4 Benefits of Mushrooms
Mushrooms are considered a superfood and one of the most beneficial foods. They are called the “elixir of life” for their many healing properties. Mushrooms pack a delicious punch when it comes to flavor. I love to add mushrooms to my salads. It has a meaty taste without the sacrifice of an animal friend. One of my favorite veggies to eat mushrooms with is dulse, a seaweed veggie. The taste is a taste I cannot describe. Mushrooms are definitely the “meat” of the veggies.
Mushrooms have been around since ancient times and have been used as medicine and in therapeutic practices. Some mushrooms are edible and some are not, but all have very unique healing abilities. They are fungi and are made up of 90% water. We need to eat foods rich in water as water hydrates us, flushes out toxins, sends oxygen to cells, and more. How can we all benefit from mushrooms? 4 Benefits of Mushrooms below:
Boosting Immune System
Eating shiitake and oyster mushrooms have immune boosting properties. Mushrooms contain beta-glucans that are responsible for fighting off viruses. The immune system is closely connected to the gastrointestinal tract or the gut. Mushrooms have the ability to reduce inflammation, thus boosting immunity. All disease begins in the gut, so inflammatory reduction has a profound effect on the immune system. Mushrooms modify cytokines. Cytokines are inflammatory messengers. They suppress white blood cells and make you more susceptible for getting sick. Mushrooms fight this off through the modification process of cytokines.
Reversing The Aging Process
We are made up of trillions of cells. Mushrooms contain 90% water. All cells need oxygen to function optimally. When we have abnormal cells, meaning cells that are negatively affected by toxic foods, substances, environmental toxins, lack oxygen, etc. this accelerates the aging process. Age is short for advanced glycation end products. Advanced glycation end products are products that contribute to creating oxidative stress. Oxidative stress causes people to age rapidly. Fried foods, foods heavy in oil, foods that are cooked at high temperatures, and genetically modified foods, all contribute to aging.
Mushrooms fight off advanced glycation end products by reducing inflammation and getting rid of oxidative stress. Diets that are rich in antioxidants protect the cells from free radicals. This helps the body cope with the normal oxidative stress that damages healthy cells. Almost all edible mushrooms will give you a boost in nutrients. These 7 mushrooms have the most antioxidants and help you live longer:
Porcini, Golden Oyster, Pioppino, Oyster, Lion’s Mane, Maitake, Shiitake
Losing Weight
Mushrooms contain a lot of nutrients. They are high in water content, low in calorie, and fat. There is no calorie counting needed when a diet is rich in nutrients. When a food, such as mushrooms are nutrient rich, the body recognizes the nutrients, and can digest much better. What goes in must come out. Mushrooms have protein and fiber. They are also high in vitamin D. Add mushrooms to your salads. They will keep you full, lean, and energized to exercise, workout, and/or train for a longer period of time.
Fight Cancer
Mushrooms are known to fight cancer. Oyster mushrooms are something I eat everyday to fight cancer and for cancer prevention. They should be steamed. Many varieties of mushrooms are known for fighting cancer. In fact, cordyceps has been known as the “cancer healer”. Lectins are a class of proteins found in mushrooms. These lectins are able to bind to abnormal cells and cancer cells. They then label the cells as destructive by our immune system.
Mushrooms fight pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, acute leukemia, hepatocellular carcinoma, uterine cervix cancer, and more. They are amazing and definitely should be included in the diet. There are many ways to use mushrooms to fight cancer and prevent cancer. There is caffeine free mushroom coffee and mushroom elixirs, mushroom teas, and you can simply steam them. Mix them with your favorite cruciferous, cancer fighting leafy green veggies, or as mentioned, mix them with your raw delicious salads.
Hopefully this enlightened you on the benefits and unique properties of mushrooms. Upgrade your health and incorporate these. Remember it is the small things you do daily and consistently that lead to big results. Mushrooms have had a profound effect on my health. They also strengthen the bones and protect the joints.
I have way more energy incorporating these into my diet. My brain functions much, much better. If you have a neurological disorder, such as multiple sclerosis, ataxia, familial hemiplegic migraine, etc. then definitely add these into your diet. Take it one day at a time. Keep a journal to keep track of improvements.
Are you wanting to change your diet, gain your energy back, lose weight, and improve your overall lifestyle?
- XO,
Avi