Edible Mushrooms
Edible Mushrooms have been consumed throughout history, especially in the Chinese culture as an elixir of life. They are very attractive as they are low in calories and rich in essential nutrients. Some of the most common cultivated mushrooms worldwide include Agaricus bisporus, followed by Lentinus edodes, Pleurotus spp., and Flammulina velutipes. In this section we will elaborate on the nutritional value of this tasty ingredient.
Nutritional value:
Edible Mushrooms are rich in protein and minerals, and are low in carbohydrates, sodium, and fat.
They are an important source of essential amino acids, fiber, and fatty acids.
They are rich in Vitamin B1, B2, B12, C, D, and E.
Mushrooms are a good source of potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, selenium, copper, iron, and zinc.
Mushrooms are rich in phenolic compounds like gallic acid that has one of the strongest metal chelating abilities.
Antimicrobial abilities:
Edible Mushrooms are rich in natural antimicrobial compounds by virtue of metabolites like terpenes, steroids, anthraquinones, benzoic acid, and quinolones.
Again, edible mushrooms must be considered as a food and not as a replacement for conventional medicines.
Some Health promoting benefits:
Mushrooms seem to have natural beneficial effects to blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol control.
They have strong antioxidant properties that may help protect our bodies from free radical mediated damage from reactive oxygen species, thus helping to prevent chronic inflammation and disease.
Mushrooms are an important source of prebiotics that help promote the growth of healthy microbiota in our gut that play an important role in the way we metabolize food and in our immune function.
A healthy gut microbiota can help prevent metabolic conditions like NAFLD — Non-Alcoholic Fatty liver Disease.
As discussed above we have reviewed some of the nutritional aspects and health effects of eating edible mushrooms in your diet. As always, I pray that you will keep your health in center focus and live long and strong!
