While many of us eat mushrooms on a regularly basis, if you did an office poll, how many people would be able to tell you about their health benefits? Mushrooms really are magical ingredients – and can easily be the hero of any dish. Powerhouses of nutrition and super versatile, mushrooms should definitely be on your weekly shopping list. And I’ll tell you why…
1. They can help with weight management
Personally, I love mushies and eat them as often as I can in many different ways. But did you know that mushrooms are great for weight loss because they contain protein and fibre? Both help keep you feeling fuller for longer.
READ MORE: 4 Common Foods That Contain Dietary Copper — A MAJOR Fat-Burner
2. Mushrooms support the immune system
They contain B vitamins as well as a powerful antioxidant called selenium. These help to support the immune system and prevent damage to cells and tissues.
3. They’re vegan sources of vitamin D
White button mushrooms are one of the few non-animal sources of vitamin D. When they’re grown, they’re exposed to UV light, which increases their concentration of the important vitamin.
4. Shiitake mushrooms can help treat cancer
For more than 30 years, medicinal shrooms have been approved as an addition to standard cancer treatments in Japan and China. A study from Harbin University in China found that ingesting shiitake (which contain a compound called lentinan) was “beneficial in terms of increasing mean survival duration, tumour necrosis and reducing recurrence.” Researchers in Texas also found that an ingredient – AHCC – in shiitake may be effective in protecting the body against viruses and infections. Read more here.
READ MORE: 12 Foods That Will Help You Survive Cold and Flu Season
5. They boost brain health
Mushrooms are good for the brain! Two antioxidants (ergothioneine and glutathione) may help prevent Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, says research from Penn State University in the US. A 2019 study from the National University of Singapore found that eating two three-quarter cup servings of cooked mushrooms per week may reduce your odds of cognitive decline.
Make my easy week-night recipe and reap the rewards of those delicious magic mushrooms!
Kallo The Mushroom Stock Cube
Also try these organic mushroom stock cubes for real mushroom power flavour.
PS: If you want a low-carb version, check out my other #MeatFreeMonday recipe: Mushroom Cauli “Risotto”
Lemony Vegan Mushroom Risotto
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