Mushrooms are classified as vegetables although they are botanically classified as fungi. Mushrooms have been consumed as food and used medicinally since ancient times and are widely known for their great taste and amazing health benefits.
Some of the roughly 38,000 mushroom varieties are edible, but others are highly poisonous.
To avoid any dangers, only consume mushrooms from a reliable source.
Packed with a ton of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, they make for an excellent addition to your diet, adding flavor to many different recipes.
Here are some health benefits of mushrooms.
1. Prevents Cancer
Studies show that mushrooms are effective in fighting cancers such as breast cancer, gastric cancer, uterine cancer, pancreatic cancer, etc due to the significant presence of beta-glucans and conjugated linoleic acid, which both have anti-carcinogenic effects.
Out of these two, linoleic acid is particularly helpful in suppressing the harmful effects of excess estrogen. This increase in estrogen is one of the prime causes of breast cancer in women after menopause.
2. Reduces Cholesterol
Mushrooms are cholesterol-free but they’re also a good source of chitin and beta-glucan which are fibres that help to lower cholesterol. Mushrooms provide you with lean proteins that help to burn cholesterol when they are digested.
3. Boost Immune System
Mushrooms help you boost your immune system because of the presence of Ergothioneine, a powerful antioxidant which is very effective in providing protection from free radicals.
It is actually an amino acid that contains sulfur, which is something that many people are deficient in despite not knowing or seeing its effects.
4. Anti-Ageing Properties
Mushrooms have high amounts of two antioxidants, ergothioneine and glutathione which are both associated with anti-ageing properties.
5. Lowers Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is connected to a number of deadly conditions, particularly heart attacks and strokes. Potassium present in mushroom acts as a vasodilator, relaxing tension in blood vessels which automatically reduce the blood pressure.
6. Promotes Stronger Bones
Mushrooms are a rich source of calcium, which is an essential nutrient in the formation and strengthening of bones. When there’s a steady supply of calcium in your diet, it would reduce the chances of developing conditions like osteoporosis, joint pain and general lack of mobility that is associated with bone degradation.
7. Helps With Weight Loss
Due to the high percentage of fibre and the presence of enzymes that reduces cholesterol in mushroom, it’s one of the perfect choices for weight loss.
