Did you know that mushrooms are the "fruits" of fungus called mycelium? They grow in soil, wood or decaying matter. There are thousands of varieties of mushrooms and to untrained eye, it's very difficult to identify the differences between edible and poisonous mushrooms. Don't pick a mushroom from the ground unless you're sure it's safe to eat!
Health Benefits of Mushrooms
Mushrooms contain large amounts of the antioxidant selenium. They actually contain more selenium than any other fruit or vegetable. Mushrooms also contain the antioxidant ergothioneine, known for its anticancer properties. They are a great source of B vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin and pantothenic acid. White, portobella and crimini mushrooms are excellent sources of potassium and white button mushrooms are rich in vitamin D.
If white mushrooms are exposed to ultraviolet light for 5 minutes after harvesting, they may contain 869% of the daily value of vitamin D!(http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12370708/)
A recent Australian study found that women who consume mushrooms daily may reduce their risk of breast cancer by two-thirds! (http://www.clevelandleader.com/node/9327)
One serving of mushrooms contains 20 calories and no fat!
Click the links below to learn more about mushrooms!
Discover Mushrooms: Nature's Hidden Treasure (American Dietetic Association PDF)
Mushroom Council
Discover Mushrooms: Nature's Hidden Treasure (American Dietetic Association PDF)
Mushroom Council
4 comments:
Wow, I like mushrooms, I had no idea they were so healthy.
I so wish I liked mushrooms. I do like mushroom gravy and even cream of mushroom soup. I just don't care for mushrooms. Great information here.
Happy Easter!
only recently did i discover a love of mushrooms. i ate a mushroom burger the other day. no burger, just mushrooms... ate the whole thing! wouldn't have touched the thing five years ago. :)
-michael
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