Consuming 5 Mushrooms Daily May Aid in Preventing Heart Disease and Cancer
Click to start listening
New Delhi, Dec 5 (NationPress) Low in calories and filled with essential vitamins and minerals, mushrooms are an excellent addition to your diet. According to new research, consuming just five small mushrooms daily could help fight off various diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and dementia.
This is attributed to two vital antioxidants — ergothioneine and glutathione. These compounds play a crucial role in neutralizing harmful 'free radicals', which are linked to numerous serious diseases, as reported by researchers.
“Our findings indicate that mushrooms are undoubtedly the highest dietary source of these two antioxidants combined, with certain varieties being particularly abundant in both,” stated Robert Beelman, director at the Penn State Centre for Plant and Mushroom Products for Health in the US.
Portobello, Enoki, Porcini, Chanterelle, Stinkhorn, Puffball, Dung Cannon, Hair ice, or the nearly unpronounceable Hydnellum peckii. Try as you might, it can be challenging to remember — or pronounce — the names of the nearly 14,000 types of mushrooms found globally.
However, not all of them are safe to consume, as some have toxic names (Deadly Dapperling, Destroying Angels, Death Cap, Autumn Skullcap). A few psychedelic mushrooms are so mind-altering that they've been declared illegal in various countries.
Fortunately, there are numerous edible varieties that are nutrient-rich. The Mushroom Foundation of India, based in Coimbatore, reports that mushrooms are high in protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins, while being low in calories, making them suitable for heart and diabetic patients.
They offer more protein compared to cereals, fruits, and vegetables, and the protein content remains intact even after cooking. Due to their low caloric content, high protein, high fiber levels, and favorable K: Na ratio, they are ideal for individuals with diabetes and hypertension, according to researchers.
Among the eight most popular mushrooms in India is the button mushroom, small edible mushrooms with a closed cap and light brown or pale white flesh. It is the most widely cultivated and consumed variety worldwide.
Button mushrooms are a great source of essential nutrients such as vitamins (B vitamins, vitamin D), minerals (selenium, copper, potassium), and antioxidants.
Oyster mushrooms are known for their tender flesh and smooth texture. A cup of raw, sliced oyster mushrooms contains only 28 calories, low fat, cholesterol, and sodium, while being rich in nutrients like niacin, folic acid, vitamins C and B12, and the amino acid ergothioneine.
Other varieties found in India include Shiitake mushrooms, Cordyceps mushrooms, Lion’s Mane mushrooms, Reishi mushrooms, Turkey Tail mushrooms, and Chaga mushrooms.
