Mushrooms are a fungal growth that takes the form of an umbrella or a domed cap on a stalk.
Not all mushrooms are edible because many of them contain toxic elements that are fatal. But the ones that are safe to eat can reward you with plenty of health benefits because they are loaded with proteins, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants that keep you healthy and protected from diseases.
Some of the health benefits of mushrooms include:
1. They help to lower cholesterol levels.
Mushrooms contain fiber and certain enzymes that help to lower cholesterol levels in the body. They are also high on lean protein which makes it efficient in burning cholesterol when digested. They contain no cholesterol and fats and they are very low carbohydrates.
2. They help to reduce the risk of breast cancer & prostrate cancer.
Mushrooms contain Beta-Glucans and Linoleic Acid which help to protect people from breast cancer and prostate cancer.
Linoleic acid works to restrain the negative effects of estrogen which is a primary contributor to breast cancer in post-menopausal women while Beta-Glucans prevent the growth of prostate cancer cells in men.
3. It is an ideal diet for diabetics.
Mushrooms are low on carbohydrates and they are zero on fats and cholesterol. But being rich in vitamins, proteins, minerals, and fiber, they are one of the best foods to sustain diabetes patients.
They also contain natural insulin and enzymes that help to break down the sugar content of foods you eat. They also contain substances that aid the liver, pancreas and endocrine glands to perform normally. This leads to the proper regulation of insulin in the body. Mushrooms also contain antibiotics that help to protect diabetics from infections, particularly in their limbs.
4. It helps to boost the immune system.
Mushrooms are rich in vitamins A, B complex and C which your body needs to fortify the immune system. They also contain ergothioneine, a potent antioxidant that works to protect you from the harmful effects of free radicals, as well as natural antibiotics that help to protect you from microbial and fungal infections.
5. It helps to promote weight loss.
Being rich in protein and zero on fats and cholesterol, mushrooms are ideal for losing fat and building muscle mass. The body burns fat to break down the protein in the mushroom. This is how mushrooms help to promote weight loss.
These are some of the popular health benefits of mushrooms. They are very nutritious that they can be considered a perfect diet for people who want to stay fit. But when you plan to include them in your diet, you should treat them with extreme care because some of them could be poisonous. You should only buy them from trusted sources.
