Mushroom Benefits Toward Health By

Mr.Allah Dad Khan

• Mushrooms have been used for thousands of years, both as food and for medicinal purposes. They are often classified as a vegetable or an herb, but they are actually fungi. While there are over 14,000 mushroom varieties, approximately 3,000 are edible, and about 700 have known medicinal properties. The Pharaohs prized mushrooms as a delicacy, and the Greeks believed that mushrooms provided strength for warriors in battle. The Romans regarded mushrooms as a gift from God and served them only on festive occasions, while the Chinese treasured them as a health food.

• Mushrooms, though classified as vegetables in the food world, are not technically plants. They belong to the fungi kingdom and although they are not vegetables, mushrooms provide several important nutrients.

Increase your vitamin D

• Yes, vitamin D! Mushrooms are the only fruit or vegetable source of this critical vitamin. Like humans, mushrooms produce vitamin D when in sunlight. Exposing them to high levels of ultraviolet B just before going to market converts more of the plant sterol ergosterol into the so-called sunshine vitamin.

• The vitamin D in mushrooms has also been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells by contributing to the regulation of the cell growth cycle. The folate in mushrooms plays an important role in DNA synthesis and repair, thus preventing the formation of cancer cells from mutations in the DNA

• Mushrooms are a very low kilojoule food with only 103 kJs per serve. They have very little carbohydrate or fat, making them a favourite with anyone watching their waistline. They have a modest amount of protein, similar to, or more, than that found in most common vegetables. The protein, carbohydrate and fibre found in mushrooms are unique and researchers are finding they can have a very positive influence on our health. - See more at: http://www.powerofmushrooms.com.au/health-nutrition/health-nutrition/protein-carbohydrates/#sthash.piQNBPDr.dpuf

Cancer

• Mushrooms contain just as high an antioxidant capacity as carrots, tomatoes, green and red peppers, pumpkins, green beans, and zucchini.

• Mushrooms contain compounds that have been linked to lowering the risk of a range of cancers.

• A meta-analysis of the link between mushroom eating and breast cancer confirms that there is a definite link, with mushroom consumption reducing the risk of the cancer

• Mushrooms have a deliciously rich savoury flavour called ‘umami’. Much of the umami flavour comes from the natural glutamates in mushrooms. The umami flavour of mushrooms can replace some of the salt used in recipes. Consuming less salt and fewer salty foods helps to keep blood pressure levels normal. - See more at: http://www.powerofmushrooms.com.au/health-nutrition/health-nutrition/flavour-without-salt/#sthash.H6uK6UyK.dpuf

Mushrooms reduce the risk of gout

• There is no evidence that certain fruits, vegetables or mushrooms cause gout or make it worse. In fact, a high consumption of fruit, vegetables and mushrooms is linked to a lower risk of gout. A wholesome diet, such as the traditional Mediterranean diet, is associated with a lower risk of gout. Advice to gout sufferers to avoid foods such as spinach, asparagus and mushrooms is not justified.

Mushrooms for healthy skin & hair

• A wholesome diet, sensible sun exposure and not smoking are key to a healthy skin. A low Glycaemic Index (GI) diet helps keep blood glucose levels normal and thereby lowers the risk of acne. Eating plenty of fresh produce like mushrooms, vegetables and fruit is good for the health of your skin and hair. Essential nutrients in mushrooms specifically help to keep skin and hair healthy. They are selenium, copper, biotin, niacin and riboflavin.

• The longest lived people are those following the traditional Mediterranean or Japanese diet, and mushrooms feature and have a place in both diets. Mushrooms have a range of essential nutrients, such as B vitamins and the antioxidant mineral selenium. Mushrooms have many other antioxidants. One in particular, ergothioneine, is found mainly in mushrooms among non-animal food sources. Ergothioneine has its own blood transporter, indicating that it is very important for human health. To achieve a long and healthy life, mushrooms have a clear role in a balanced healthy diet.

