5 Surprising Reasons to Eat Mushrooms Everyday

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I love my local farmers market and one of my favorite stands to visit is the mushroom stand. Maybe it’s because I secretly think they look a bit like alien vegetables, and there’s always a fascinating new variety that I’m told I must try (admittedly I usually do!).

Mushrooms have so many benefits they really should be called a superfood. Read on for the top 5 benefits of eating mushrooms in this month’s functional food spotlight.

Immunity

A study done on mice and published by the American Society for Nutrition found that white button mushrooms may promote immune function by increasing the production of antiviral and other proteins that are released by cells while they are trying to protect and repair the body’s tissues. A later study showed that these mushrooms promoted the maturation of immune system cells–called dendritic cells–from bone marrow. According to researchers, this may help enhance the body’s immunity leading to better defense systems against invading microbes. So it’s not just the exotic varieties that help. That said, eat up and boost immunity by up to 300%!!!

Vitamin D

Mushrooms are the only fruit or vegetable containing vitamin D.   Like we humans, mushrooms produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. The exposure to high levels of ultraviolet B just before going to market converts more of the plant sterol ergosterol into the so-called sunshine vitamin. Consuming dried white button mushroom extract was found to be as effective as taking supplemental vitamin D2 or D3 for increasing vitamin D levels.

Cancer Prevention

Regular ingestion of mushrooms over long periods of time has been proven to decrease the number of cancerous cells in the body. They not only fight and reduce cancerous cells and tumors, but they help prevent more of those cells from forming in the body. An analysis of seven studies—published last year in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention—showed that the higher the level of selenium, as measured in blood serum and toenails, the lower the risk of bladder cancer. Several types of mushrooms are rich in this essential trace mineral: 100 grams of raw crimini have 47 percent of your daily needs, cooked shiitakes have 45 percent and raw white button have 17 percent. Turkey Tail is a purely medicinal mushroom with proven anticancer effects (use extracts in liquid or capsule form.) Shiitake mushrooms also boast powerful anti-cancer properties as well.

Anti-Inflammatory

When it comes to antioxidants, the substances that help fight free radicals that are the result of oxidation in our body, we typically think of very colorful fruits and vegetables as opposed to neutral-hued mushrooms. But a study at Penn State University showed that the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC- a measure of a food’s total antioxidants) of crimini and portobello mushrooms were about the same as for red peppers. But they also contain antioxidants that are unique to mushrooms. One such antioxidant is ergothioneine, which scientists are now beginning to recognize as a ‘master antioxidant.’  A 2009 study in the journal Nature discusses the importance of ergothioneine, describing it as “an unusual sulfur-containing derivative of the amino acid, histidine,” which appears to have a very specific role in protecting your DNA from oxidative damage.

Blood Pressure Regulation

Mushrooms are an excellent source of potassium, a mineral that helps lower elevated blood pressure and reduces the risk of stroke. One medium portabella mushroom has even more potassium than a banana or a glass of orange juice. The maitake variety has anticancer, antiviral, and immune-system enhancing effects and may also help control both high blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Cautions

Cultivated white or “button” mushrooms (including cremini and portabella) are among a number of foods (including celery, peanuts, peanut products, and salted, pickled, or smoked foods) that contain natural carcinogens. Although much is not yet known about these toxins, it’s important we caution mushrooms to be well cooked and not eaten raw. Heat breaks down many of the toxic constituents.

farmers market mushrooms

Not a mushroom fan but still looking for a boost? We recommend trying New Chapter Immunity Shield – a blend of tonic mushrooms. Two caps per day should do the trick!

Melissa Schollaert is a Holistic Health & Nutrition Counselor and founder of Real Nutritious Living. Helping others achieve their health goals to attain their healthiest, happiest life is her greatest ambition.

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Author: Melissa Schollaert

I'm Melissa—Holistic Health Coach & loving mama. My passion is to help others thrive through strategic eating (not dieting), living a toxic free life & creating healthier families.

4 thoughts on “5 Surprising Reasons to Eat Mushrooms Everyday”

  1. I eat lots of raw celery in my green juice each day or 2. Should I be blanching this to remove those natural carcinogens you spoke of in your mushroom article? I also eat raw mushrooms in salad occasionally thinking they’re good for folate & fibre consumption. Should these also be removed raw?

    1. I would not eat raw mushrooms if possible Karen. Because I do not know your entire medical history I cannot say 100% that your should not be careful with celery, but my biggest recommendation is to always use organic celery. I hope this helps!

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