Although not the most attractive foods to look at, mushrooms pack quite a punch in nutritious appeal. Mushrooms vary greatly in their shapes, color, and texture, and in beneficial properties. No matter what the disease, chances are that there is a mushroom that can help prevent or treat it.

Neither vegetable nor fruit, the mushroom is a fungus which is an organism that grows without seeds, leaves, flower or even roots. There is an estimated 14,000 species of mushroom, only about 3,000 are edible, about 700 have known medicinal properties, and less than one percent are recognized as poisonous. The few of the known varieties are:

• Agaricus (White or Button),
• Chanterelles,
• Enoki,
• Morel,
• Porcini,
• Portobello,
• Oyster,
• Crimini,
• Reishi,
• Maitake,
• Shiitake

Mushrooms are full of proteins, vitamins, amino acids, antibiotic and antioxidants qualities. While medicinal mushrooms have been used in China and Japan for more than 3,000 years to boost immunity and fight diseases such as cancer, only in the last decade has their power begun to be recognized across the globe. Here are a few health benefits:

• Low calorie: Mushrooms have very less calories (15-30 calories per cup depending upon the type of mushroom) and contain approximately 80 to 90 percent water. The combination of low fat and carbohydrates and zero cholesterol with high proteins, vitamins, minerals, water and fiber makes mushrooms an ideal food for people who are struggling to lose their extra weight.

• Boost Immunity: Mushroom contains an active compound called lentinan which has the ability to power up the immune system, strengthening its ability to fight infection and disease. The source of the antibiotic penicillin, mushrooms have natural antibiotics which inhibit microbial and other fungal infections. Mushrooms also contain a naturally occurring copper which offers you effective defense against various health disorders. You can easily get around 25-40% of your suggested daily amount copper from a single serving of mushrooms.

• Lowers cholesterol: A study suggested that mushrooms have a compound called eritadenine which has an ability to reduce blood cholesterol levels.

• Anti cancer: Selenium present in mushroom is an antioxidant that works with vitamin E to protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals. This lowers the risk of cancer and helps in the treatment of cancer. Polysaccharides present in mushrooms such as lentinan and beta-glucan have been shown in laboratory studies to shrink tumors and fight against a range of cancers, especially breast and prostate cancer.

• Reduces high blood pressure: Mushrooms are a rich source of potassium which helps lower blood pressure and diminished the risk of stroke. Hence, they are beneficial for patients of hypertension, as they control the blood pressure.

• Energy food: Mushrooms are excellent sources of vitamin B, namely niacin (vitamin B3) and riboflavin (vitamin B2) which help in fighting fatigue and stress. They are rich in protein (about 51 % on dry weight basis) which makes them an ideal food for building muscle.

• Anti-aging food: It contains ergothioneine, an antioxidant necessary for healthy eyes, bone marrow, liver, kidney and skin. It also prevents free radicals’ action in the body and reduce the aging process.

• Diabetes Control: Scientific research shows that a high-molecular polysaccharide present in maitake mushroom called the X-fraction could help to regulate blood glucose levels, thereby helping to improve diabetes symptoms. Researchers suggest that this X-fraction can reduce insulin resistance, thereby increasing insulin sensitivity.

• Other Benefits: Mushrooms are also rich in calcium, iron and selenium. Calcium helps in building strong bones; Iron is needed to help create hemoglobin to carry oxygen to the body’s organs and tissues, and also benefits in anemia. Selenium is good for health of teeth, bones, mails, hair and as an antioxidant, and mushrooms are the best source of selenium for vegetarians.

While the health benefits of mushrooms are easily understood, it should also be noted that they might pose potential health hazards for certain people. Mushrooms contain purines, so those who suffer from any uric acid related problems should guard against excessive consumption.

So when it comes to maintaining health, including mushrooms in your diet is always a wise choice.

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