Nutrient Content and Benefits of Fungus to Prevent Disease

Mushrooms are not only known to be delicious, but also beneficial for health. Learn more about the nutritional content of mushrooms, to take advantage of mushrooms that can reduce the risk of dangerous diseases. Button mushrooms, shiitake, enoki, and oyster mushrooms, are the types of mushrooms commonly consumed. Mushrooms can be made soup or as a complement to various types of cuisine, such as capcai, spaghetti and pizza. Besides being delicious to eat, studies reveal that mushrooms have many benefits. These benefits include anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and contain nutrients that can increase immunity or endurance.

Nutrition and Mushroom Benefits

The nutritional content of mushrooms depends on the type. But in general, mushrooms are low in calories, low in sodium (salt), fat free, and cholesterol free. Besides mushrooms also contain protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The nutritional content of mushrooms that can help prevent disease includes:

• Antioxidant

Mushrooms are rich in antioxidants called selenium. Antioxidants are known as one of the substances that can slow premature aging. Antioxidants work by protecting the body from cell damage caused by free radicals that can cause cancer and heart disease. Besides antioxidants can also increase endurance.

• Protein

In a serving cup or the equivalent of 70 grams of mushrooms, contained in amounts of about 2.2 grams of protein. This amount is not too high, so you still need to get protein intake from other protein sources, such as eggs and meat. Although the content is not high, the protein in mushrooms has a good effect to strengthen the immune system and is thought to prevent the growth of cancer cells.

• Vitamin B

Mushrooms are rich in B vitamins, such as niacin (B3), riboflavin (B2), and pantothenic acid (B5). Niacin is good for skin health and digestive system. Riboflavin helps the formation of red blood cells. While pantothenic acid is good for the nervous system and helps produce hormones. The combination of these three vitamins can help protect heart health.

• Beta glucan

Beta glucan is a component of sugar found in mushrooms, yeast, and wheat. Beta glucan is also a type of dissolved fiber that is thought to reduce levels of bad LDL cholesterol, reduce allergies, suppress the growth of cancer cells, and strengthen the immune system.

• Potassium

Potassium is very important for muscle health, heart, nerve work, and helps the kidneys filter blood. Potassium (potassium) is indeed not proven to be able to prevent or treat heart disease. However, potassium can reduce cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and normalize the heartbeat, where these three effects will affect heart health.

• Copper

Copper is needed to make red blood cells, which are used to send oxygen throughout the body. This mineral is also important for maintaining healthy bones and nerves. One cup of mushrooms can meet 1/3 copper needs every day.

• Vitamin D

Mushrooms contain vitamin D which has a role in maintaining healthy bones, heart, and helps the absorption of minerals in the body. Research also shows that vitamin D has a good effect in helping treat depression. However, safe dosage recommendations and how vitamin D works in treating depression, still needs further investigation.

Risks of Consuming Mushrooms

Although delicious and healthy, eating mushrooms also has risks. Generally mushrooms contain agaritine, a substance that can increase tumor risk. In addition, it is also suspected that there are substances that have the potential to cause cancer, if the fungus is cooked in too high a temperature. However, these findings were obtained through studies conducted on animals, therefore further research is needed to prove the same effect on humans. Some types of mushrooms also have toxic effects on humans. To prevent mushroom poisoning, it is advisable to cook mushrooms properly before consumption. Cooking mushrooms by baking, boiling, or sautéing can eliminate the toxins found in mushrooms. In addition, consume mushrooms that are sold by trusted manufacturers, because they are developed on special farms. Avoid eating mushrooms that grow wild because of the risk of containing toxins. The nutritional content and benefits of mushrooms are indeed not insignificant, but it is recommended not to consume mushrooms if you have an allergy to mushrooms. Consult with your doctor of nutrition, to get advice on the type of diet or healthy food that suits your health conditions.