Mushrooms.
They're those things you see growing out of the ground in the forest, right?
Wrong! Well, kind of.
There are over 14,000 types of mushrooms in the world and most of them grow in humid environments like rain forests and jungles. But I'm not here to talk about where mushrooms come from or how they grow. I'm here to tell you about all the amazing things that mushrooms can do for your health (mostly)! So without further ado, here are 10 amazing things about mushrooms. Enjoy!
Mushrooms are fungi. Fungi are a whole different kingdom of life that lie somewhere between plants and animals. Actually, they are closer to animals (say, what?) then plants because they don’t have any chlorophyl and thus, can’t photosynthesize their own nutrients. Instead, just like animals, they consume external substances (food) to obtain the nutrients and simple sugars they need to live.
Mushrooms are a great source of protein and fiber, but they're very low in calories. A cup of mushrooms has only 22 calories, making them a great addition to any weight loss diet.
Mushrooms are a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, potassium, and selenium. They're also one of the few plant-based sources of vitamin B12 and vitamin D.
Mushrooms contain compounds that can boost your immune system, making them an ideal food to eat if you're trying to avoid getting sick. One compound in particular, beta-glucan, has been shown to stimulate the immune system and help fight off infections.
Mushrooms contain compounds that can help to reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a major contributor to many chronic diseases, such as heart disease and arthritis, so eating mushrooms may help to reduce your risk of these conditions.
Mushrooms are a good source of two nutrients that are essential for brain health: copper and ergothioneine. Copper helps to keep nerve cells healthy, while ergothioneine has been shown to protect brain cells from damage.
Mushrooms contain several compounds that have been shown to fight cancer, including lentinan and erinacines. These compounds can help to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing and spreading. Additionally, mushrooms are a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect cells from damage that can lead to cancer.
Mushrooms contain compounds that can help to lower cholesterol levels in the blood by binding to cholesterol molecules and preventing them from being absorbed into the body. This can help to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Mushrooms are a good source of fiber, which is essential for proper digestion. Fiber helps to keep the digestive system healthy by promoting regularity and preventing constipation. Additionally, mushrooms contain prebiotics, which are compounds that promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut.
Mushrooms contain several nutrients that are essential for healthy skin, including vitamin C, copper, and selenium. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps to protect skin cells from damage, while copper helps to produce collagen, which is necessary for firm, youthful-looking skin. Selenium is another mineral that has been shown to have anti-aging properties, as it helps to protect skin cells from damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
