The Benefits of Mushrooms

Erik Van Tongerloo
Mushrooms have a long history and people have used them for centuries. Agaricus is the most commonly consumed mushroom worldwide. The reason this one is the most popular one is because of the health benefits of this kind of mushrooms. In addition to the medical benefits, they are a terrific addition to many meals due to their flavorful taste. With mushrooms you get the benefits of health and goodness.

Mushrooms are mostly classified as vegetables or herbs but in reality they are fungi. There are more than 14.000 different kinds but only 700 are known for their medical benefits. It is very important to know the differences between the mushrooms because some of them are recognized as poisonous.

During its history, different cultures have varying opinions about the use of mushrooms. The Pharaohs considered them as a delicacy; for Romans mushrooms were a gift of God but Chinese people used them always as healthy food. Mushrooms have a long history in traditional Chinese medicine, and recent studies proof that the Chinese ideas are correct.

A great benefit is that mushrooms are probiotic which means that they contain beneficial bacteria which strengthens our immune systems. Eating them makes us stronger to fight against certain diseases.

Mushrooms are rich in vegetable proteins, zinc, fiber, iron, chitin and the essential vitamins & minerals. They are also very low in calories (only 100 cal/oz) and contain almost 90 % of water. Mushrooms are the ideal food for people who want to lose some weight because they only contain a little bit of sodium and fat.

Another health benefit of mushrooms is the fact they lower your blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke. They also supply more potassium than bananas and orange juice, grape fruit and some other fruits which are popular for this element.

The most popular mushroom "Agaricus" is also called "God's mushroom" because of the high quantity of healthy benefits which we can call like a kind of miracle. People used mushrooms to treat disorders which can be related on your immune system but also for digestion problems, treatment of diabetes, chronic allergies, cataract, hearing problems, chronic fatigue, diarrhea and problems with the liver.

Some other popular mushrooms are "the Cordyceps mushrooms" which also give benefits to your immune system but are also efficient to lower your cholesterol levels. Some other benefits can be found in the treatment of lung problems like asthma, lung cancer, bronchitis and problems like chronic kidney failure.

The Maitake Mushroom is popular in Japan and China. In history people thought that this food stimulated vitality but nowadays medical studies have proved that the intake of these mushrooms can reduce the growth of cancer cells

Make a good selection in the choice of the mushrooms you will use because the right ones will assist for decreasing medical care during cold and flu season.

Nowadays mushrooms are popular in traditional food like soups, salads, a lot of sauces and even in sport drinks. This fungi has found a place in every day food consumption and many people enjoy its taste. As a result they also reap the health benefits that can be acquired from making mushrooms a part of their regular diet.

Published by Erik Van Tongerloo

I live in Belgium. My hobbies are travelling, watching movies, running, listening music, taking pictures. I enjoy writing and like to share this with everyone of the world.  View profile

21 Comments

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  • oonah merriwether8/12/2008

    i have a home in northern california...mendocino county...certain times of year are bliss!...boletes, chantarelles of various kinds, even truffles...there is the colorful but deadly amanita too...and many more...it is important when wildcrafting, either herbs or especially mushrooms, to be very good at identification of friendly ones...as there are some that resemble these but are poisonous...tho i have learned to be a pretty good wildcrafter of herbs...and have learned my polypores pretty well, i'm not as sure of my skills at 'shrooming'...so i get mine at the local market...ah well..
    great information in your article too

  • cathiesblogs7/26/2008

    I love grilled portabella mushroom sandwiches !!.....Really good to know how healthy mushrooms are to eat !!!...excellent article !!!

  • Joanney Uthe7/17/2008

    Thanks for the very informative article.

  • Kristie Leong M.D.7/16/2008

    People seem to underestimate the health benefits of mushrooms. They really are a powerhouse of important nutrients. I enjoy reading your articles. :-)

  • Matthew Lubin7/15/2008

    I've been told it's important to eat mushroom if you live in an area with heavy air pollution (like here in China). They are supposed to help your lungs with all that pollution somehow. At least I'll eat them if they're cooked right.

  • Linda M. McCloud7/15/2008

    Interesting info. Thanks.

  • Jenna Kellam7/15/2008

    Too bad I hate mushrooms. Thanks for the info

  • Eileen hughes7/15/2008

    I love them too, but didnt realise they were so good for us. tar.

  • mimpi7/14/2008

    I love mushrooms but never knew the facts about it! Now, no one can stop me me from eating more...smiles...

  • Carol Bengle Gilbert7/14/2008

    Never knew they were so nutritional.

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