Mushrooms Health Benefits and Nutrition Facts
About Mushrooms
Scientifically known as Agaricus bisporus; mushrooms neither qualify as a fruit or a vegetable as it is a fungi. It has been consumed by people even before the history was started to be recorded. Archaeological evidence prove that mushroom existed in 5000 b.c. the carvings, paintings and statues of mushrooms were excavated and it came to a conclusion that mushrooms were considered as an object of worship. These evidences were found in the north and central parts of America. People during olden days use to eat black mushroom to mark the beginning of any festivity or feast. This way they enjoyed the feeling of being drunk and they would dance and sing to merry songs to mark the celebration.
The act of consuming mushrooms was coined the term as mycophagy. Edibility of the mushroom is a matter of concern as there numerous mushrooms that grow but only 180 varieties of mushroom qualify as edible fungi. The toxicity in non edible mushroom is very poisonous and can lead to bad consequences. The Chinese value mushroom for their medicinal value where as the ancient Greeks and Romans consumed mushrooms as a delicacy; there were food tasters appointed to check if the food served to the royals especially the mushrooms were safe enough for consumption. There are a different variety of mushroom such as shiitake mushroom, button mushroom, truffles and Chinese mushroom are a few of the highly consumed variety.
Mushroom Nutrition Value
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- Contain almost no fat and sodium.
- Provide several minerals such as selenium, potassium, copper, iron, and phosphorus.
Principle | Nutrient Value | Percentage of RDA |
---|---|---|
Vitamins | ||
Folate | 2.00 mcg | |
Folic acid | 0.00 mcg | |
Niacin | 4.085 mg | 20 % |
Pantothenic acid | 1.075 mg | 11 % |
Riboflavin | 0.215 mg | 13 % |
Thiamin | 0.015 mg | 1 % |
Vitamin B6 | 0.044 mg | 2 % |
Vitamin D | 212.00 IU | 53 % |
Minerals | ||
Calcium, Ca | 15.00 mg | 2 % |
Copper, Cu | 0.353 mg | 18 % |
Iron, Fe | 3.47 mg | 19 % |
Magnesium, Mg | 13.00 mg | 3 % |
Manganese, Mn | 0.286 mg | 14 % |
Phosphorus, P | 57.00 mg | 6 % |
Potassium, K | 506.00 mg | 11 % |
Selenium, Se | 2.2 mcg | 3 % |
Sodium, Na | 9.00 mg | 0 % |
Zinc, Zn | 0.71 mg | 5 % |
Proteins and Aminoacids | ||
Protein | 1.49 g | 3 % |
Carbohydrates | ||
Carbohydrate | 6.86 g | 2 % |
Fiber | 3.8 g | 15 % |
Sugars | 1.16 g | |
Fructose | 0.00 g | |
Galactose | 0.00 g | |
Glucose (dextrose) | 1.16 g | |
Lactose | 0.00 g | |
Maltose | 0.00 g | |
Sucrose | 0.00 g | |
Fat and fatty Acids | ||
Fat | 0.53 g | 1 % |
Fatty acids, total trans | 0.000 g | |
Sterols | ||
Beta-sitosterol | 0.00 mg | |
Campesterol | 1.00 mg | |
Stigmasterol | 0.00 mg | |
Others | ||
Ash | 1.26 g | |
Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) | 5.3 mcg | |
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) | 0.0 mcg | |
Water | 89.85 g |
Mushroom Benefits
- Helping to reduce blood pressure.
- Maintain healthy red blood cells.
- Promotes good vision and healthy skin.
- Help reduce the risk of cancer.
- Good Source Of Zinc
- Boost your immune system.
Interesting Facts
Popular types of mushrooms include Portobello, Shiitake, Field, Button, Chestnut, Maitake and Morel mushrooms.
Mushroom Storage Tip
Store mushrooms in a paper bag as this will keep them fresher for longer.
Mushrooms are fungi that are rich in nutritional value. This is rich in vitamin D as they are naturally exposed to sunlight and it helps in enhancing the bones strength. Deficiency of this vitamin leads to rickets and osteoporosis and also reduces the risk of heart diseases and type 2 diabetes. Mushrooms are rich in cancer fighting properties as the inhibit proteins, lectins and other compounds that curb the growth of cancer. Consumption of mushrooms have proven to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Mushrooms are rich in nutrients such as vitamins and minerals that are must add on to everyman’s staple diet. It consist riboflavin, niacin, biotin, folate, vitamin D , phosphorus , potassium and manganese. Niacin aids in healthy skin and calms down the nerves of the body, riboflavin helps in generation of blood cells and pantothenic acid helps in hormone production.Mushroom allergies are a common sight and one must consult doctors to check if they are mushroom tolerant.
How To Enjoy Mushrooms
The culinary use of mushroom is very highly owing to its popularity worldwide. Mushrooms are added to cold meat salads, cream of mushroom soup is a rich delicacy enjoyed during winters, mushroom risotto is a Italian favourite that makes any one fall in love with it. Mushrooms are added to pasta, and also as a favourite pizza topping by many. Mushroom also acts as a meat substitute in many of the meat driven dishes.
Their salty flavour and juicy texture makes them a star of every dish they are added to.