Benefits Of Eating Mushrooms

White mushrooms are one of the few plant sources of vitamin D. They also have other nutrients, such as zinc, selenium, phosphorus and potassium.

The consumption of mushrooms should not be limited only to specific recipes, since they are a food with an excellent nutritional contribution. What’s more, people who do not eat meat turn to mushrooms to enrich their dishes, as far as flavor is concerned, and also to obtain a food with a texture similar to that of chicken.

Mushrooms are generally added to tortillas and risottos . However, they can be enjoyed in many more ways and in combination with various types of ingredients. In fact, they adapt very well to the taste of various spices and seasonings. Depending on the recipe, they can be taken hot or cold and certainly help to satisfy your appetite.

Benefits of consuming mushrooms

Do you like mushrooms? Do you think you usually consume them often enough? If you have doubts, you should review the following that we are going to comment on. Once you remember all the benefits that the consumption of mushrooms offers you, you will not hesitate to integrate them into your diet more often.

1. They are a source of antioxidants

The consumption of mushrooms provides you with different essential nutrients. One of these is selenium, a mineral with antioxidant properties that maintains the elasticity of the skin, strengthens the immune system and counteracts the toxicity of heavy metals found in the environment as a result of pollution.

Therefore, it can be said that, in general, mushrooms are good allies to take care of the health of the skin, especially when it comes to preventing premature aging.

2. They contain potassium and phosphorus

Mushrooms also have two essential minerals: potassium and phosphorus. The former helps the body to have normal muscle and neurological function, maintain normal blood pressure, and conduct electricity (which is essential for heart function and muscle contraction). It also participates in the osmotic balance and in the production of proteins (from its amino acids).

For its part, phosphorus is necessary for the body to produce protein for the growth, maintenance and repair of cells and tissues ; For this reason, it contributes to the formation of bones and teeth, but also to the health of nails and hair, for example. Additionally, phosphorus contributes to the proper functioning of the kidneys, nerve signals, muscle contraction, among other aspects.

In view of this, the consumption of mushrooms is very convenient when enjoying the benefits provided by these and other nutrients already mentioned.

3. They have vitamins of the B complex

Mushrooms concentrate B vitamins, substances that have functions associated with cellular metabolism, so that the body can obtain the energy it needs. Its content in niacin (vitamin B3), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) and cobalamin (vitamin B12) stands out above all.

4. They help satisfy the appetite

Another benefit of consuming mushrooms is that they provide you with a good amount of fiber and, therefore, help satisfy your appetite. This is evidenced by a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition . A good trick to avoid overeating and snacking between meals, without starving yourself, is to add a small portion of foods rich in fiber to your dishes.

A good alternative to enhance this effect are salads. Try to combine the mushrooms with green vegetables and whole grains. You will see that with a small amount, you will be able to avoid binge-eating.

How to consume mushrooms?

There are many ways to include mushrooms in your diet. They work well when it comes to accompanying meats. It is also possible to make salads with them as the main ingredient. On the other hand, they fit well in scrambled or accompanied by eggs. They can also be added to sauteed vegetables to get a great use out of them.

Keep in mind that you should wash them well and clean them before use, as they usually contain traces of earth. You should not consume these foods with mushrooms, as they are different. There are very diverse varieties of mushrooms and each one of them stands out for a different nutritional content. There are even poisonous species, so you have to be careful. Anyway, with mushrooms you don’t have to worry, they are always edible and beneficial for your health. They can be found fresh, but also canned to increase their shelf life.

Take advantage of them!

As you may have seen, the consumption of mushrooms helps to complete a balanced diet and also, to avoid the pica between meals. They are healthy, easy to prepare, and extremely versatile. Either accompanying some meat or as a substitute for it, consume them as much as you can.

Go ahead and prepare different recipes and enjoy the benefits of the healthiest foods that nature offers you.