushrooms, according to Burgess. She suggests frying these mushrooms until they are caramelised and serving them with burgers, risottos, or grain bowls.

Is daily consumption of mushrooms acceptable?

He believes that mushrooms are the perfect food to eat every day and at every mealtime. She also advises making your own “mushroom meat blend” by sautéing one pound of ground beef and one pound of finely chopped mushrooms in addition to the aforementioned ideas.

As a culinary dietician, she always adds these mushrooms to her shopping list due to their affordability and nutritional value.

Are mushrooms beneficial to skin?

It should come as no surprise that mushrooms have advantages for skin health given all their other advantages. According to Burgess, mushrooms comprise 80% to 90% water, making them excellent for maintaining hydration and promoting healthy skin.

Which mushroom has the best health benefits?

Burgess contends that there is no “best” fresh mushroom because they all have comparable nutrient profiles and health benefits.

That means you get to choose your favourites, she explains. Shiitake mushrooms, on the other hand, go great with, say, a tofu stir-fry, whilst portabella mushrooms make a terrific burger substitute.

Mushrooms—are they a superfood?

Mushrooms are frequently referred to as a superfood due to their extensive list of health advantages. Mushrooms unquestionably belong in the category of super-healthy foods, even if there is no official superfood designation or set of standards to decide what qualifies.