Mushrooms are well known for their delicious flavors and incredible health benefits. Packed with tons of important vitamins and minerals, they are an amazing addition to your diet, adding flavor in a variety of different recipes. In this post we’ll touch on the benefits of mushrooms.
Crimini mushrooms are one of the most commonly used mushroom varieties, and are enjoyed in kitchens all over the world. Many people do not realize that mushrooms, including the crimini mushrooms, are actually a type of fungus. They are native to North America and Europe, and are known for their mild flavors and meaty textures.
Health Benefits of Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a low-calorie food with nutritional value. Packed with a variety of health-promoting vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, they have long been recognized as a crucial part of any diet.
For example, mushrooms grown under UV light are an excellent source of Vitamin D, a crucial component of bone and immune health. Crimini mushrooms are particularly great sources of zinc, an essential trace mineral. Zinc is a vital nutrient for the immune system, as well as necessary to provide optimal growth for babies and children.
Helps Lower Blood Pressure
Mushrooms are a great source of potassium, which is a nutrient known to lessen the negative effects of sodium in the body. Potassium also lowers the tension in your blood vessels, which may help to lower your blood pressure.
Mushrooms Boost Your Immune System
The anti-inflammatory effects of mushrooms are shown to significantly enhance immune system effectiveness. Studies have found that mushrooms help to stimulate the microphages of the immune system, improving its ability to fight off foreign bodies, making it less susceptible to severe illnesses.
Can Help You Lose Weight
Long-term and short-term studies have both found mushrooms, combined with exercise and other lifestyle changes, to be an important influence in weight loss. For instance, after being asked to replace 20% of their beef intake with mushrooms, research participants showed improvements in BMI and stomach circumference. The antioxidants in mushrooms are also thought to lower the risk of high blood pressure and other metabolic disorders.
Learn more: Mushroom supplement benefits
Nutritional Information of Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a high-fiber, protein-rich, antioxidant-rich, calorie-dense source. They can also lower your risk for developing serious health conditions, like Alzheimers, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Minerals found in Mushrooms:
- Selenium
- Copper
- Thiamin
- Magnesium
- Phosphorous
Nutritional Info:
- Calories: 15
- Protein: 2.2 grams
- Fat: 0.2 grams
- Carbohydrates: 2.3 grams
- Fiber: 0.7 grams
- Sugar: 1.4 grams
One cup of chopped mushrooms is considered the typical serving size. Because of their umami-rich texture, mushrooms can serve as a meat substitute in many dishes.
Learn more: Best mushroom supplement for anxiety
How to Cook Mushrooms
Mushrooms are nearly always easily accessible in the produce section of any grocer or health food store. It is not recommended that you obtain them from the wild, since many varieties of mushrooms are toxic and difficult to tell apart from the edible varieties. Crimini mushrooms can be eaten raw or cooked, cut up or uncut.
They can be steamed in a pan with water for about 5 minutes, until tender, or browned in a hot pan. When sauteing, fry mushrooms in a pan with olive oil over medium-high heat for about eight minutes, stirring often, until browned around the edges. Chopped mushrooms can be tossed into the dish raw to add some extra texture and flavor. Just be sure to thoroughly wash them first.
