Are Mushrooms Healthy? Here ’s What Experts Say

The versatile mushroom comes in all different shapes, sizes and colors; it stands up as a side and can replace meat as a main. The fungus is a favorite of nutrition professionals — packed with vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Here’s what mushrooms can do for your health, and how to work them into your diet. What are the nutritional benefits of mushrooms? Mushrooms are a low-carb, practically no-fat food with some protein. One serving is about a cup raw (a fist-sized amount) or 1/2 cup cooked. Though they’re small and light in calories—one serving only has about 15—they’re mighty in other ways. Mushrooms have about 15 vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, folate magnesium, zinc and potassium, says Angela Lemond, a registered dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. They’re also rich in antioxidants, such as ergothioneine and selenium, which are both anti-inflammatory compounds. “Mushrooms are a great food to consume when you have minor inflammation, such as any injury, or if you have any autoimmune disorders such as muscular sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis or lupus,” says Lemond. And they’re one of the few foods that have vitamin D, which is important for building strong bones, reducing inflammation and improving immune function. (Mushrooms contain even more vitamin D when they’re exposed to ultraviolet light.) The phytochemicals—or naturally occurring plant che...
Source: TIME: Health - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Diet/Nutrition Source Type: news