Are Mushrooms Good For You?
Answer
Wondering what your favorite fungi can do for your nutrition goals? Curious if adding mushrooms to your plate is a healthy choice?
The answer is a resounding yes!
Keep on reading to discover all the reasons why mushrooms are a nutritious food to choose.
Light & Flexible
Mushrooms fit into just about any diet or nutrition plan thanks to their inherently healthy characteristics:
- Low in calories.
- Very low in sodium.
- Fat free.
- Cholesterol free.
Key Nutrients
Mushrooms have important nutrients that support the healthy function of your body, such as:
- Selenium: An important nutrient for healthy immune function, selenium works as an antioxidant to protect body cells from damage that might lead to heart disease, some cancers and other diseases of aging.[1]
- B Vitamins: Mushrooms provide the B vitamins riboflavin and niacin, which help to provide energy by breaking down proteins, fats and carbohydrates[2],[3] , and also support healthy function of the nervous and immune systems.[4]
- Vitamin D: Many people fall short on their vitamin D intake, but mushrooms that have been exposed to UV light can support by converting ergosterol to vitamin D, just like our skin makes vitamin D from sunlight.[5],[6] No other item in the produce aisle can do that!
- Copper: Helps make red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. Copper also aids in keeping bones and nerves healthy.4
- Potassium: Assists in controlling blood pressure and plays a role in making sure nerves and muscles, including the heart, function properly.4
The specific amounts of these nutrients can vary among varieties. Learn more about the nutritional content of each variety here.
Helpful In Weight Management
Despite being low in calories and fat free, mushrooms are hearty and filling. Preliminary research shows that increasing intake of foods like mushrooms that are less energy dense, meaning there are few calories given the volume of the food, in place of high-energy-dense foods, like lean ground beef, can be helpful with weight management because they promote daily energy while limiting fat intake and leaving you full and satisfied after a meal. [7]
Learn more about the nutrition benefits of mushrooms and get cooking with tasty ‘shroom-filled recipes.
