7 Delicious Health Benefits of Mushrooms
As a new year gets underway, make it your mission to embrace new things – such as healthy foods. This month, we’re highlighting the health benefits of a fun…gi. That is, mushrooms.
1. Vitamins and Minerals
Mushrooms are a great source of Vitamin D (something we’re probably all deficient on during the winter months) as well as selenium and iron. Just three ounces of mushrooms can contain all the vitamin D you need for the day.
2. Low-Calorie Flavor
To mesh with your healthy eating goals, including low-calorie foods like mushrooms can help you stay on track while still enjoying your food. Twelve white mushrooms contain only 44 calories, so adding mushrooms to soups, salads, wraps, etc., can help ensure that you’re full and satisfied, without going overboard on calories.
3. Increase Immunity
Various studies have shown that mushrooms can help boost your immune system by helping it to create more antiviral proteins and encourage your bone marrow to produce more mature immune cells. During cold and flu season, adding a few mushrooms to the mix can help you avoid being bedridden for too long.
4. Antioxidant Power
We’re used to the fact that colorful and dark green veggies are high in antioxidants, but mushrooms are surprisingly high on the list as well. As you move towards a healthier lifestyle, foods high in antioxidants can help your body replenish and revitalize.
5. Embrace B
Increasing your intake of B vitamins is a great idea at this time of year. Not only does it help improve metabolism and increase energy, the range of B vitamins found in mushrooms (including riboflavin and niacin) can also help to rid your body of damaged cells and can lower high cholesterol levels.
6. Improve Heart Health
Mushrooms are high in potassium and low in sodium, which is a great combination to help your heart and cardiovascular system. Adding mushrooms to your diet can help to lower your blood pressure, which the content of beta-glucans found in mushrooms can help you manage high cholesterol.
7. Fiber, Fiber, Fiber
Adding more fiber to your diet can help make huge changes in your health – by helping you feel fuller, evening out blood sugar levels, and improving digestive health. Try adding some mushrooms to breakfasts, lunches, and dinner to enjoy the high fiber benefits.
Sautéed, raw, stuffed, sliced or grilled, mushrooms are great! Make an effort to include more mushrooms in your meals to enjoy their health benefits and delicious variety.