Mushrooms are among the most popular vegetable products. They are widely available, tasty and – most importantly – healthy. This is confirmed by subsequent studies of scientists, who have long proved that eating mushrooms brings a number of health benefits.
Although mushrooms consist 90% of water, they also contain a number of beneficial nutrients, such as proteins, carbohydrates, micro- and macroelements, vitamins and fats.
Most important from the point of view of disease treatment is the anti-inflammatory effect of mushrooms. Scientists have observed that polysaccharides and terpenes contained in mushrooms are able to reduce inflammation in the body. Moreover, it has been noted that mushroom extract can be used in the prevention of breast and prostate cancer.
According to experts, mushrooms contain huge amounts of antioxidants that fight free radicals. There are almost as many of them as in tomatoes and pumpkin. In mushrooms we can also find selenium, which shows anti-inflammatory effect and increases the production of liver enzymes, as well as vitamin D, which regulates the cell growth cycle.
Vitamins B2, B3 and B5 are important elements whose deficiency can cause irritability, stress and anxiety. If you want to get rid of these troublesome symptoms, reach for mushrooms regularly. It will allow you to regain peace and concentration.
Mushrooms are an excellent remedy for lowering the level of the so called bad cholesterol. They also contain potassium and some sodium – substances which normalize blood pressure. It follows that eating mushrooms reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack.
Vitamin D is an extremely important chemical compound because it is involved in many processes in the human body. It aids in the absorption and proper utilization of calcium and phosphorus, which in turn translates to healthy and strong bones. Vitamin D is crucial in the prevention of osteoporosis, rheumatic diseases and myopathy.
Although the main source of vitamin D is sunlight, which triggers its synthesis by the skin, sunlight deficiency can and should be supplemented. For this purpose, it is worth reaching for mushrooms. 100 g of this product meets about 7 percent of the daily requirement of the vitamin. Mushrooms should be eaten alternately with sea fish, which are also an important source of vitamin D in our diet. Scientists have proven that systematic consumption of mushrooms compensates for vitamin D deficiency to the same extent as taking supplements.
In mushrooms there is one more substance that deserves your attention. It is selenium. This element increases immunity and stimulates self-regeneration of body cells.
100 grams of mushrooms can satisfy even 20% of the daily need for this mineral. Selenium also inhibits the growth of bacteria and viruses responsible for diseases, increases the number of antibodies in the body, helping it cope more effectively with infections.
Mushrooms are very nutritious, and they contain virtually no calories – so they are an ideal choice if you want to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. They also contain a lot of chitin and cellulose, substances which are not digested by the body, but which give a feeling of satiety for a long time.
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