Most varieties of mushrooms are low in calories, full of Vitamin D and packed with healthy antioxidants. It is believed that in ancient Egypt, mushrooms were retained for the royalty, and the ancient Romans thought that mushrooms could give strength to warriors.
Talking about the health benefits of mushrooms, a study conducted by the Department of Nutrition Science at the University of Buffalo shows that eating mushrooms regularly can have beneficial effects on weight management and immune function. It is useful in regulating glucose levels.
In some countries, some mushrooms are used to make medicines. Ganoderma is a type of a mushroom that is known for its healing properties. It is rich in zinc and potassium which help in regulating various functions of the body.”
Here are some significant benefits of mushrooms.
1. Checks Cholesterol Levels.
Mushrooms are full of lean proteins and have negligible fat or cholesterol. They contain fibres such as chitin and beta-glucan which keeps in check cholestrol levels. The high protein content helps burn excess cholesterol and fat in the body. It helps reduce the chances of some cardiovascular diseases like heart attack, stroke and atherosclerosis.
2. Maintains Bone Health.
Mushrooms contain abundant calcium which is an essential nutrient to maintain strong bones. Consuming mushrooms regularly can help reduce chances of developing bone-related conditions including osteoporosis, joint pain, and other disorders related to bone degeneration.
3. Boosts the Immune System.
Out of the many antioxidants present in mushrooms, ergothioneine is an antioxidant that is effective in protecting your body from any free radicals. Mushrooms also contain natural antibiotic and anti-fungal properties that help you get rid of various infections. The presence of vitamin A, vitamin B-Complex and vitamin C also help in strengthening the immune system.
4. Good for Diabetics.
According to Dr. Simran Saini, “Mushroom is a great source of chromium which helps maintain blood sugar levels, further keeping a check on insulin, and thus it is a super food for diabetics.” They are also low on carbohydrates and fats.
5. Helps in Weight Loss.
Mushrooms contains a lot amount of fiber that helps in improving digestion and keeps the metabolism in check. Mushroom does not contain any fat or carbohydrates which means that you can easily include it in your diet plan.
