Benefits Of Eating Mushrooms, 8 Reason Why You Must Include This In Your Diet

A mushroom or toadstool is the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting body of a fungus, typically produced above ground, on soil, or on its food source. There are thousands of mushroom species worldwide, but we only eat about 25 of them. Mushrooms come in all shapes, sizes, and nutrient profiles. Some may be small, but they are certainly mighty vegetables. Mushrooms are edible fungus that can provide several important nutrients. The many kinds of mushroom have varying compositions and nutritional profiles. Mushrooms contain fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These can have various health benefits. Here are a few of them.

# Prevent Cancer

Mushrooms contain Beta-Glucans and Conjugated Linoleic Acid which efficiently prevent cancer due to their anti-carcinogenic effects. Linoleic acid curbs the development of excess estrogen. Estrogen is one of the main causes of breast cancer. Mushrooms also contain a small amount of vitamin D. There is some evidence that vitamin D supplementation may help prevent or treat some kinds of cancer, though according to a 2018 report, the effect may vary from person to person.

# Boost Immunity

Mushrooms are rich in antioxidants which protect the body from various diseases. The antioxidant Ergothioneine contains sulfur which is deficient in a lot of individuals. This element helps in boosting the immunity effectively.

# Lower Cholesterol

They do not hold fats or cholesterol and are also extremely low in carbohydrate levels. Hence, they make a perfect food for diet freaks and those who suffer from heart diseases. The fiber and enzymes present in mushrooms control cholesterol levels, keeping your heart healthy.

# Improve Bone Health

Rich in calcium, mushrooms are good for your bones. Besides calcium, mushrooms hoard other nutrients and also help in nutrition absorption from other foods which are needed by the body thus, mushrooms are extremely good to maintain your bone health.

# Heart health

The fiber, potassium, and vitamin C in mushrooms may contribute to cardiovascular health. Potassium can help regulate blood pressure, and this may decrease the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

# Prevent Diabetes

High in water and fiber content, mushrooms are excellent to keep diseases at bay. The high insulin content makes sure that the sugar consumed is broken down. This ensures the smooth functioning of the digestive system as well as of pancreas and liver. A 2018 review of meta-analyses concluded that people who eat a lot of fiber may have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. For those who already have it, fiber may help reduce blood glucose levels.

# Treat Anemia

Anemia is caused due to the deficiency of iron and is characterized by fatigue, headaches, digestive issues and reduced neural friction. Consumption of reishi mushrooms soup help to prevent these symptoms as they are rich in iron. Iron helps in the formation of red blood cells and ensures that we remain healthy and fully functional.

# Weight Loss

Mushrooms are rich in proteins and dietary fibers but they are very low in carbohydrates and have negligible amounts of fat or cholesterol. Beta-glucans and chitin are the two types of dietary fibers present in mushroom and they help to increase satiety and reduce appetite. These dietary fibers in mushrooms make you feel fuller and help reduce the intake of calories.