9 amazing health benefits of mushrooms you didn't know about

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Mushrooms may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to delicious food, but they play an integral role in many cuisines world over. What you may not know is that mushrooms are also good for your health!

Mushrooms are a type of fungi that grow on the ground or in damp areas. They are one of the most widely consumed types of food in the world. There are over 14,000 species of mushrooms, but some of the most common ones are white button mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, porcini mushrooms, and portobello mushrooms.

Not only are mushrooms tasty, but they are also very healthy.

Here are nine little-known health benefits of mushrooms that you may not have known about, yet you should be aware of. You might be surprised at how great they can make you feel!

1) Antioxidants

Maitake mushrooms contain a chemical called eritadenine which is believed to have anticancer properties. White button mushrooms are rich in selenium, an antioxidant that helps protect the cells from damage.

Oyster mushrooms contain ergothioneine which is thought to be an important cancer-fighting agent, especially for prostate and colon cancers. Shiitake mushrooms are high in zinc which can help reduce stress levels and boost the immune system.

2) Anti-inflammatory properties

Research has shown that mushrooms have anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to help heal the skin. They are also a great source of vitamin D, which helps with immunity, and copper, which is essential for maintaining bone health.

3) Improves sleep quality

One of the most important benefits mushrooms can provide is better sleep. Studies have shown that taking a certain type of mushroom extract before bed can significantly improve sleep quality and duration.

A study published in the American Journal of Medical Sciences found that participants who took a blend containing lion's mane and shiitake mushrooms had improved sleep quality, as well as decreased nighttime awakenings and daytime drowsiness.

4) Helps with weight loss

Studies have shown that mushrooms can help with weight loss. In one study, participants were given a diet rich in mushrooms and other dietary fibers. The study found that this helped the participants to lose weight and burn more fat than those who were on a low-fiber diet. They also had better cholesterol levels and higher levels of good bacteria which helps the digestive tract stay healthy.

5) Boosts immune system

There are many different types of mushrooms, but most contain a type of compound called beta-glucans. These compounds can boost the immune system by stimulating T-cells in the body. Beta-glucans also stimulate natural killer cells that fight viruses and tumors.

Mushrooms have a long history of being used in traditional Chinese medicine and have been used to treat a variety of conditions. Mushrooms contain a variety of compounds that have been shown to have antioxidant, antiviral, anticancer, and immunomodulatory effects. As a result, mushrooms are commonly used to treat cancer, HIV/AIDS, and other chronic diseases.

6) Mood Enhancer

Mushrooms are a good source of riboflavin and niacin, as well as copper, which is important for metabolism. They are also high in antioxidants and low in calories.

7) Improves Brain Function

One study found that mushrooms improved cognitive function in healthy adults. Participants who ate mushrooms showed improvements in their performance on the Stroop test, which measures the ability to name colors while ignoring the meaning of color words. The mushroom-eating group also performed better on a digit span test, which measures working memory and attention span by asking participants to repeat increasingly longer sequences of digits.

8) building muscle mass

To build muscle, you must exercise and consume high volumes of required minerals like carbs, proteins, vitamins, among other minerals. The standout mushroom species that are known to encourage adequate growth of muscle is known as cordyceps. This inordinately shaped mushroom was originally found on the Tibetan Plateau but is currently cultivated in the U.S. for its energy-supportive profile.

9) Great to Include in Vegetarian/Vegan Diets

Many people think that vegan food is bland and lacking in flavor, but this couldn't be further from the truth. vegan dishes are known to be full of flavor and can satisfy even the most hardcore carnivore. One of my favorite vegan dishes is mushrooms cooked in a rich and savory red wine sauce. I love to pair these mushrooms with steamed broccoli and brown rice for a healthy and hearty meal.