The consumption of certain mushrooms and their health benefits
Edible mushrooms contain so many nutrients that their consumption in the diet provides extraordinary health benefits.
The benefits of consuming certain types of mushrooms have been known for many years. Numerous scientific studies on the nutritional content of edible mushrooms and their health benefits have shown that they are an abundant source of nutrients and bioactive compounds that exert health-promoting effects.
A recent study, based on a large database, evaluated the nutritional impact of adding a serving of mushrooms to the regular diet of children and adolescents aged 9 to 18 and adults over 19. The results showed increases in dietary fiber, vitamins such as riboflavin, choline, and niacin, and minerals such as copper, phosphorus, selenium, potassium, and zinc. A significant increase in vitamin D levels was also reported, as well as increases in ergothioneine and glutathione. No increases in carbohydrates, protein, fat, or sodium were found in any of the groups.
According to the results of this study, the inclusion of mushrooms in diets is an effective way to achieve good nutrition, without calories or saturated fats, with the benefit of the action of bioactive compounds, such as the powerful antioxidants ergothioneine and glutathione, among others.
References
Fulgoni, Victor L. and Agarwal, Sanjiv . Nutritional impact of adding a serving of mushrooms on usual intakes and nutrient adequacy using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2016 data. Food Science & Nutrition . 2021. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/fsn3.2120