Mushrooms have the reputation of superfood, which is well deserved. They have many health benefits, which range from bone health and anti-cancer effects to weight loss and stress relief. In this article, we will look at all great health benefits which mushrooms provide.
1. Cholesterol levels
Mushrooms contain a very small amount of carbohydrates and provide you with lean proteins because they don’t have fat or cholesterol. In addition, certain enzymes and fiber found in mushrooms also lower cholesterol levels.
The high amount of lean protein found in mushrooms burns cholesterol when they are digested. A balance of HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol) and LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol) is one of the most important things in the prevention of a number of cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke, heart attack, and atherosclerosis.
2. Anemia
People who have anemia are characterized by having low levels level if iron in their blood. This results in headaches, digestive issues, fatigue, and reduced neural function. A good amount of iron can be found in mushrooms. In addition, 90% of the nutritive iron value can be absorbed by our bodies. This keeps people healthy and promotes the formation of red blood cells.
3. Prostate and breast cancer
Due to the significant presence of a number of polysaccharides, such as conjugated Linoleic Acid and Beta-Glucans, which both have anti-carcinogenic effects, mushrooms are very effective in preventing prostate and breast cancer.
In addition, linoleic acid is also very helpful in suppressing the bad effects of excess estrogen, which is one of the main causes of breast cancer in women after menopause. On the other hand, the Beta-Glucans inhibit the growth of cancerous cells in cases of prostate cancer.
4. Diabetes
Mushrooms have no cholesterol and fat, and they contain a big amount of protein, the very low levels of carbohydrates, and a wealth of minerals and vitamins. Therefore, mushrooms are excellent low-energy diet for diabetics. In addition, mushrooms have natural insulin and enzymes which break down starch and sugar in food. Mushrooms are also known to have certain compounds which help proper functioning of the pancreas, liver and other endocrine glands, too.
5. Bone health
A great source of calcium is mushrooms. Calcium is an important nutrient for the formation and strength of bones. A diet which is rich in calcium can reduce your risk of developing conditions, such as osteoporosis, and can also reduce the general lack of mobility, such as joint pain, which is associated with bone degradation.
6. Blood pressure
Many types of mushrooms, such as maitake and Shitake mushrooms, are high in potassium. Potassium acts as a vasodilator, which reduces blood pressure by relaxing tension in blood vessels. People who have high blood pressure are at risk of deadly conditions, especially strokes and heart attacks.
Potassium can also increase cognitive function because increased oxygen and blood flow to the brain stimulates neural activity. In addition, according to studies, knowledge and memory retention can be increased with high levels of potassium.
7. Immune system strength
A powerful antioxidant, ergothioneine, can be found in mushrooms. It is very effective in boosting the immune system and providing protection against free radicals. Ergothioneine is actually an amino acid which contains sulfur, which is often something that a lot of people are deficient in. This master antioxidant is unique to mushrooms and can give you a big boost to your immune system health.
8. Weight loss
Completely lean protein diet is great for losing fat and building muscle mass. Most fats are used in order to digest proteins in our food, even more, when the protein is accompanied by a very low carbohydrate count, no cholesterol or fat, and a high amount of fiber. This is what mushrooms offer you to help in losing weight.