Mushrooms are bursting with nutritional and medicinal values, they have very low calories and for hundreds of years, they have been used for treatment and healing.
They are a good source of vitamin B, potassium, fibre and protein. They are very rich antioxidants and are considered vegetables in the food world. It is packed with several health benefits.
Cancer
Just as carrots, tomatoes, pumpkins are packed with antioxidants. Antioxidants are chemicals that get rid of free radicals, these free radicals are harmful to the human body cells, causing cancer. Selenium, a kind of chemical that is scarce in most fruits and vegetables, is abundant in mushrooms. This chemical is very important for the liver enzyme function, helping to detoxify our body of radicals that are cancer-causing. It also prevents inflammations and also decreases tumor growth rate.
Another component that fights cancer is the vitamin D that is found in mushrooms. Sunlight increases the vitamin D presence in mushrooms. Folate in mushrooms prevent the formation of cancer cells in our DNA.
Diabetes
It is a fact that if you consume high-fibre diets, you would have a lower blood glucose if you have a type one diabetes. And an improved blood sugar, lipids and insulin levels if you have type 2 diabetes. Mushrooms have rich deposits of fibre, which helps the digestive system and reduces the risk of heart disease.
Heart Health
Fibre, potassium, vitamin C and other nutrients found in mushrooms make it great in preserving our cardiovascular health. Potassium work to keep your blood pressure in check. Sodium also, alongside potassium work together to lower your blood pressure and prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Immunity
We have been protected from infections as a result of selenium in mushrooms. Beta-glucan fibres, a chemical found in mushrooms stimulate the immune system to fight cancer-cells and prevent tumors from forming.
Weight Management
Dietary fibre plays an important role in weight management by functioning as a bulking agent in the digestive system. mushroom s contain two types of dietary fibres in their cell walls, beta-glucan and chitin. These increase satiety and reduce appetite. By making you feel fuller longer, they can reduce overall calorie intake.
Even though mushrooms are very nutritious and medicinal, some are poisonous and are not fit for human use. The white ones are usually the edible ones.
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