Which is Better Raw or Boiled Mushrooms?

Mushroom contains a rich supply of nutrients. It's packed with the B complex vitamins including pantothenic acid, niacin and riboflavin. It's also an excellent source of minerals such as selenium, copper and potassium. Mushroom is fat-free and cholesterol free; it's a low sodium, low caloric food. Mushrooms are nutritious nuggets that may be eaten raw or boiled. How do they nutritionally compare based on the form in which they are cooked? That is the question.

Test Vs. Raw and Cooked Mushrooms

According to Science Daily website, scientists at the University of Illinois tested a variety of mushrooms in raw and cooked forms. In the study white button, crimini and portabella mushrooms were analyzed. The crimini and portabella mushrooms were analyzed in their consumed cooked forms. Mushrooms are rich in the total dietary fibers such as, chitin that lowers cholesterol and beta-glutan that promotes heart health.

Test results showed that chitin concentrate was 8 percent in raw mature portabella mushrooms. When cooked chi tin level fell to 2.7 percent, but total dietary fibers rose significantly. The same patterns were displayed in raw and cooked enokis mushrooms showing chitin levels of 7.7 percent when raw and 2.7 percent when cooked. Raw, mature portabellas showed the highest level of beta-glucan 0.2 percent most other mushrooms had 0.1 percent. Cooking mushrooms showed an increase in starch, total dietary fibers and fat content and decreased chitin. Some nutrients went up after cooking and some went down, according to Cheryl L. Dikeman, lead author of the tests.

Considerations

In an article by Sushma Subramanian, reporter with "Scientific American" website, according to Dr. Rui Hai Liu associate professor of food science at Cornell University, it's complicated to compare the healthfulness of raw and cooked food. It's still a mystery as to how different plant molecules interact with the human body. Lui recommends it's best to eat your fruit and vegetables raw or cooked. Cooking makes them taste better this may make you more likely to eat them.

http://mushroominfo.com/benefits/

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=raw-veggies-are-healthier

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/02/050218161310.htm