Mushrooms are a kind of fungi many of which are edible and along with being tasty, mushrooms have lots of health benefits also. Mushrooms contain very less amount of fats and calorie but are quite high in vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants and bioactive compounds such as beta-glucans.
Here we have created a list of top seven health benefits of mushrooms many of us are not aware of:
- Helps in Weight Loss
Mushrooms are very low on calorie and fats and a good substitute for meat with same type of nutrients. Mushrooms are rich in a compound known as pectin, a kind of soluble fiber and it slows down the process of digestion which results in making you feel fuller for a long period. It’s also contains copper, a mineral which aids in metabolizing the fats. Copper-rich foods are also good for healthy hair and good skin.
- Improves Immune System
Mushrooms are contains a fiber named beta-glucan and it helps to improve our immune system. According to some studies, beta-glucan may be helpful for protection against cancer and high cholesterol. Mushrooms also contain a type of mineral- selenium that can boost the immune system and protect against infections by improving your immunity against ailments like colds and the flu.
- Good Source of Vitamins and Minerals
Mushrooms are a rich source of an array of vitamins and minerals which are quite beneficial for health. Mushrooms are very high in B vitamins, mainly thiamine and riboflavin, which is good to metabolize carbohydrates and are essential for the nervous system. It also contains niacin and pantothenic acid, which are important for metabolism and the procedure of transforming fat and other nutrients into energy.
- Rich Source of Fiber
Mushrooms are very rich in dietary fiber, which is quite important for our health systems. It’s low in nutrients like cholesterol, sodium and fats which are not so good for health. Mushrooms contain pectin, a type of soluble fiber that lowers cholesterol. It contains both soluble and insoluble fiber, which are very helpful to keep digestive system healthy and avert constipation. Dietary fiber is very good for health, and it provides benefits like reducing the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
- Great Alternative for Protein
Mushrooms are a good alternative for protein, mainly for vegetarians. Since our body needs protein to be healthy, mushrooms provides around 10% of our daily protein needs. It contains important amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. Mushrooms are very rich in amino acid profile as much as they are in meat, and importantly they are also gluten-free.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Mushrooms are rich in beta-glucans, which contains anti-inflammatory properties. Beta-glucans may help in preventing or treating certain ailments like diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancers. Mushrooms have also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which helps in decreasing pain, stiffness, and swelling.
- May Help to Prevent Depression and Anxiety
Mushrooms contain vitamin B6, which is important for better functioning of brain. Mushrooms are also rich in tryptophan, a type of amino acid that is important for proper brain function, and serotonin, a neurotransmitter that aids in regulating our mood, appetite, and sleep. It also contains anti-depressant properties and may be used as a prospective treatment for mental ailments like anxiety, stress, and depression.
