Some species of mushrooms have been used in medicine for thousands of years, particularly around Asia. Certain species such as Ganoderma lucidum and Trametes versicolor have been proven scientifically to have amazing immune enhancing and anti-cancer properties. Oyster mushrooms have also been shown to lower cholesterol levels if eaten regularly.
All pictures are of a mushroom from the genus Volvopluteus which I suspect to be Volvariella gloiocephala, which i found about a week ago and is edible.
So here are ten of the most beneficial reasons to eat mushrooms regularly.
- Lowers Cholesterol Levels: The fiber and certain enzymes in mushrooms help lower cholesterol levels if eaten regularly as well as delivering lean protein with no cholesterol or fat. This L high lean protein content found in them helps burn cholesterol when they are digested which lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Helps Anemia(low Iron levels): Anemic people are diagnosed by having low levels of iron in their blood, resulting in fatigue reduced neural function, and digestive issues. Mushrooms are a good source of Iron and over 90% of the Iron in them is able to be absorbed by our bodies.
- Reduced risk of Breast Cancer & Prostate Cancer:Mushrooms are very effective in preventing breast and Prostrate Cancer due to their high levels of Beta-Glucans and conjugated Linoleic Acid which both have anti-carcinogenic properties.Linoleic acid is particularly helpful in suppressing the harmful effects of excess estrogen. This increase in estrogen is one of the prime causes for breast cancer in women after menopause. The Beta-Glucans, on the other hand, inhibit the growth of cancerous cells in cases of prostate cancer, and numerous studies have shown the anti tumor properties of mushrooms.
- Helps Diabetics: Mushrooms are an ideal low-energy diet for people with Diabetes.They have no fats, no cholesterol, very low levels of carbohydrates, high protein content, and a wealth of vitamins and minerals which are very important in anyones diet, but especially diabetics.Amazingly mushrooms also contain natural insulin and enzymes which help with the breaking down of sugars and starch. They are also known to contain certain compounds which help proper functioning of the liver, pancreas and other endocrine glands, thereby promoting the formation of insulin and its proper regulation throughout the body.
- Promotes Bone Health: Mushrooms are rich in calcium which is essential in the formation of strong bones. This is of particular importance to people in developing countries where calcium deficiencies are more common.A steady supply of calcium in the diet can reduce your chances of developing conditions like Osteoporosis as well as relieve issues due to bone degradation.
- Helps with Nutrient Absorption:Vegetables usually lack Vitamin D but mushrooms have it and and this essential vitamin can facilitate the absorption and metabolism of calcium and phosphorous.They also contains levels of these two nutrients which makes it a good idea to eat them.
- Promotes Immune System Strength:Ergothioneine which is a powerful antioxidant is present in mushrooms and is very effective at providing protection from free radicals as well as boosting the immune system.It is actually an amino acid that contains sulfur, which is something that many people are deficient in, despite not knowing it or seeing its effects.Free radicals are the dangerous compounds that are released during the metabolic processes of cells and can float throughout the body and cause significant damage, so antioxidants like ergothioneine are vital for overall health.
- Blood Pressure:Studies of various types of mushrooms, including shitake, Oyster and maitake mushrooms have shown them to be high in potassium which acts as a vasodialator.(relaxing tension in blood vessels and therefore reduces blood pressure.High blood pressure is connected to a number of deadly conditions particularly heart attacks and strokes.
- Copper Content: Copper has a number of beneficial effects on the body, and can be found in mushrooms. Copper can regulate and stimulate the the absorption of iron of food and properly utilize it by getting it released from the liver.
- Selenium Content: The high selenium content of mushrooms are often over looked due to the fact that most of us get there protein from animals.Mushrooms are the ideal source of selenium for vegans and vegetarians and it can benefit bone health by adding to bone and teeth strength. Selenium is also a powerful antioxidant which helps rid the body of free radicals.
I hope you enjoyed this post, mush love guys!
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