Mushrooms: a true superfood

• There is no formal definition of the term ‘superfood’. It is presumed that a superfood will be nutrient-dense and provide many compounds that contribute to health. Mushrooms deserve to be called a superfood based on the science about this tasty food. Mushrooms are rich in a range of essential nutrients, while providing bioactive compounds like antioxidants and potential anticancer compounds. - See more at: http://www.powerofmushrooms.com.au/health-nutrition/health-nutrition/nature-superfood/#sthash.BC5zbHuk.dpuf

They're known as a 'miracle food'

• For thousands of years mushrooms have been touted for their health benefits in the Eastern countries with Chinese and Egyptians being among the first to put their benefits to use.

• Cassandra says, "The so-called ‘medicinal’ mushrooms such as reishi, maitake and Shiitake have been used in China for many years for their health-promoting properties.

"Their traditional uses include supporting the liver, reducing blood pressure, supporting the lungs and of course strengthening the immune system."

People take advantage of these benefits in many different mushroom forms, such as Reishi Mushroom Tea which is known to significantly improve your overall wellbeing in just a matter of months! It's one to try, that's for sure.

Energy boosting

• Feeling tired and out of sorts? Get the spark back in your life with mushrooms!

We know. It's probably the last thing that comes to mind when you think about boosting your energy but mushrooms are actually an amazing source of all the B vitamins, AKA THE energy boosting vit.

• "They are great sources of vitamins B2, B3 and B5, all of which help our body to produce energy from the foods that we eat," says Cassandra.

Fiber

• Mushrooms are a good source of chitin and beta-glucan, fibers that lower cholesterol and improve cardiovascular health. A laboratory animal study published in the 2012 issue of the "International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms" found that pink oyster mushrooms reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, cholesterol and prevented arterial plaque formation. Further studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results. A compound in shiitake mushrooms, called critadenine, helps the liver process cholesterol.

They promote healthy sperm

• • Trying for a baby? Get some mushrooms into your

man's diet!• "Mushrooms are a good source of both zinc and

selenium, two very important minerals for making healthy sperm", say Cassandra.

• But if you're already pregnant, you're still in luck! Pregnant women need more folate but often times they can fall deficient. The best thing to do is eat foods rich in folate which of course includes mushrooms!

Diabetes

• Studies have shown that type 1 diabetics who consume high-fiber diets have lower blood glucose levels and type 2 diabetics may have improved blood sugar, lipids and insulin levels. One cup of grilled portabella mushrooms and one cup of stir-fried shiitake mushrooms both provide about 3 grams of fiber.

Weight management and satiety

• Dietary fiber plays an important role in weight management by functioning as a "bulking agent" in the digestive system. Mushrooms contain two types of dietary fibers in their cell walls: beta-glucans and chitin which increase satiety and reduce appetite, making you feel fuller longer and thereby lowering your overall calorie intake.

Boost your immune system

• A study done on mice and published by the American Society for Nutritionfound that white button mushrooms may promote immune function by increasing the production of antiviral and other proteins that are released by cells while they are trying to protect and repair the body’s tissues. A later study showed that these mushrooms promoted the maturation of immune system cells–called dendritic cells–from bone marrow. According to he researchers, this may help enhance the body’s immunity leading to better defence systems against invading microbes

Eat your antioxidants

• When it comes to antioxidants—the substances that help fight free radicals that are the result of oxidation in our body—we’re more likely to think of colourful vegetables than neutral-hued mushrooms. But a study at Penn State university showed that the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC)—a measure of a food’s total antioxidants—of crimini and portobello mushrooms were about the same as for red peppers.

Kick up your metabolism

• B vitamins are vital for turning food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose), which the body burns to produce energy. They also help the body metabolize fats and protein. Mushrooms contain loads of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and vitamin B3 (niacin): 100 grams (31/2 ounces) of crimini have 44 percent and 30 percent of your daily recommended amount, respectively, white button have 36 and 30 percent, and oyster mushrooms have 32 and 39 percent.

