8 reasons why mushrooms are good for health

Boost immunity

Riboflavin present in mushrooms helps in proper functioning and maintenance of the red blood cells. They enhance the production of anti-viral proteins and repair of body tissues. Mushrooms also help in maturation of immune cells and improve the action of defence mechanism against microbes ^[1]. Here are some other foods you can eat to improve your immunity.

Keep sugar levels in check

Mushrooms contain enzymes and compounds that act as natural insulin and help in breakdown of dietary compounds into simple sugars. They also contain compounds that promote proper functioning of the liver, pancreas and other endocrine glands, thereby regulating the action of insulin in the body ^[1]. Read more about the foods you can eat to keep diabetes at bay. 

Good for sexual health

Mushrooms are packed with zinc that helps in boosting your sexual life by acting on the genital organs, especially in males. The regular consumption of zinc-rich mushrooms is found to improve the sperm count and fertility in men ^[1]. Here are some food items you can eat to boost your fertility.

Prevent cancer

Linoleic acid present in mushroom acts as an anti-carcinogenic compound that helps in prevention against breast cancer by suppressing the harmful effects caused due to excess estrogen levels in the body. These foods also contain beta-glucans which act as anti-tumor agents and help in inhibiting the growth of cancerous cells in case of prostate cancer ^[2]. Read more about food habits that’ll keep cancer at bay. 

Control blood pressure

Potassium in mushrooms aids in maintaining the normal fluid and mineral balance in the body and thus helps in controlling the blood pressure levels. They also contain copper which enhances the oxygen carrying capacity of the red blood cells ^[2]. Read why you need to reduce your blood pressure.

Improve brain health

Niacin and copper found in mushrooms promote the function of nervous system and keep the nerves healthy. These foods contain panthothenic acid (vitamin B5) which is essential for production of various hormones that play a vital role in the proper functioning of brain ^[3]. Read about foods that boosts your memory

Help in weight loss

Mushrooms are very helpful in reducing weight as they are low in carbohydrate and fat content in addition to being loaded with fibre and proteins. B-Complex vitamins found in these foods aid in increasing the body’s metabolism and thus, burning the body fat to produce energy ^[4]. Read about weight loss diet plan that you can use.

Good for heart health

Mushrooms are low in fats and high in lean protein that helps makes it a perfect food for heart health. Selenium, a mineral present in these foods acts as a powerful antioxidant that protects the body cells from damage. They help in balancing the LDL and HDL cholesterol levels in the body thereby preventing the risk of various cardiovascular diseases ^[4]. Read about some foods that you can eat to beat cholesterol.

References:

1. Wachtel-Galor S et al – Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi): A Medicinal Mushroom.
2. Thekkuttuparambil A. Ajith et al – Indian Medicinal Mushrooms as a Source of Antioxidant and Antitumor Agents
3. Vikineswary Sabaratnam et al – Neuronal Health – Can Culinary and Medicinal Mushrooms Help?
4. D. Handayani — Dietary Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinus edodes) Prevents Fat Deposition and Lowers Triglyceride in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet

You may also like to read:

• 15 health benefits of methi
• 15 health benefits of garlic
• Amazing health benefits of beetroot
• 10 health benefits of ginger
• Top 9 health benefits of radish or mooli

For more articles on healthy foods, check out our healthy food page. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates! For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter. And to join discussions on health topics of your choice, visit our forum.

1. Prev:Weight Loss Tip #28 – Eat chillies to lose weight!
2. Next:Drinking tea with or after meals — good or bad?