When it comes to sticking to a healthy diet, disease-fighting mushrooms check off all the boxes. They’re low in carbohydrates and calories but a great source of B vitamins, trace minerals, fiber and even protein.
Mushrooms are also anti-inflammatory foods, and mushroom nutrition contains high levels of beta-glucan compounds that keep immune cells alert, plus a powerful antioxidant called ergothioneine that helps lower bodywide inflammation.
The medicinal use of mushrooms has a very long tradition in Asian countries that dates back thousands of years. In China, for example, certain types have historically represented “a combination of spiritual potency and essence of immortality.”
Although their use in the Western Hemisphere only started increasing in the past several decades, numerous recent studies show that they provide an array of vital, biologically active compounds.
You may wonder a few things about mushrooms, such as:
- What are the health benefits of mushroom?
- Can I eat mushrooms every day?
- Which mushrooms are safe to eat? Are some mushrooms bad for you?
- Is a mushroom a protein or a carb?
- Are mushrooms vegetarian?
Let’s take a look below at what you need to know.
Health Benefits
1. Fights Cancer Cell Growth
Known to be a natural cancer treatment and one of the best foods for increasing “natural killer cells” — the type of immune cells that seek out and destroy dangerous cancerous cells — mushrooms are praised as powerful cancer-fighting foods.
Thanks for their antitumor, antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, according to recent studies, the anti-cancer compounds found in mushrooms play a crucial role in protecting against oxidative damage and killing off cancer cells to prevent tumor formation. Protective compounds found within these special fungi include:
- triterpenes
- phenolic compounds
- polysaccharides
- sterols
- eritadenine
- chitosan
This means that mushroom nutrition can help block DNA damage and stop cells from mutating, all while protecting healthy cells and increasing the body’s ability to detoxify itself of dangerous substances.
2. Boosts Immune Function
According to a 2020 report published in the journal Molecules, mushrooms contain compounds and complex substances with “anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidemia, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-aging, anticancer, antiviral, and hepato-protective” effects.
That may sound like a mouthful, but it means that they can enhance almost every system in the body and protect you from numerous diseases since they’re associated with lowered inflammation. Sustaining high levels of inflammation long term has been shown to contribute to chronic conditions, such as diabetes and cancer.
Mushrooms also have the natural ability to fight dangerous bacteria and viruses. In fact, they need to have strong antibacterial and antifungal compounds just to survive in their own natural environment.
This is why it’s not surprising that these beneficial compounds can be isolated from many mushrooms and used to protect human cells. They are even shown to protect against deadly multi-resistant strains of bacteria and other microorganisms responsible for a multitude of health problems.
In fact, some substances present in common antibiotics given to people when they’re sick — including penicillin, streptomycin and tetracycline — are derived from mushroom fungal extracts.
3. Protects Heart Health
Eating more mushroom is one way to lower cholesterol levels naturally. Many types of mushrooms help lower levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and keep arteries from hardening to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Mushrooms have sterol compounds that interfere with the production of cholesterol in the liver, yet at the same time they can raise levels of “good” HDL cholesterol. They also contain potent phytonutrients that help keep cells from sticking to blood vessel walls and forming plaque buildup, which can improve circulation and maintain normal blood pressure.
4. Enhances Energy Levels
Mushrooms are a great source of B vitamins, which help support adrenal function and turn nutrients from food into energy that your body can use. B vitamins also support neurotransmitter function to break through brain fog, prevent thyroid disorders and support a healthy metabolism.
