Health Benefits of Eating Mushrooms
- Editor OGN Daily
- Sep 28, 2022
- 2 min read
Mankind has been searching for these mycological treats for centuries. While they may just have been following their tastebuds, these plants supply humans with a whole range of health benefits. Here are four good reasons why you should be adding more mushrooms to your diet.
Disease protection: Mushrooms are an excellent source of vitamin D, which helps protect against osteoporosis, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and certain cancers. We usually associate vitamin D with sunshine, but we can also get vitamin D from food - with mushrooms being one of the few plant-based sources of vitamin D. (See more food options for getting a good vitamin D intake which, of course, becomes particularly important in the coming months for those of us in the northern hemisphere.)
Immune system booster: Packed with D-glucans, beta-glycosides, magnesium, zinc, and more, mushrooms are great for the immune system. The fungi are also a tremendous source of antioxidants that ward off free radicals. Each mushroom also has its own individual concoction of immune-boosting supplements. For example, shiitake mushrooms can improve immune function by reducing inflammation and helping your body fight off invading microbes.
Fuller for longer: Portobello mushrooms, for example, are high in dietary fiber, helping you feel fuller for longer.
There's also another very good reason for eating more mushrooms: they are considered one of the most sustainably sourced foods as they require fewer growing minerals, water, and energy compared to other types of crops.
Health Benefits of Ginger: For centuries, scientists have proclaimed ginger's healing properties. It has been found to do everything from promoting healthy aging and weight loss to boosting immunity and fighting cancer. But what do scientists of recent times think? Modern research tells us about the key health benefits that come from consuming ginger. Read on...