Mushrooms are a goldmine of valuable nutrients to help with our metabolism – plus, they’re rich in protein and minerals. Be careful, though: Mushrooms are great for your health, but excessive consumption or frequent consumption is not recommended due to the presence of mycosin, a substance that makes the mushroom difficult to digest. So it’s better to avoid them if you suffer from disease of the liver, kidney stones. And definitely not for kids under three years of age.
Water and fiber
Even though mushrooms belong to a very different species from other vegetables, mushrooms are considered vegetables for their nutritional properties. Composed almost completely of water, mushrooms also have a negligible caloric intake (about 20 kilocalories per 100 grams), and they’re rich in fiber (which keeps the intestine working well) and vegetable proteins. Moreover, mushrooms, fresh or dehydrated, contain good quantities of lipids, performing important immune and anti-inflammatory functions.
Rich in vitamins
Mushrooms also have a high level of carbohydrates and vitamins. Among the most important are vitamins A (with its protective action on the mucous membranes), B1 (which protects nervous tissue), B2 and B6 (both allies of the skin), and vitamin C (which intervenes in the metabolism of cholesterol). Vitamin D is also present, which promotes the growth of calcium in bone tissue, vitamin K, with its protective action on blood vessels and vitamin PP, important for its function of intervening in cellular metabolism.
Good for the bones, heart and immune system
Among the mineral salts abundant in mushrooms is selenium, a precious ally for our body’s health for its role as an antioxidant enzyme designed to protects cells from the effects of free radicals. Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and silicon are also present in good quantities –important for bone formation and combating osteoporosis. Mushrooms are also a friend to the heart, thanks to the high level of potassium, which helps regulate hearth rhythms. Also the iron helps increase strength in the immune system for physical and mental endurance.
An important rule to keep in mind
The final note on mushrooms to keep in mind: Though there are many mushrooms varieties, with different shapes, colors, stem length, hat sizes, and flavor, but some are dangerous! Not all species of mushroom are edible. There’s quite a difference from the delicious porcini and the poisonous amanita, so just make sure you know the difference!