For many the thought of eating a fungus is not appetizing BUT…
Mushrooms should be a daily staple in everyone’s diet.
They are delicious, versatile, and are the strongest immune boosting food known.
Eating them daily has been shown to have a positive effect on the immune system. Additional positive health benefits from this amazing vegetable (they are really a fungus but the USDA actually classifies them as a vegetable) including decreased risk of cancer and diabetes and improved heart health, weight management and your overall health.
Let’s start with your overall health.
So why does the USDA classify mushrooms as a vegetable? They provide many of the nutritional attributes of vegetables. One cup of crimini mushrooms provides a good, very good, or excellent source of 15 different vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant phytonutrients.
Why mushrooms are awesome for decreasing your cancer risk and an improved immune system…
…a little mineral known as Selenium.
Mushrooms are rich in Selenium, a mineral not found in most fruits or vegetables. Selenium is important due to its antioxidant properties. It helps detoxify some cancer causing compounds and plays a role in liver functions. It prevents inflammation and decrease tumor rate growth.
Selenium also plays a role in improved immune function by stimulating the production of T-cells.
For those concerned with diabetes or looking to improve their heart health ….
The cell walls of mushrooms contain a type of fiber called Beta Glucans.
They have been studied in recent years, looking at the role they play in improving cholesterol levels and insulin resistance while also decreasing saturated fat levels – perfect for helping those with certain types of Diabetes and improving overall heart health.
And weight management?
You can thank those Beta Glucans. Since mushrooms are a high fiber food, they act as a ‘bulking agent’ helping you feel full, thereby eating less. Combined with their low calorie count and high nutritional levels, they are an ideal food for anyone on a diet or looking to keep off those extra few pounds.
Mushrooms – delicious, nutritious and packed with health benefits.
If you’d like more information on what types of are best and some serving ideas, let me know.
Leanne Pusateri
Sweet Relief Acupuncture
Acupuncturist Puyallup
253-468-0596
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