how good are they? Read on to find out! If you’re looking to add some variety to your diet, you may want to consider trying mushrooms—there are over 100 different varieties, and many of them have been shown to have health benefits. Mushrooms have tons of antioxidants and vitamins that can help strengthen your immune system and prevent cancer, heart disease, and other illnesses. Plus, they’re also low in calories but high in fiber, so they make a great addition to any healthy diet.
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| 7 Proven Health Benefits of Mushrooms |
1) Boost Immunity
It’s no surprise that mushrooms are a popular food in Chinese and Japanese diets. Scientists have found evidence that maitake extract boosts both natural killer cell and natural killer T-cell activity, which help your body fight off viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. These immune benefits may be just one more reason to add more mushrooms to your diet.
2) Fight Cancer
Studies show that white button mushrooms contain sterols and enzymes that kill ovarian cancer cells in laboratory experiments. Furthermore, studies conducted on mice reveal that extracts from other types of mushrooms may kill off prostate cancer cells and have potential benefits in fighting leukemia. Learn more about 7 potential health benefits of mushrooms.
3) Improve Mood
While it’s true that eating mushrooms won’t make you happy on their own, they may indirectly improve your mood by increasing serotonin production. The amino acid tryptophan found in many popular mushrooms acts as a precursor to serotonin; when consumed, tryptophan is converted into 5-HTP and then serotonin. 5-HTP and serotonin are both capable of boosting mood; hence, more 5-HTP and serotonin means more happiness!
4) Improve Skin
One reason mushrooms can be so helpful for your health is because they contain a variety of antioxidants, including lutein and beta-carotene. These antioxidants are known to help improve skin conditions, such as acne and rosacea. Improve Immunity: Another great benefit to consuming more mushrooms in your diet is that it’s been shown to help improve immune system function.
5) Support Weight Loss
Eating plenty of mushrooms is proven to support weight loss, thanks to their low-calorie but satiating effects. A 2016 study found that subjects who ate a meal with white button mushrooms felt just as full and satisfied as those who had eaten a meal with meat—despite consuming fewer calories. This satisfying feeling is likely due to mushrooms’ gel-like texture and high water content, which helps keep you feeling full for longer periods of time.
6) Protect Against UV Radiation
For example, a 2012 study published in Food and Function found that mushrooms can block ultraviolet (UV) radiation, a primary risk factor for skin cancer. According to researchers, compounds called ergothioneines—found in most high-protein mushrooms such as shiitake and maitake—were able to protect human skin cells from UV rays when they were applied topically. Additionally, another study published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine suggested that extracts from reishi mushrooms also provided some protection against UV radiation.
7) Reduce Oxidative Stress
Mushrooms are known for their antioxidant properties. Antioxidants fight oxidative stress, which can lead to a number of diseases and conditions such as cancer, stroke, and heart disease. Eating plenty of antioxidant-rich foods like mushrooms may reduce your risk of these diseases as well as delay aging by neutralizing free radicals in your body.
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