Are Mushrooms Good for You?

Are Mushrooms Good for You?

Mushrooms come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, and flavors. Some are considered superfoods, and some are poisonous. To someone new to mushrooms, all this information can be overwhelming, and it might even make you ask— are mushrooms even good for you? Yes, mushrooms are tremendously healthy. Mushrooms have numerous health benefits, from their high protein content to being rich in antioxidants. Here are some of the benefits of mushrooms.

Rich in B Vitamins

Mushrooms are rich in B vitamins, especially vitamins B1, B2, B5, and B9. The B vitamins play an important role in the breakdown of nutrients, which provide us with energy. They are also critical for red blood cell formation.

Rich in Antioxidants

Mushrooms are rich in antioxidants that protect against chronic illnesses and reduce inflammation. These antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which can damage the cells and DNA. Antioxidants also help slow down the signs of aging. Selenium is an abundant mineral in mushrooms that acts as an antioxidant and has many health benefits.

Some Mushrooms Contain Vitamin D

Few foods are rich in vitamin D, but mushrooms exposed to UV rays through sunlight are a great source of this vitamin. However, make sure that you buy mushrooms that are exposed to sunlight. Many store-bought mushrooms are grown in dark rooms and contain hardly any vitamin D.

Mushrooms Contain Prebiotics

Mushrooms contain compounds called polysaccharides, which act as a prebiotic. Prebiotics are food for the healthy bacteria in our gut. When the gut has a diverse and large population of healthy bacteria, it helps the immune system, mood, digestion, and just about everything else.

Plant-Based Protein

Mushrooms are an excellent source of plant-based protein. They are a great food to add to any diet, but especially if you don’t eat meat. MagicKitchen.com offers many delicious meals with mushrooms, such as the Portobello/Shiitake Mushroom Ravioli or the Spinach Mushroom Lasagna if you are vegetarian.