Mushrooms are part of the fungi family and are a low calorie, high fibre food choice that can be enjoyed as part of many healthy dishes. Here are 11 interesting facts about mushrooms nutrition to help clue you in…
1. Mushrooms are really good for you!
Mushrooms contain B vitamins such as folate riboflavin, thiamine and niacin. These vitamins help you collect energy from food and form red blood cells to keep your body and brain healthy.
2. Mushrooms are great for heart health.
Potassium, fibre and vitamin C may contribute to the health of the heart. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure and decreases the risk of hypertension.
3. And that’s not all!
The presence of Potassium in mushrooms also helps maintain fluids and electrolyte balance, and the fibre helps conditions such as type 2 diabetes.
4. Cooking can ‘activate’ mushrooms.
Cooking them has proven to improve the nutrient status of some mushrooms.
5. Mushrooms might be superfoods.
Mushrooms contain an antioxidant known as selenium. This helps support the immune system and prevent damage to the cells and tissues.
6. A mushroom really won’t do much calorie damage!
Mushrooms and very low calorie – there are only 15 calories and 2.3 grams of carbohydrates in a cup of raw mushrooms.
7. They’re also low in bad fats.
Most of the fat in a mushroom is polyunsaturated fat. Therefore, mushrooms are considered a good heart-healthy food choice.
8. What exactly IS a mushroom?
Mushrooms are technically not plants, but fungi, however they’re also classified as vegetables for nutrition.
9. You’ll not get much protein from a mushroom.
Mushrooms don’t offer much protein though – just 2.2 grams per cup. This amounts to only 4% of your daily needs.
10. Mushrooms are rich in other minerals, too.
Mushrooms contain copper, which assists in the production of energy and utilisation of iron. In addition, it also assists antioxidant enzymes.
FAQs about Mushrooms
Can mushrooms help beat cancer?
Mushrooms may help you to stave off the threat of some cancers - however, you will need to consume at least 18g per day.
Which mushrooms are the healthiest?
Most mushrooms are very healthy - but the Lion’s Mane, Chaga and Reishi mushrooms are considered some of the best for boosting health.
Can mushrooms harm your liver?
In some cases, mushroom varieties can contain harmful amanitins - specifically, it’s the Amanita phalloides mushroom that can poison your liver, though mushroom poisoning is overall extremely rare.
Do you know any interesting facts about mushroom nutrition? Share them in the comments below!