Mushrooms are one of the under-estimated foods!
However, it has been used as medicine for thousands of years in Ancient Greece, Rome, China, and many other cultures… In the mushroom kingdom, there are over a million species of mushrooms but only around 2% have been studied for their medicinal value.
Although considered as vegetable, Mushrooms are a type of Fungus.
All mushrooms are low in calories and fat, but rich in fibers, protein, vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory components.
Here are some of the mushrooms you might consider in your diet:
– Shiitake, rich in polysaccharides; it has antiviral and antibacterial properties; it may help fight cancer, boost immunity, and support heart health.
– Reishi is a staple in Eastern medicine; it is considered as an adaptogen (a natural substance that helps the body adapt to stress) and used for Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, diabetes, and many other conditions.
– Maitake called also dancing mushroom; it helps to ease physical and mental stress, boost immune system and fight cancer.
– Lion’s Mane has a “seafood-like flavor; it may protect against dementia and repair nerve damage. It also has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties.
– Shimeji help in managing diabetes, weight, and cholesterol. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
In conclusion, there are many benefits that mushrooms can offer; they are rich in B vitamins, vitamin D, selenium, copper, iron, potassium and many more. They have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties.
So, no matter which kind you choose, by adding mushrooms to your diet, you will be doing your body a good favor.
For an easy and tasty recipe, check this recipe: https://healthy-crafts.com/recipe/spinach-stuffed-mushrooms/
Resources: harvard.edu, healthline.com Photo by Andrew Ridley
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