{"id":9594,"date":"2016-08-15T22:50:51","date_gmt":"2016-08-15T22:50:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/foodrevolution.org\/?p=9594"},"modified":"2024-08-05T17:10:12","modified_gmt":"2024-08-06T00:10:12","slug":"health-benefits-of-mushrooms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/foodrevolution.org\/blog\/health-benefits-of-mushrooms\/","title":{"rendered":"Mushrooms Have Stunning Powers to Heal People and the Planet"},"content":{"rendered":"

As you\u2019ve probably heard, mushrooms<\/span> are good for you. So good, in fact, that people often use them as medicine. <\/span><\/p>\n

You may also be aware that almost every ancient civilization around the world has used mushrooms for their healing properties for thousands of years. (Ancient Egyptians even called them the plant of immortality.) <\/span><\/p>\n

But you may not realize just how powerful edible mushrooms can be for healing people \u2014 and also for healing the planet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mushrooms Have a Range of Extraordinary Health Benefits for Humans<\/b><\/h2>\n

Perhaps surprisingly, humans are more closely<\/span> related<\/span><\/a> to fungi than to any other kingdom. Some of the essential molecules in mushrooms (a form of fungi) have been present in the human diet for so long that our bodies now depend on them \u2014 which could be part of the reason why they\u2019re so good for us.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mushrooms are a superfood, and one of the most health-promoting foods on the planet.<\/strong>\u00a0An <\/span>estimated<\/span> 50% of edible mushrooms are considered functional foods<\/a>, meaning that they have a potentially positive effect on health beyond basic nutrition. <\/span><\/p>\n

Countless scientific studies have revealed a variety of ways mushrooms can be useful in preventing and treating serious health conditions<\/strong> \u00a0\u2014 and in improving overall health. <\/span><\/p>\n

In fact, research has<\/span> identified<\/span> more than 200 conditions<\/a> that may benefit from mushroom consumption and more than 100 different beneficial effects they can produce for the body.<\/span><\/p>\n

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iStock.com\/NatalyaAksenova<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Nutritional Value of Mushrooms <\/b><\/h2>\n

Mushrooms are packed with<\/span> <\/a>nutritional value.<\/span> They\u2019re low in calories, and are great sources of fiber<\/a> and protein<\/a> (especially on a plant-based diet). <\/span><\/p>\n

Mushrooms also provide many important nutrients, including B vitamins<\/a>, selenium, potassium, copper, and (when exposed to the sun)<\/span> vitamin D<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even though the majority of mushrooms you’ll see in grocery stores are white mushrooms, don’t let their color deceive you. White button mushrooms are packed with<\/span> as many <\/span>antioxidants<\/span><\/a> as more colorful<\/a> fruits and vegetables. <\/span><\/p>\n

Boosting Immune System Health with Mushrooms <\/b><\/h2>\n

Studies also find that eating mushrooms can give you impressive immune-boosting benefits. <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A clinical<\/span> study<\/span> conducted at the University of Florida’s Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition found that eating shiitake mushrooms daily improves immunity<\/a> \u2014 in a way that is<\/span> not found<\/span>\u00a0in any currently available pharmaceutical drugs. And common white button mushrooms, as well as other mushroom types, may also have<\/span> anti-inflammatory<\/span><\/a> power.<\/span><\/p>\n

Eating <\/span>mushrooms may also help to prevent respiratory infections<\/strong>, <\/span>according to a 2012 <\/span>study<\/span> published in <\/span>Nutrition<\/span><\/i>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Plus, mushrooms may be able to<\/span> alter<\/strong><\/a> gut bacteria<\/a> for the better, which could also help treat obesity<\/strong>, according to a 2015 <\/span>study<\/span> published in the journal <\/span>Nature.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Boosting Longevity with Mushrooms<\/h2>\n

Antioxidants<\/a> may help you live a longer, healthier life. A diet rich in antioxidants protects cells from free radicals, helping the body cope with the normal oxidative stress that damages healthy cells.<\/p>\n

While almost any edible mushroom will give you a boost in nutrients, the following seven mushrooms<\/a>\u00a0are proven to have the most antioxidants and may help you live longer:<\/p>\n