Mushrooms are a delicious, nutritious, and incredibly versatile food that offer plenty of unique health benefits. From boosting your immunity to giving your digestive system a break, they’re well worth adding into your diet. Here’s a look at everything you never knew about mushrooms – and why you should be devouring them on the regular.
#1: They Have Immune-Boosting Properties Mushrooms are jam-packed with antioxidants, making them an immune booster extraordinaire. Not only can they help fight off certain types of cancers and viruses, but they may also reduce inflammation in the body. As an added bonus, mushrooms are rich in zinc – a mineral which is vital for immune health.
#2: They’re Rich In Iron Iron is an essential mineral the body needs to make red blood cells and transport oxygen around the body. Mushrooms contain large amounts of iron (especially shiitake mushrooms!), so eating just three ounces can give you 20% of your recommended daily iron intake. This makes them especially beneficial for those who suffer from anemia or iron deficiency.
#3: They May Help With Weight Loss Mushrooms boast very few calories but lots of fiber, meaning they’ll help keep you feeling full for longer without worrying about piling on excess pounds. As well as this, mushrooms contain chitin – a natural fiber that helps increase metabolism and encourages fat burning in the body.
#4: They Can Replace Meat A great benefit of mushrooms is that they have meaty texture and umami taste while still being low in fat and calories – making them perfect for those who follow vegetarian or vegan diets! Almost any kind of meat dish can be substituted entirely by mushrooms – think portobellos burgers instead of beef burgers; stuffed mushrooms instead of chicken breasts; mushroom tacos instead of beef tacos…
Overall, it’s safe to say that mushrooms aren’t just tasty additions to any meal – they can provide lots helpful nutrients as well! So go ahead and grab some shiitakes today – you won’t regret it.
