As nutritional practices around the world continue to evolve, one thing is for certain: mushrooms are an amazing superfood full of nutritional value. We know a lot about the many mushroom varieties, but what exactly are the health benefits of mushrooms beside the fact that they are a low-calorie ingredient? Here, you’ll learn about the benefits of consuming mushrooms and some simple ways to integrate them into your diet.
What are Mushrooms?
Are they a fruit? A vegetable? Actually, mushrooms are fungi.
Oftentimes, mushrooms are characterized by their stems, caps, and gills (under the mushroom’s cap). Some mushroom species deviate from this more well-recognized form and look more like large fleshy masses.
Mushrooms grow best in moist environments. While they don’t require a lot of sunlight to grow, they do grow rather quickly, sometimes in a matter of hours.
Wait… Mushrooms are a Little Complication
Yes, they are! It’s important that we mention a few key issues along with the benefits of consuming mushrooms.
While many mushroom varieties are healthy, some raw mushrooms are poisonous. This is why we never suggest harvesting and eating wild mushrooms. While they may be growing in your own backyard, your safety should always come first.
All that being said, there are hundreds of species of healthy and delicious edible mushrooms.
What are the Health Benefits of Mushrooms?
Long before we could nutritionally analyze the many mushroom benefits, ancient medicinal practitioners were using mushrooms for their perceived benefits. For centuries, functional mushrooms have been using topically in salves, mixed into tinctures, and brewed in rejuvenating teas.
Now, technology has helped us to further understand the nutritional benefit of the mushroom species.
Fresh mushrooms contain essential vitamins and minerals. From vitamin C and vitamin D to regulatory dietary fiber and potassium, mushrooms surely are a well-rounded superfood.
Mushrooms, specifically, adaptogenic mushrooms, are known for their antioxidant properties. On a daily basis, our bodies are invaded by free radicals, and antioxidants help to continue healthy cell regeneration. Regular consumption of antioxidants boosts the overall health of your immune system, helping your body to efficiently fight infection and viruses.
A traditional nutritional breakdown of mushrooms looks like:
- High protein
- Low fat
- Vitamin B2, B12, C, D and E
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Iron
- Zinc
How Can I Add Healthy Mushrooms to My Diet?
There are so many ways to add healthy mushrooms to your diet on a regular basis. The best part about it is that oftentimes fresh mushrooms are a delicious and savory addition to many recipes.
If you want to add superfood adaptogenic mushrooms to your routine consistently, CURED Rise and CURED Zen both contain healthy varieties of mushrooms such as Lion’s Mane mushroom, Reishi mushroom, and Cordyceps Extract. This consistent dose of healthy mushrooms promotes immune system functionality and pairs well with pure CBD.
Of course, sauteed mushrooms are a go-to, especially Shiitakes. Add these to salads, soups, as a side to the main dish, or even to many breakfast foods to soak up their nutritional benefit.
It’s important to keep in mind too that you probably eat more mushrooms than you think. Many traditional recipes and ethnic foods use mushrooms as an ingredient. Italian marinara sauce. Numerous Indian dishes. Stir fry. The options are endless. When it comes to eating mushrooms, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel – oftentimes, just add them to your household staples and viola!