Protects Liver

• In addition to all the above mentioned benefits, mushrooms help protect liver from damage. The liver of infants can get damaged due to jaundice or hepatitis. It can even control severe hepatitis B.

Good for Bladder

• Mushrooms contain high level of selenium which has a significant protective effect and will keep your child’s excretory system healthy.

Here are ten useful nutrients found in Mushrooms.

• 1. Mushrooms are low in Calories. They contain only 100 cal/oz. They are low in fat and 9 to 10% is fibre. This makes mushrooms ideal for people who wants to reduce weight.

• When ground beef was swapped out for mushrooms in lasagna, sloppy joes and chili, adults consumed 400 fewer calories per day, according to a Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health study. Researchers estimate that if you substitute mushrooms for ground meat in one meal every week, you can lose five pounds in a year. Just don’t sabotage this fringe benefit by preparing mushrooms with loads of butter. Instead, toss them into a nonstick pan that’s been lightly sprayed with oil, then sauté on low heat until they soften.

Here are ten useful nutrients found in Mushrooms.

• 2. Mushrooms are excellent source of Potassium an important mineral that aids in maintaining normal fluid and mineral balance in the body which helps to control blood pressure and the risk of stroke.

• Potassium The fiber, potassium and vitamin C content in mushrooms all contribute to cardiovascular health. Potassium and sodium work together in the body to help regulate blood pressure. Consuming mushrooms, which are high in potassium and low in sodium helps to lower blood pressure and decrease the risk ofhigh blood pressure and cardiovascular disease

Here are ten useful nutrients found in Mushrooms.

• 3. Mushrooms contain Selenium which is an important antioxidant that protects the body cells from heart diseases and some types of cancers.

• Selenium is a mineral that is not present in most fruits and vegetables but can be found in mushrooms. It plays a role in liver enzyme function, and helps detoxify some cancer-causing compounds in the body. Additionally, selenium preventsinflammation and also decreases tumor growth rates

Here are ten useful nutrients found in Mushrooms.

• 4. Mushrooms are rich in Iron which is responsible for production of hemoglobin and oxygenation of red blood cells.

• Iron is very important for kids and helps form new blood cells. Supply of iron is vital for ideal development of a child because iron also bonds with oxygen and supplies oxygen to different parts of the body. You can provide the daily requirement of iron for your kid by introducing mushrooms in his or her diet.

• 5. Mushrooms contain substantial amount of Copper that is essential in making red blood cells.

• Since mushrooms contain copper, which has large number of beneficial effects on the body, they are definitely going to help your child stay healthy.

• 6. Mushrooms also contain Ergothioneine, a naturally occurring antioxidant that helps to protect the body's cells.

• 7. Mushrooms provides a great source of Dietary fibre that helps in digestion.

• 8. Mushrooms are a good source of Pantothenic acid (B5) a B vitamin that helps in the production of hormones and plays an important role in the function of the nervous system.

• 9. Mushrooms contain Niacin(B3) which helps promote healthy skin and ensures the digestive system and the nervous systems function properly.

• 10. Mushrooms are a good source of Riboflavin (B2) a B vitamin which aids growth and reproduction of hair, skin, nails and alleviates eye fatigue and sore around the mouth.

• 11. Potassium The fiber, potassium and vitamin C content in mushrooms all contribute to cardiovascular health. Potassium and sodium work together in the body to help regulate blood pressure. Consuming mushrooms, which are high in potassium and low in sodium helps to lower blood pressure and decrease the risk ofhigh blood pressure and cardiovascular disease

• 12. Vitamin B12 is usually found in animal products and since children cannot take this in sufficient quantity, many lack or depend on supplements. Mushrooms are considered as a decent source of vitamin B12 and this is also good news for vegetarians. Vitamin B12 will help enhance metabolism in your child’s body and he will stay energetic and happy.

13.Rich Source of Calcium• Calcium is an essential element for bone

health. It helps in formation andstrengthening of bones. Mushrooms are good source of calcium and can provide the requirement of calcium for your kid and help him grow well and strong. Calcium also stimulates and regulates absorption of iron in the body.